45DS autopilot

[deandavis1]

Hello, I want to fit an autopilot to a new 45DS. Most likely this will be a Raymarine but I am still looking. For the drive unit the factory fits a Raymarine Hydraulic pump L&S (whatever this means). My questions are:

1. Does anyone have a DS with an autopilot and could send me a picture of the installations?

2. Any suggestions for other types or experience?

Thanks

Dean

[Zanshin]

I had a 43DS and now a 49DS both with Raymarine autopilots, so your boat fits in the middle. I'm surprised that the factory uses a hydraulic pump drive unit instead of the linear electric one that are on both my boats, but perhaps the 45DS is now no longer chain steered but hydraulic (just checked the 45DS specs that I could find and didn't see any mention of steering systems, but would be surprised if they've changed their approach).

I would go with either the linear electric or hydraulic drive but check to see what the price difference between the sturdier Type 3 and the recommended Type 2 unit is and if not significant go for the bigger system, it will make the system work better and last longer.

The "brain" unit itself is the size of a thick notebook, then you have a gyrocompass and finally the drive unit. The drive unit generates a LOT of force and a good installation is a lot of work - it needs to be glassed in, reinforced and checked. It attaches to a hardened point on the hull and the working arm goes onto the quadrant. I can scrounge up a picture of the drive unit installation on my 43DS later today, that is a linear electric type 2. Although I like doing work aboard the boat, this is one task I might give over to professionals that I trust and gladly pay costs.

[deandavis1]

Hi Zanshin, thanks for your reply. I was talking to you over in the Sailnet forum regarding a radar arch. I was surprised to see a hydraulic system in the factory install as well and agree with your comments.

I think I will take your advice and get a quote from a professional. If you are on board at all soon and could take a picture I would love that.

Cheers

Dean

BTW had a look at your web site... looks great.

[Zanshin]

I am thinking about upgrading to the Jeanneau 57 and even that bigger boat doesn't have hydraulic steering. But I did read up on the Raymarine units and you can have a hydraulic unit for non-hydraulic steered boats. My gut feeling is to stick with the linear electric drive unit, but I don't really know the relative advantages/disadvantages of either drive type.
I am far away from my boat again, it is resting on the hard in the Caribbean while I am in Europe. I will scrounge up some pictures of the 43DS installation at the quadrant to give you an idea of what the setup looks like, but it will take a couple of days as I drive off to the U.K. this afternoon (my motorcycle needs M.O.T. and I'm in Germany so I have a drive of 1200KM for 10 minutes of inspection work ahead of me).

Thanks for the kind words on the web site, it is fun playing around with html, javascript and php and make me realize how much work and art goes into making a professional website as opposed to my amateur fumbling around.

It might be best to obfuscate your e-mail address, as lots of bots troll the forums looking for such addresses.

[Zanshin]

Here is a picture of the 43DS quadrant and Raymarine S2 drive unit attachment:

[deandavis1]

Thanks Zanshin,

Thats a great help. (also I have removed my email address from above). I am back up in Sydney for the boats arrival next week and have spoken to a shipwright to install the drive unit as you suggested.

FYI I have also sent you the options pack pdf (emailed) which shows a "hydraulic Pump L&S".

Great to hear you are stepping through the models. Makes me feel happy about selecting the Jeanneau. Wow a 57 will be very impressive.

In terms of the drive unit the electric type 2 comes in "Long" and "Short" so not sure which is required. 100mm difference between the two.

I will call the local Raymarine guys to try and find the benefits between electric and hydraulic.

Have a safe trip.

[deandavis1]

I was just talking to my Shipwright and he suggested the electric drive has less resistance when not engaged. I'm not sure which is the less power hungry but I'm going to go the Electric. Thanks again.