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Autopilot
We have a little 18.5' Bomardier Utopia. It is a jet boat powered by
a 200 hp Merc. One of the characteristics of jet boats is that their slow speed handling is lousy. You really can't take your hands off the wheel. I was thinking of installing some kind of hydraulic or electric autopilot, but have virtually no experience with them. The boat does have a Garmin 182 FF/GPS, so I presume there's a NEMA stream available. Is this possible? Does it make sense for a small boat? Has anybody done it? Recommendations? I'm not concerned about navigation, simply to be able to take my hands off the wheel and have the craft continue in a straight line... (Note: I have substantial experience with large and small power and sail, but all of it is over 30 years old) Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
Larry,
I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 L. M. Rappaport wrote: We have a little 18.5' Bomardier Utopia. It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc. One of the characteristics of jet boats is that their slow speed handling is lousy. You really can't take your hands off the wheel. I was thinking of installing some kind of hydraulic or electric autopilot, but have virtually no experience with them. The boat does have a Garmin 182 FF/GPS, so I presume there's a NEMA stream available. Is this possible? Does it make sense for a small boat? Has anybody done it? Recommendations? I'm not concerned about navigation, simply to be able to take my hands off the wheel and have the craft continue in a straight line... (Note: I have substantial experience with large and small power and sail, but all of it is over 30 years old) Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
Larry,
I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 L. M. Rappaport wrote: We have a little 18.5' Bomardier Utopia. It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc. One of the characteristics of jet boats is that their slow speed handling is lousy. You really can't take your hands off the wheel. I was thinking of installing some kind of hydraulic or electric autopilot, but have virtually no experience with them. The boat does have a Garmin 182 FF/GPS, so I presume there's a NEMA stream available. Is this possible? Does it make sense for a small boat? Has anybody done it? Recommendations? I'm not concerned about navigation, simply to be able to take my hands off the wheel and have the craft continue in a straight line... (Note: I have substantial experience with large and small power and sail, but all of it is over 30 years old) Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best"
wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best"
wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
Larry,
These are not neccessarily the cheapest sources, just the first that came up when I Googled Tiller Pilot http://www.ginasvineyard-marina.com/raysttilpil.html The Raymarine's entry level is the ST-1000. It accepts NMEA http://www.vitelectronics.com/smtp10.html Simrad's entry level TP-10 does not, but it is cheaper. The TP-20CX and TP-30CX do accept NMEA. http://search-completed.ebay.com/sea...ompletedonly=1 They also come up on Ebay every now and then. L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
Larry,
These are not neccessarily the cheapest sources, just the first that came up when I Googled Tiller Pilot http://www.ginasvineyard-marina.com/raysttilpil.html The Raymarine's entry level is the ST-1000. It accepts NMEA http://www.vitelectronics.com/smtp10.html Simrad's entry level TP-10 does not, but it is cheaper. The TP-20CX and TP-30CX do accept NMEA. http://search-completed.ebay.com/sea...ompletedonly=1 They also come up on Ebay every now and then. L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:53:41 GMT, L. M. Rappaport
wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I don't know how to mount a tiller pilot on a motor boat. I use one on my sailboat with the emergency tiller. I do plan to hook up the NMEA but it works without it. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a "Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate." Margaret Atwood |
Autopilot
On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:53:41 GMT, L. M. Rappaport
wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I don't know how to mount a tiller pilot on a motor boat. I use one on my sailboat with the emergency tiller. I do plan to hook up the NMEA but it works without it. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a "Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate." Margaret Atwood |
Autopilot
On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:58:49 -0500, Rodney Myrvaagnes
wrote (with possible editing): On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:53:41 GMT, L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I don't know how to mount a tiller pilot on a motor boat. I use one on my sailboat with the emergency tiller. I do plan to hook up the NMEA but it works without it. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a Thanks, guys, Well, I did a little research and I'm not sure a tiller pilot would work. The inexpensive models seem to be designed to connect to a conventional tiller. When you step up a bit, it looks like you replace the wheel with a new assembly. I'm going to have to first figure out what kind of steering linkage is being used he I know it's not cables, but I don't know if it's hydraulic or mechanical. Then I have to figure out how much travel, and whether or not you can move the jet without turning the wheel; i.e., if you turn the jet, does the wheel move or does it even matter.... I'll keep looking and report back here. I tried two suppliers yesterday, but both said I needed to talk to the manufacturer. The manufacturer says I need to talk to the dealer. The dealer doesn't know... Figures... -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:58:49 -0500, Rodney Myrvaagnes
