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David Cooper
Mar 10, 2007 - 11:14AM
Autohelm choice
I am wanting to install an Autopilot onto my Seadog. Raymarine have suggested that their S1 Wheel Pilot might be suitable. Has anyone any experience of fitting this system, or indeed of any other system that they have installed recently?
Best wishes. David
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Faye of Aubin
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Mike
Mar 10, 2007 - 8:44PM
Re: Autohelm choice
When I bought Jacarah last year I fitted a Raymarine WP 3000 and it works a treat. Its easy to fit and the design, although old, is very sound. I managed to get the drum for the belt to fit behind the wheel - I notice some have it on the front of the wheel.
My thought was that in severe weather if I need an autohelm with real punch I would use the Pinta - otherwise the WP 3000 does the job.
The other reason is the power consumption. The WP uses little power-providing the boat is settled down with the sails balanced, whereas the Pinta uses 7 Amps which, under sail, is a lot of power out of the batteries.
Mike
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Jacarah
David Cooper
Mar 15, 2007 - 1:43PM
Re: Re: Autohelm choice
Mike
Thank you for your very helpful reply. Although the WP3000 is no longer available, the ST Wheel Pilot should be possible to fit in. I will let you know how I get on.
David
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Faye of Aubin
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ron ryan
Dec 17, 2007 - 6:40AM
Re: Autohelm choice
hi david
just wondering if you have fitted the S1 wheelpilot and how you got on - Was thinking of fitting one so would be grateful to know of any tips, do's and dont's etc - I've had the pinta since I bought Offenbach about 25 years years ago and had it repaired periodically over the years by Mr Barber of Pinta's but I guess he's retired as I've been unable to get in touch with him.
best wishes
Ron Ryan
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) offenbach
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David Cooper
Dec 19, 2007 - 9:35AM
Re: Autohelm choice
Dear Ron
With the great help of David Hurst of Hurst Marine Services at Titchmarsh Marina the Raymarine S1 wheel pilot system with the Mark 11 wheel drive and ST 6002 SmartPilot controller was fitted in March/April 2007 and has worked well. The Raymarine web site gave information on fitting, and the kit inself when it arrived gave very good fitting instructions. The main details spacifc to my seadog were:
1. The wheel spokes had to be modified slightly to allow the drive unit to fit the wheel.
2. The grp helm consol had to be cut to allow clearance for the motor, and voltmeter and ignition switches had to be moved. A wooden block was shaped to fit the helm consol for the the rotation bracket to fit to, and also to cover up old holes. This may sound a bit Heath Robinson but it actually looks O.K..
3. The old motor chain was removed(cut off) but the old clutch wheel on the consol was retained to help me with certain single handed berthing manoeuvres that I have got used to.
4. The rudder feedback unit required a special bracket and also a new "end stop" block (the rudder arm needed drilling which proved very hard).
5. The new fluxgate compass was fitted in the port saloon berth locker. The AP course computer was fitted in the aft port berth locker, with new 6mm power cable. A 15amp push button circuit breaker was fitted on to the helm consol.
6. Sea trials were necessary for the final setting up but were well explained by the Raymarine commissioning guide
So a lot of time was required with the fitting, and Hurst Marine Services found it an "interesting project", but it has proved very successful and works a treat. I hope this might be of some help to you.
Very best wishes. David
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Faye of Aubin
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Eric Richardson
Dec 19, 2007 - 4:38PM
Re: Autohelm choice
Hi There
I fitted the S1 wheel pilot to my Nab 35 "Easy Go" early last year and beleive it should not be to difficult to fit to a Seadog. As already stated the stearing consol would need modifying to accept the drive system. It would be possible to mount a bracket on to the stearing rod if you did not want to drill the quadrant. When fitted along with it,s flux gate compass it gives course and helm position on the display unit. The computer can also be linked to GPS and Radar which has advantages if you want to set the Radar North up or set the unit to steer to way points.
Eric
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Ex Taliesin
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Ron Ryan
Dec 20, 2007 - 6:42AM
Re: Autohelm choice
Hi David and Eric
Many thanks for your replies. Its certainly given me something to think about and explore more fully.
The one certain thing that has emerged is that it is feasible to fit the S1 pilot although I baulk at taking a saw to the console! but then again if the end job appears okay thats that.
On another note re auto pilots does anyone know who might be able to repair the Pinta now that Mr Barber seems to have gone absent.
cheers
Ron Ryan
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Offenbach
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Graham Matthews
Dec 20, 2007 - 10:41AM
Re: Autohelm choice
Hi Ron,
What are the symptoms of the problem? maybe someone here can advise how to fix. The owners manual for the Pinta is very comprehensive and includes a line something like 'the design is kept simple so that any competent electrical engineer anywhere in the world can undertake repairs'.
I am told that the parts were all 'off the shelf' when built and our experience seems to confirm this (standard british motorcycle and bicycle chains, torch bulbs etc).
I have found a complete Pinta for sale on the internet http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F126925
that may be of interest either as spares or a replacement (be aware that there are some differences between models, ours has a remote opereated cltch control for example).
I do have some spares that I was given by Kevin of Dog Rose some years ago including a compass and control unit, but not the motor as it was retained for use with the new autopilot.
Be sure to let us all know if you find anyone to service the Pinta. Also bare in mind that the main draw on current is due to the powerfull motor included, we have been very glad of this power on occasions.
all the best
Graham
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Dougal
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Eric Richardson
Dec 20, 2007 - 9:50PM
Re: Autohelm choice
Hi There
Just a thought to follow up on Grahams point about the motor. If the problem is with the drive unit it is quite likely that one of the industrial motor rewind outfits can do a repair. Apart from the rewind side of the business they can usually do the engineering side of the drive having skilled fitters and a machine shop available and they may charge, but the rates are less than marine rates in most cases.
Eric
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Ex Taliesin
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ron ryan
Dec 21, 2007 - 8:08AM
Re: Autohelm choice
Hi Graham and Eric
Many thanks for your replies.
The problem I have with my Pinta is with the compass
unit.
The boat maintains course then veers off - its not the diodes or the cable between compass unit and motor. The fault lies within the oil filled bowl that pivots on jewelled bearings and it is this that requires replacing. The lady who used to work at Pinta's workshop did the repairs and I suspect this is a specialised workshop one and the possibility of finding someone to do a repair is probably a bit remote seeing that Pinta's do not exist anymore. Hence my interest in the S1 however I must admit I would prefer to repair my Pinta. So thanks Graham I'll explore the internet for a second hand unit first and see how I fare.
Many thanks for your help
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