On Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:59:33 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

I'm helping my dear old Dad with his Gand Banks 42'. When he bought it a
couple seasons back, it came equiped with an autopilot that looks like it
hasn't been used in some time & is probably cira 1979 like the boat. It is
not serviceable.

He is looking to replace it with something else. An autopilot for this type
of vessel can be quite expensive. Any ideas on utilizing the actuators
already in place and simply buying the 'brains' of a new one? Another idea
I heard of was using the much more affordable wheel pilots...though this is
complicated by having two steering stations.

Have any of you encountered this type of situation or have any ideas that
might help?

Thanks!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing

I assume that you have hydraulic steering so there are check valves in
the system allowing the boat to be steered from either helm so you
could use a wheel pilot.

Again assuming a hydraulic steering system there is normally a
reversible electric driven hydraulic pump that actually moves things
and a "brain box" and fluxgate compass to control the pump. My
experience is that the pump is the most expensive part of the system
and if that is serviceable then a new control head and compass
shouldn't cost too much, probably less then a wheel pilot and for sure
would last longer.

If there are any fishing boats around your part of the country go and
ask them what they are using. I did and ended up using an Australian
made system that you can buy in pieces and assemble what you need.


Bruce-in-Bangkok
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