wrote (with possible editing): On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:53:41 GMT, L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I don't know how to mount a tiller pilot on a motor boat. I use one on my sailboat with the emergency tiller. I do plan to hook up the NMEA but it works without it. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a Thanks, guys, Well, I did a little research and I'm not sure a tiller pilot would work. The inexpensive models seem to be designed to connect to a conventional tiller. When you step up a bit, it looks like you replace the wheel with a new assembly. I'm going to have to first figure out what kind of steering linkage is being used he I know it's not cables, but I don't know if it's hydraulic or mechanical. Then I have to figure out how much travel, and whether or not you can move the jet without turning the wheel; i.e., if you turn the jet, does the wheel move or does it even matter.... I'll keep looking and report back here. I tried two suppliers yesterday, but both said I needed to talk to the manufacturer. The manufacturer says I need to talk to the dealer. The dealer doesn't know... Figures... -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:
If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I will pick nits here, Rodney, but mostly semantic nits. The idea behind the NMEA autopilot interface is to have the vessel _maintain_ a straight (or more accurately rhumb) line course. If the autopilot is set merely to follow a magnetic compass course, then the resultant track will be at the mercy of currents, wind, leeway, etc. .. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
Autopilot
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:
If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I will pick nits here, Rodney, but mostly semantic nits. The idea behind the NMEA autopilot interface is to have the vessel _maintain_ a straight (or more accurately rhumb) line course. If the autopilot is set merely to follow a magnetic compass course, then the resultant track will be at the mercy of currents, wind, leeway, etc. .. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
Autopilot
Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle
bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:58:49 -0500, Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote (with possible editing): On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:53:41 GMT, L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I don't know how to mount a tiller pilot on a motor boat. I use one on my sailboat with the emergency tiller. I do plan to hook up the NMEA but it works without it. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a Thanks, guys, Well, I did a little research and I'm not sure a tiller pilot would work. The inexpensive models seem to be designed to connect to a conventional tiller. When you step up a bit, it looks like you replace the wheel with a new assembly. I'm going to have to first figure out what kind of steering linkage is being used he I know it's not cables, but I don't know if it's hydraulic or mechanical. Then I have to figure out how much travel, and whether or not you can move the jet without turning the wheel; i.e., if you turn the jet, does the wheel move or does it even matter.... I'll keep looking and report back here. I tried two suppliers yesterday, but both said I needed to talk to the manufacturer. The manufacturer says I need to talk to the dealer. The dealer doesn't know... Figures... -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle
bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:58:49 -0500, Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote (with possible editing): On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:53:41 GMT, L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:37:07 GMT, "Daniel E. Best" wrote (with possible editing): Larry, I'm not at all familiar with your boat, but would there be any way to rig a tiller pilot to work? These are devices designed to by used by sailboats w/ a tiller, but are often also used with some wind vanes (like the monitor). They steer the boat to a compass heading, but most can also be interfaced to accept NEMA and steer to a waypoint. Cost new starts about $300 Dan, Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with tiller pilots that accept NEMA data, but now that I know there are some, I'll definitely take a look. Thanks. If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I don't know how to mount a tiller pilot on a motor boat. I use one on my sailboat with the emergency tiller. I do plan to hook up the NMEA but it works without it. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a Thanks, guys, Well, I did a little research and I'm not sure a tiller pilot would work. The inexpensive models seem to be designed to connect to a conventional tiller. When you step up a bit, it looks like you replace the wheel with a new assembly. I'm going to have to first figure out what kind of steering linkage is being used he I know it's not cables, but I don't know if it's hydraulic or mechanical. Then I have to figure out how much travel, and whether or not you can move the jet without turning the wheel; i.e., if you turn the jet, does the wheel move or does it even matter.... I'll keep looking and report back here. I tried two suppliers yesterday, but both said I needed to talk to the manufacturer. The manufacturer says I need to talk to the dealer. The dealer doesn't know... Figures... -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 11:08:14 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote: Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote: If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I will pick nits here, Rodney, but mostly semantic nits. The idea behind the NMEA autopilot interface is to have the vessel _maintain_ a straight (or more accurately rhumb) line course. If the autopilot is set merely to follow a magnetic compass course, then the resultant track will be at the mercy of currents, wind, leeway, etc. . You are right, of course, and that is why I intend to hook up the NMEA next spring. But my old autopilot, which had no such facility, could hold a fairly straight course in motoring conditions for a few hours. Until it gave up completely. Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry. - Richard Dawkins, "Viruses of the Mind" |
Autopilot
