Hello. I have an autopilot, a robertson unit. I am the electronics, but would like to keep the pump in place and not open the hydraulic steering up. It is a robertson autopilot system. The motor is rm1. Looking for the same, or an equivalent replacement that will work with the hydraulic head section. Thank you.
Need help finding a robertson electric motor
- Thread starter sndog
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
tiltrider1
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2017
- Messages
- 5,978
- Location
- Pacific North West
- Vessel Name
- AZZURRA
- Vessel Make
- Ocean Alexander 54
looks rebuildable to me. Have you tried going that route?
If you know a comonay, or a person that could, please let me know.
tiltrider1
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2017
- Messages
- 5,978
- Location
- Pacific North West
- Vessel Name
- AZZURRA
- Vessel Make
- Ocean Alexander 54
This guy is old school. Has a shop in a back alley deep in the center of the fishing fleet here in Seattle. Has no internet presence. Has plenty of work so never advertises. He does answer his phone.
(206) 789-4050
Ballard Electric - give him a call.
(206) 789-4050
Ballard Electric - give him a call.
Awesome! Thank you. Will call him tomorrow
I had to replace my Robertson AP head unit and went with Simrad. Pretty sure that's who bought out Robertson. I kept the old pump and simply hooked it up the new unit. All good for 2 years now. So pretty sure if you have to replace the pump you could go to a Simrad pump and it would be essentially a drop in replacement.
tiltrider1
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2017
- Messages
- 5,978
- Location
- Pacific North West
- Vessel Name
- AZZURRA
- Vessel Make
- Ocean Alexander 54
Neither Roberson nor Simrad ever made an electric motor or pump. Finding the original manufacturer will make things simpler.
I have a raymarine system now. So the robertson system, that I have, is a hydraulic unit. And a motor that powers that. And the motor is able to be removed from hydraulic section, so I do not need to open the hydraulic system.
tiltrider1
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2017
- Messages
- 5,978
- Location
- Pacific North West
- Vessel Name
- AZZURRA
- Vessel Make
- Ocean Alexander 54
Was Ballard E able to help you?
My travel.schedule changed substantially this week. So he is in my to call list tomorrow. I will let this post know
fractalphreak
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2018
- Messages
- 337
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Northwest Dream
- Vessel Make
- Davis Vashon 42 Trawler (Defever design)
Another option for rebuild in western WA is Whatcom Electric in Bellingham. They can rebuild most any electric motor, alternator, starter, etc. We have used them and they do quality work.
O C Diver
Guru
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2010
- Messages
- 14,261
- Location
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Vessel Name
- End Of The Line
- Vessel Make
- Trinka 10 Dinghy
While I can appreciate the desire to not disturb the hydraulic plumbing system on the pump, that pump is likely close to 25 years. While the mechanical part of the pump is likely fine, depending on how much it was used, the shaft seal is likely well past "end of life expectancy". While to each their own regarding maintenance, a failure could easily leave you without steering.
Sadly, helm pumps, autopilot pumps, and steer cylinders are some of the most overlooked maintenance items. There's an assumption that with clean oil, components will never go bad.
My buddy's helm pump seal leaking oil. Thankfully, it was right in front of him, not buried in the engine room or lazarette:
Ted
Sadly, helm pumps, autopilot pumps, and steer cylinders are some of the most overlooked maintenance items. There's an assumption that with clean oil, components will never go bad.
My buddy's helm pump seal leaking oil. Thankfully, it was right in front of him, not buried in the engine room or lazarette:
Ted
FoxtrotCharlie
Guru
I may have that pump - replaced our auto-pilot with a Garmin Reactor 40 - with wireless remote - love it. I'll have to dig through some boxes - will let you know. If I can find it, it's free for shipping.
FoxtrotCharlie
Guru
Bummer, my mistake. My old one was a Com Nav, not Robertson. But if anyone needs the motor & pump (belt driven) for a Com Nav autopilot I have one available.
Thank you for the advice. Did not think of that. Usage, it has less than 10 hrs as the main engines only have that. Would seals still go bad?
Thank you though
O C Diver
Guru
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2010
- Messages
- 14,261
- Location
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Vessel Name
- End Of The Line
- Vessel Make
- Trinka 10 Dinghy
Depending on the seal, many get slightly better lubrication with use. A hydraulic ram moving the rudder back and forth is wiping oil (a very small amount) on the seal each time it cycles.
Regarding shaft seals, the picture I posted was of a Hynautic helm pump between between 25 and 30 years old. Seals can get hard over time, develop flat surfaces where they contact the shaft, and (depending on material) can crack. The seal in the autopilot pump likely turns at a much faster RPM than a helm pump.
Long answer short:
Yes seals go bad over time, but it's not predictable.
If your boat is over 25 years old, go squeeze some rubber hoses. You might be surprised how hard (inflexible) fuel lines have become. Maybe not bad in a static position, but the fuel lines to the engine are subject to vibration.
Regarding all of the above, staying within 50 miles of home may limit the risk to inconveniencing a friend. Traveling the Intra Coastal Waterway from the Chesapeake to Florida can substantially increase risk with the loss of steering. Consider where you plan to travel and your risk comfort level.
Ted
I may pull the whole unit to get rebuilt as I did not think about the seals in it. The boat has a lot more than 50 miles offshore to do.
