Preview: Marine Electronics for Every Size Boat, Part 5 – How an Autopilot Works
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May 3, 2018
Email this Video to a FriendHaving an auto-pilot is like having another person on board that doesn’t talk back, and Kim shows us how smart they really are.
NOTE: Part 6 is on hold indefinitely as of 2019.
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8 Responses So Far to “Marine Electronics for Every Size Boat, Part 5 – How an Autopilot Works”
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Karl Williams says:
Setting up a day sailor that I hope becomes a camp cruiser, I found this very useful!
Any idea when the series will be continued or upgraded?
Jim Gurley says:
The compass/tiller link appears to be backwards.
Kim Baker says:
Jim, the photographer is looking aft, whereas Eric and I are behind the rudder post and looking forward aboard this theoretical boat. Both the compass and RRU are oriented per the installation manual.
David Tew says:
On standby does the ram on the tiller/quadrant ‘go limp’ and allow for full ‘feel’ to the helm or is there still hydraulic friction?
Kim Baker says:
David, when you go to standby on a mechanical or hydraulic ram, the clutch disengages, yet you will not have the light, full “feel” of the rudder. For racers and others, we get around this by making a cradle in which to lay the ram when physically disconnected from the steerage. Or, there can be an actuator which does this at the push of a button. In the old days, we used to install a T-handle link to an interlock on the steering. The best drive unit to use if full “feel” is required would be a rotary drive, which has no perceptible drag/friction when the clutch is disengaged (standby). Powerboats there is no issue as a reversing pump is no different from a second helm station.
David Tew says:
Thanks. Some more details of our situation may help. I’ve been given a used tiller pilot that I’m considering setting up. Our boat (24′ diesel cabin launch) has mechanical (non-hydraulic) cable steering forward in the cabin AND a tiller that can be inserted in the head of the transom-mounted rudder aft. On occasion here in Maine I enjoy standing aft on the engine box looking over the top of the cabin while steering with the tiller. I will also do this on long straight passages down the bays where I only have to make small steering adjustments to avoid snaring pot buoys. Turning the rudder with the tiller also actuates the cable and helm. I am wondering if i were to put the tiller pilot on standby would the tiller be moveable as normal or would there be additional resistance. It sounds like I’d have to disconnect it entirely from the tiller to avoid that. Correct? Thanks again.
Kim Baker says:
David, yes, you are correct.
Patrick Daniels says:
Great series! very informative. I wish my Goat Island Skiff needed these controls. I use a handheld nav device mostly for speed and track info. great stuff! and I hear Harry Bryan makes a pedal power auto set up!