On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 11:08:14 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote: Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote: If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. I will pick nits here, Rodney, but mostly semantic nits. The idea behind the NMEA autopilot interface is to have the vessel _maintain_ a straight (or more accurately rhumb) line course. If the autopilot is set merely to follow a magnetic compass course, then the resultant track will be at the mercy of currents, wind, leeway, etc. . You are right, of course, and that is why I intend to hook up the NMEA next spring. But my old autopilot, which had no such facility, could hold a fairly straight course in motoring conditions for a few hours. Until it gave up completely. Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry. - Richard Dawkins, "Viruses of the Mind" |
Autopilot
On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:58:39 GMT, Dan Best wrote
(with possible editing): Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan ....snip Dan, Well, actually I said: "It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc". At 18.5' it would be quite a personal watercraft! Yes, it has a wheel. It seats 8 (6 comfortably) and looks like a runabout for all intents and purposes. The only significant difference is that it is powered by a jet with no lower unit or anything below the keel to smash into rocks. The wheel seems to be an enclosed unit with a cable or tube coming out of it. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:58:39 GMT, Dan Best wrote
(with possible editing): Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan ....snip Dan, Well, actually I said: "It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc". At 18.5' it would be quite a personal watercraft! Yes, it has a wheel. It seats 8 (6 comfortably) and looks like a runabout for all intents and purposes. The only significant difference is that it is powered by a jet with no lower unit or anything below the keel to smash into rocks. The wheel seems to be an enclosed unit with a cable or tube coming out of it. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:
"Armond Perretta" wrote: Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote: If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. ... If the autopilot is set merely to follow a magnetic compass course, then the resultant track will be at the mercy of currents, wind, leeway, etc. You are right, of course, and that is why I intend to hook up the NMEA next spring. But my old autopilot, which had no such facility, could hold a fairly straight course in motoring conditions for a few hours. Until it gave up completely. I have written about autopilots here before, but just to bring you up to day, I now carry 3 tiller pilots. I had an instance 2 or 3 years ago where both of the 2 then on board went out. A short while after that I cracked a part of the windvane self-steerer. So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
Autopilot
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:
"Armond Perretta" wrote: Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote: If all you need is to hold a straight line, you don't even need to hook up the NMEA. The autopilot will follow the magnetic course you start it on with its internal fluxgate compass. ... If the autopilot is set merely to follow a magnetic compass course, then the resultant track will be at the mercy of currents, wind, leeway, etc. You are right, of course, and that is why I intend to hook up the NMEA next spring. But my old autopilot, which had no such facility, could hold a fairly straight course in motoring conditions for a few hours. Until it gave up completely. I have written about autopilots here before, but just to bring you up to day, I now carry 3 tiller pilots. I had an instance 2 or 3 years ago where both of the 2 then on board went out. A short while after that I cracked a part of the windvane self-steerer. So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
Autopilot
Oops, sorry. Somehow I got the impression that we were talking about
some sort of large jet ski. It seems to me though that this must be a solved problem. We sailors can't be the only ones too lazy to stay at the helm all the time. Have you tried contacting any dealers or marine stores that cater to the power boater? Take care - Dan L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:58:39 GMT, Dan Best wrote (with possible editing): Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan ...snip Dan, Well, actually I said: "It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc". At 18.5' it would be quite a personal watercraft! Yes, it has a wheel. It seats 8 (6 comfortably) and looks like a runabout for all intents and purposes. The only significant difference is that it is powered by a jet with no lower unit or anything below the keel to smash into rocks. The wheel seems to be an enclosed unit with a cable or tube coming out of it. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
Oops, sorry. Somehow I got the impression that we were talking about
some sort of large jet ski. It seems to me though that this must be a solved problem. We sailors can't be the only ones too lazy to stay at the helm all the time. Have you tried contacting any dealers or marine stores that cater to the power boater? Take care - Dan L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:58:39 GMT, Dan Best wrote (with possible editing): Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan ...snip Dan, Well, actually I said: "It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc". At 18.5' it would be quite a personal watercraft! Yes, it has a wheel. It seats 8 (6 comfortably) and looks like a runabout for all intents and purposes. The only significant difference is that it is powered by a jet with no lower unit or anything below the keel to smash into rocks. The wheel seems to be an enclosed unit with a cable or tube coming out of it. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Autopilot
On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 15:42:00 GMT, "Daniel E. Best"
