Autopilot Recommendations for SO 409?

[wildflower20]

Hi,
Anyone have any advice/ recommendations for an autopilot for a 2012 SO 409?  I'm just wondering what folks have already installed and the ease of installation.
Thanks,
Chris

[Tafika II]

It depends on what other electronics are on the boat. Garmin, B&G or Raymarine should be matched with auto pilot

[wildflower20]

Thank you.  Sorry, everything is Raymarine.  Just trying to figure out which model/ size + drive unit.
Chris

[moonshadow]

On my 469 I have the Raymarine autopilot. I believe it is the EV-400. I suspect that your Raymarine dealer or tech support would recommend the best unit for your boat. Mine works very well to hold heading, follow a course to waypoint(s), and a set wind angle. Seems to use very little battery power considering the work it does. One important item is to keep your heading sensor well calibrated. Otherwise it seems to hunt around a lot trying to hold a course. Heading is easy since it locks on to wherever the boat is pointed when turned on. Of course it has some trouble keeping up in big following seas, but I keep mine on a medium sensitivity setting. I’m happy with it. 2014 installation and no problems yet.

[wildflower20]

Many thanks Moonshadow!

[petros42]

On my SO 419, I have the Raymarine autopilot.  I don't have the model of the hydraulic drive but here are the rest of the bits:

Autopilot Course Computer Raymarine EV-1
Autopilot Control Raymarine p70s
Autopilot Drive Raymarine
Autopilot Actuator Raymarine ACU-400

I've been happy with the system so far.  The helm is well balanced, so the drive doesn't have to work that hard.

The only think I've noticed that I don't like, is when I set a new course, if I'm not close to the expected course, it makes a hard adjustment to get on course and overcompensates.  My workaround to this is manually get on course before engaging the pilot.

If you would like any photos of the installation, let me know.

[chuckr]

SoulMates is a 2000 DS40 and came with a RayMarine suite of products.  She has I think the 6002 -- i think - and for the past 14 years i have been underway and OTTO PILO does most of the driving.  I have sailed both sides of the Caribbeann  -- 2 Atlantic crossings, most of the Med and i do mean most,and all the Black Sea.  It does a great job -- the only issue is when there are short steep seas on the stern and then it tries but i generally turn if off and hand steer.  But say that in big swells it workd great -- came back across the Atlantic in seas of 12-15' on the stern and OtTO did a good job

[gtitarenko]

Hi, I feel this is the right thread to ask a follow up question..

I consider installing Raymarine Autopilot on my SO 409 2012. Chartplotter C90 W /Radar/wind/depth all Raymarine original, so Autopilot will be Raymarine.
 
I'm told EV-400 is the only current Raymarine Autopilot which would fit this boat?

Is this true?

Can't EV-200 go on SO 409 2012?

Thanks in advance,
-George

[element]

An EV-200 can only power a T1 linear drive unit.
I believe the T1 is spect for a boat with max total weight of 11.000 kg.
I guess a 409 will be fully loaded will be around 10.500 kg so should be possible.

[gtitarenko]

Thank you , this is what I was told by the technician which I contacted. I also raised this with Raymarine Tech Support and if they respond, I will share their reply here too.

Thanks again

[petros42]

Attached are some photos of the factory install of the Raymarine autopilot

[gtomi]

Jun 22, 2020 15:56:48 GMT petros42 said:

On my SO 419, I have the Raymarine autopilot.  I don't have the model of the hydraulic drive but here are the rest of the bits:

Autopilot Course Computer Raymarine EV-1
Autopilot Control Raymarine p70s
Autopilot Drive Raymarine
Autopilot Actuator Raymarine ACU-400

I've been happy with the system so far.  The helm is well balanced, so the drive doesn't have to work that hard.

The only think I've noticed that I don't like, is when I set a new course, if I'm not close to the expected course, it makes a hard adjustment to get on course and overcompensates.  My workaround to this is manually get on course before engaging the pilot.

If you would like any photos of the installation, let me know.


Hi petros42!

I would like to request photos of the installation! I am especially interested in the drive part. What kind of drive does it need?

[Elcano]

Hi,
we have a Simrad autopilot (AC42, originally equipped) on our 2012 SO409. Works flawlessly.

Cheers