For a boat equipped with an engine-driven hydraulic pump for the windlass and thruster, I'm questioning whether it is good practice to run the autopilot from this supply.
Main hydraulic pumps are rated in many gallons per minute and need the 12v clutch to be activated. However, when underway, the only load would be the autopilot which typically would require a fraction of that output.
So in essence there is wear and tear being put on the hydraulic pump when it is being utilized for perhaps only a few percent of its rated output. For a vessel that undertakes long cruises this would seem like a waste that will lead to expensive repairs when that pump wears out early in its life.
So it would seem that even having an engine driven pump that it would be better to still utilize the typical 12v hydraulic pump that powers most autopilots. I suppose that with just a few valves that the main pump could be a backup source of pressurized oil.
Thoughts???
Main hydraulic pumps are rated in many gallons per minute and need the 12v clutch to be activated. However, when underway, the only load would be the autopilot which typically would require a fraction of that output.
So in essence there is wear and tear being put on the hydraulic pump when it is being utilized for perhaps only a few percent of its rated output. For a vessel that undertakes long cruises this would seem like a waste that will lead to expensive repairs when that pump wears out early in its life.
So it would seem that even having an engine driven pump that it would be better to still utilize the typical 12v hydraulic pump that powers most autopilots. I suppose that with just a few valves that the main pump could be a backup source of pressurized oil.
Thoughts???