Update on Autopilot Install. My tech more or less completed the installation of the Garmin GHP™ Reactor Hydraulic Corepack with SmartPump with GHC50 display, Shadow drive and rudder indicator. The autopilot (AP) install took a little under two days, about 11 hours. Although the system is working properly and the boat can be used without any issues, he needs to come back to finish the installation of the rudder indicator (more later below).
I had originally wanted the new AP pump to be mounted close to the steering ram with the shadow drive component close by. But my tech (certified Garmin tech) checked with both Garmin and SeaStar and insisted that he could locate the AP pump at the helm. Since I have used this tech before with very good results I decided to go ahead but he has agreed if issues, to come back and redo the install so we will see what happens. Anyway, he mounted the new AP pump alongside of the upper helm station on the starboard side and ran short hydraulic lines to the steering helm. He replaced the connections with T fittings (the line coming from the lower helm got a T and this was connected to the Fitting on the new pump’s compensating port, the port and stbd lines were connected similarly). Again, this was blessed by Garmin and SeaStar and my tech had done this type of install several times previously with good results so, again, keeping my fingers crossed. The ECU is on top of the pump and the 9 axis heading unit is behind the dash at the upper helm away from any instruments and wires. The shadow drive is on the port side of the helm about 7 feet from the pump. Advantages: no risk of seawater in lazarette, easy access to check for leaks, less expensive install. Disadvantages: pump can be heard when engaging in turns at very low speeds but not particularly annoying (can’t hear it above 5 knots), pump is somewhat visible as is on floor to right of helm in front of couch but I may make a cover if the admiral doesn’t like, and possibility there could be issues down the road (but tech swears by this method and I trust him - will see).
Anyway, after bleeding and adding fluid and bleeding and more fluid and bleeding again (we added less than a half a quart of SeaStar fluid) we were done. My system clearly had some air in it which had made the steering less than perfect previously. I had never bled the system myself since I had the boat, so I take the blame. We then went out into the bay and he calibrated the unit. We did a series of 360 degree turns and the system reported it was calibrated. Then we let the AP complete its set up where it did a series of zig zags by itself. Once completed my tech turned it over to me. I tried it out, going over wakes, making course corrections in multiples of 1 degree, 10 degree and multiple changes, changing back and forth and the AP tracked perfectly. I also piloted the boat without the AP on. I turned it back on, set a course and after a few seconds, I then grabbed the wheel and turned sharply to starboard as if I was avoiding an obstacle and the Shadow drive released instantly permitting a quick turn. I re engaged by pressing the screen but it turns out if I left it alone it would have re engaged automatically.
For my lower helm, I went with the Garmin remote for this unit. There was very little space to mount a display there and I have yet to steer from there except for docking (and don’t need an AP for that). Plus it saved about $400. And it gives me ability to steer from anywhere including, if I want and it’s safe, up in the bow. I had a similar unit on my sailboat and the remote was great.
The issue with the rudder indicator is that the steering ram’s arm is down low and the shelf where you would mount the indicator hardware is higher. There is a connecting rod that he is going to use to attach to the arm and the threads are metric so he is getting a metric tap tool and then will come back and complete. Also has to add a small piece of Starboard to the shelf as a base for the indicator.
Once done, I’ll take pictures of everything and add to this thread. At this point I’m happy with the project. It works fine, he did a very neat job and I’m ready for some relief from constant steering corrections.
Stand by for an update