wrote (with possible editing): Oops, sorry. Somehow I got the impression that we were talking about some sort of large jet ski. It seems to me though that this must be a solved problem. We sailors can't be the only ones too lazy to stay at the helm all the time. Have you tried contacting any dealers or marine stores that cater to the power boater? Take care - Dan I'm sure somebody's solved this, I just haven't found them yet. Autopilots tend to be expensive and are installed on larger yachts. I think, therefore, that they might be out of reach of most of us do-it-yourselfers. I.e., if you've got the money, you hire it all out. That never stopped me, however! I don't think it makes sense to spend that kind of money on a boat which retails under $25k, yet I'd like to solve the problem, so I'm willing to do a bit more research. I live in northern NH and there are very few boat dealers up here. What there are usually sell small, trailerable boats and there are no boatyards. I've asked a few dealers, but no luck so far. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:58:39 GMT, Dan Best wrote (with possible editing): Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan ...snip Dan, Well, actually I said: "It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc". At 18.5' it would be quite a personal watercraft! Yes, it has a wheel. It seats 8 (6 comfortably) and looks like a runabout for all intents and purposes. The only significant difference is that it is powered by a jet with no lower unit or anything below the keel to smash into rocks. The wheel seems to be an enclosed unit with a cable or tube coming out of it. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 15:42:00 GMT, "Daniel E. Best"
wrote (with possible editing): Oops, sorry. Somehow I got the impression that we were talking about some sort of large jet ski. It seems to me though that this must be a solved problem. We sailors can't be the only ones too lazy to stay at the helm all the time. Have you tried contacting any dealers or marine stores that cater to the power boater? Take care - Dan I'm sure somebody's solved this, I just haven't found them yet. Autopilots tend to be expensive and are installed on larger yachts. I think, therefore, that they might be out of reach of most of us do-it-yourselfers. I.e., if you've got the money, you hire it all out. That never stopped me, however! I don't think it makes sense to spend that kind of money on a boat which retails under $25k, yet I'd like to solve the problem, so I'm willing to do a bit more research. I live in northern NH and there are very few boat dealers up here. What there are usually sell small, trailerable boats and there are no boatyards. I've asked a few dealers, but no luck so far. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com L. M. Rappaport wrote: On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:58:39 GMT, Dan Best wrote (with possible editing): Larry, you described this as a jet ski. Does it have a wheel or handle bars? I was envisioning more of a handle bar like arrangement and rigging some way to connect the ram to one of the handle bars. Some of the wheel pilots (like the one I have) afix a small rim to the inside of a wheel that a belt goes around to actually turn the wheel. Good luck - Dan ...snip Dan, Well, actually I said: "It is a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc". At 18.5' it would be quite a personal watercraft! Yes, it has a wheel. It seats 8 (6 comfortably) and looks like a runabout for all intents and purposes. The only significant difference is that it is powered by a jet with no lower unit or anything below the keel to smash into rocks. The wheel seems to be an enclosed unit with a cable or tube coming out of it. Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 10:33:29 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote (with possible editing): ....snip I have written about autopilots here before, but just to bring you up to day, I now carry 3 tiller pilots. I had an instance 2 or 3 years ago where both of the 2 then on board went out. A short while after that I cracked a part of the windvane self-steerer. So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. How do they attach to the tiller? Do any of them attach to a wheel? Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 10:33:29 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote (with possible editing): ....snip I have written about autopilots here before, but just to bring you up to day, I now carry 3 tiller pilots. I had an instance 2 or 3 years ago where both of the 2 then on board went out. A short while after that I cracked a part of the windvane self-steerer. So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. How do they attach to the tiller? Do any of them attach to a wheel? Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
L. M. Rappaport wrote:
"Armond Perretta" wrote... ... So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. How do they attach to the tiller? The tiller pilots have a small plastic (or similar) fitting at the end of the pushrod that snaps onto a stainless pin mounted, facing up, on the tiller. ... Do any of them attach to a wheel? This was one way of doing it years ago. I cannot recall manufacturer names all that well, but I believe "Tillerpilot" was one. The pushrod attached to an arm mounted in line with the steering wheel radius. Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? I am afraid I don't exactly really your situation. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
Autopilot
L. M. Rappaport wrote:
"Armond Perretta" wrote... ... So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. How do they attach to the tiller? The tiller pilots have a small plastic (or similar) fitting at the end of the pushrod that snaps onto a stainless pin mounted, facing up, on the tiller. ... Do any of them attach to a wheel? This was one way of doing it years ago. I cannot recall manufacturer names all that well, but I believe "Tillerpilot" was one. The pushrod attached to an arm mounted in line with the steering wheel radius. Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? I am afraid I don't exactly really your situation. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
Autopilot
Just read this thread, and have one comment: my experience w/ auto pilots is
