Autopilot on VolvoPenta?

[mikbaek0]

HI there.<br />Can anyone tell me how to mount an autopilot on a inboard VolvoPenta 5.7GS with a SX drive?<br />What will be needed to make it work, besides the autopilot-instrument? I know the drive has a power-steering function, but how does one make that work? Can't find anything on VP's website or anywhere else. <br />Thanks.<br />-Mikkel.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Autopilot on VolvoPenta?

If you plan on installing an autopilot yourself, Raymarine would be the way to go, in my opinion...<br /><br />You would need a control head (this is the display/control box that you would mount at the helm).. http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&Section=2&Page=160&Parent=5 <br /><br />You would also a course computer, fluxgate compass, and a rudder reference tiller arm... The most basic "corepack" Raymarine has would likely be sufficient for your needs.. http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&Section=2&Page=161&Parent=5 <br /><br />Finally, you would need an actuator for the system to steer to boat.. http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&Section=2&Page=222&Parent=5

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Autopilot on VolvoPenta?

Your engine/drive is not an issue. You can install ap yourself. Just time consuming, but not difficult. The top dog in autopilots is Simrad, formerly known as Robertson. No one makes a better autopilot than Simrad’s AP-20/AP-25. Also look at the AP-14/AP-16, a solid, basic unit with a display. The AP-12 and AP-14 (handheld) are for smaller boats.<br /><br /> http://www.simradusa.com/index.php?sub_it=ap&page=page&c=1 <br /><br />Simrad’s software excels in every aspect. The autopilot will “learn” the motion of the ocean. It will predict the direction, size and timing of swells and pilot your vessel appropriately. Rate compass is std, flux gate compass is optional.<br /><br />With autopilot you have the option of interfacing a lot of stuff (radar, remote stations, sounding, dsc). Obviously, GPS. Not a problem, they all use standard protocols. Raymarine has a solid interface, always has. Furuno autopilot didn’t. For a time Furuno autopilot had problems with whole-system failure when interfaced with their own network protocols/other Furuno electronics. Simrad has always been solid at interfacing, too, but recently added an additional proprietary networking interface (with proprietary cables). You don’t care if you don’t have any other Simrad electronics onboard. <br /><br />You can call Simrad and learn everything you ever wanted to know about autopilot. 1-800-426-5565. If you can find the number for RayMarine, I suggest do the same with them. Autopilot is the one piece of Furuno equipment I could not feel comfortable with.<br /><br />There can be mishaps. You cannot leave the helm with ap. This past June we lost a guy in the estuary, a victim of autopilot. Not his. The captn of the offending vessel went below while his autopilot was engaged. A sailboat tacked, the two vessels collided. The guy on the sailboat did not survive. Last year a large, significant vessel rammed a huge piece of concrete...the center support for the bay bridge. Same thing, the captn walked away from the helm while crossing the bay. No word on injuries.

 

[mikbaek0]

Re: Autopilot on VolvoPenta?

There you go!!!!!!!!!!<br />Thanks a lot you guys.<br />The thing with the actuator was the missing link!<br />Thanks again.<br />-Mikkel.