that the flux gate compass must be a good distance away from an outboard motor. 5ft, 6ft even. I've got some real stories about this. "L. M. Rappaport" wrote in message ... On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 10:33:29 -0500, "Armond Perretta" wrote (with possible editing): ...snip I have written about autopilots here before, but just to bring you up to day, I now carry 3 tiller pilots. I had an instance 2 or 3 years ago where both of the 2 then on board went out. A short while after that I cracked a part of the windvane self-steerer. So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. How do they attach to the tiller? Do any of them attach to a wheel? Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
Just read this thread, and have one comment: my experience w/ auto pilots is
that the flux gate compass must be a good distance away from an outboard motor. 5ft, 6ft even. I've got some real stories about this. "L. M. Rappaport" wrote in message ... On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 10:33:29 -0500, "Armond Perretta" wrote (with possible editing): ...snip I have written about autopilots here before, but just to bring you up to day, I now carry 3 tiller pilots. I had an instance 2 or 3 years ago where both of the 2 then on board went out. A short while after that I cracked a part of the windvane self-steerer. So now it's 3 tiller pilots and the repaired Navik. Hmmmmm. How do they attach to the tiller? Do any of them attach to a wheel? Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? Thanks, -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 15:46:30 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote (with possible editing): ....snip Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? I am afraid I don't exactly really your situation. 18.5' Bomabardier Utopia 185, a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc jet. Basically a bow-rider runabout. Boat handles well on plane, but you can't take your hands off the wheel. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Thu, 20 Nov 2003 15:46:30 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote (with possible editing): ....snip Do you think any of them might be adaptable to my situation? I am afraid I don't exactly really your situation. 18.5' Bomabardier Utopia 185, a jet boat powered by a 200 hp Merc jet. Basically a bow-rider runabout. Boat handles well on plane, but you can't take your hands off the wheel. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:17:44 -0500, "Garland Gray II"
wrote (with possible editing): Just read this thread, and have one comment: my experience w/ auto pilots is that the flux gate compass must be a good distance away from an outboard motor. 5ft, 6ft even. I've got some real stories about this. Thanks. No outboard, the boat is powered by a 200 hp Mercury jet. The wheel is forward of the engine by several feet, and I could move a flux gate compass several feet forward if necessary. In addition, I believe I could have access to a NEMA stream from the Garmin GPS/Fish finder, if I needed it. My biggest question is how or perhaps if I can interface the hydraulic or electric unit with the steering system. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:17:44 -0500, "Garland Gray II"
wrote (with possible editing): Just read this thread, and have one comment: my experience w/ auto pilots is that the flux gate compass must be a good distance away from an outboard motor. 5ft, 6ft even. I've got some real stories about this. Thanks. No outboard, the boat is powered by a 200 hp Mercury jet. The wheel is forward of the engine by several feet, and I could move a flux gate compass several feet forward if necessary. In addition, I believe I could have access to a NEMA stream from the Garmin GPS/Fish finder, if I needed it. My biggest question is how or perhaps if I can interface the hydraulic or electric unit with the steering system. -- Larry Email to rapp at lmr dot com |
Autopilot
On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:29:44 GMT, L. M. Rappaport
wrote: On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:17:44 -0500, "Garland Gray II" wrote (with possible editing): Just read this thread, and have one comment: my experience w/ auto pilots is that the flux gate compass must be a good distance away from an outboard motor. 5ft, 6ft even. I've got some real stories about this. Thanks. No outboard, the boat is powered by a 200 hp Mercury jet. The wheel is forward of the engine by several feet, and I could move a flux gate compass several feet forward if necessary. In addition, I believe I could have access to a NEMA stream from the Garmin GPS/Fish finder, if I needed it. My biggest question is how or perhaps if I can interface the hydraulic or electric unit with the steering system. I believe AutoHelm (now RayMarine) has an autopilot that mounts on the wheel - specifically for outboard or other mechanically-steered small boats. -- Peter Bennett, VE7CEI new newsgroup users info : http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca |
Autopilot
On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:29:44 GMT, L. M. Rappaport
wrote: On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:17:44 -0500, "Garland Gray II" wrote (with possible editing): Just read this thread, and have one comment: my experience w/ auto pilots is that the flux gate compass must be a good distance away from an outboard motor. 5ft, 6ft even. I've got some real stories about this. Thanks. No outboard, the boat is powered by a 200 hp Mercury jet. The wheel is forward of the engine by several feet, and I could move a flux gate compass several feet forward if necessary. In addition, I believe I could have access to a NEMA stream from the Garmin GPS/Fish finder, if I needed it. My biggest question is how or perhaps if I can interface the hydraulic or electric unit with the steering system. I believe AutoHelm (now RayMarine) has an autopilot that mounts on the wheel - specifically for outboard or other mechanically-steered small boats. -- Peter Bennett, VE7CEI new newsgroup users info : http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca |
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