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Any one install a below deck autopilot on a D-36 or D-35? Or is everyone using wheelpilots (if used at all). I Crewed a couple trips this year on boats equiped with below deck pilots and they made life so easy. Would make trips much easier for me & Una…….Some engineering will have to be done to attach to the “floating” quadrant on a 36… Any thoughts would be appreciated.
MikeMike,
Funny you should ask–this was a topic of conversation among of a few of us visiting aboard “Southern Cross” at the Hampton City Docks yesterday. Steve and I both installed/replaced below deck units on “Crew Rest” and “Snoodle Time” (both aft cockpit 37’s – but I assume installations should be similar to “Iris”–although don’t know what your “floating quadrant” is). I have a Nexus linear drive and Steve has a Simrad (I think) which is sturdier and boxier. The common themes are that it is a pretty tight working environment and that we had to fabricate mounting platforms. Think we both chose the starboard side for the actuator with the rudder sensor to port.
Steve documented his installation with good pictures that he can send you–in fact I asked that he write up his experience for an upcoming newsletter. I didn’t take any pictures during my pretzel-time installation (too busy practicing my old-English) but could snap a few of the finished project when I winterize.
But
it’s worth it. In addtion to saving wear and tear on you and Una, it provides you a “virtual crew” when needed and “emergency” steering should trouble develop on the pedestal.“Hans” (every auto pilot deserves a name) is my best friend
Mike… I did a write up and attached some pics, but I don’t have your email address. the one in Barry’s spreadsheet did not work. Can you update me and I will send it on. Steve
Hi Steve,
Send to BoatsNH@yahoo.com when you get a chance….Thanks!!I recently picked up (Yesterday) a new to me, hardly used, Simrad Hydraulic Ram with a remote pump for a wonderful price – So the fun begins….. I Think I saw somewhere that you installed the New DD-15 Simrad drive ( Made By Jefa) that looks pretty cool – I like the idea of low power consumption……But I suspect I’ll scratch my head a bit and move forward with what I have now….
I posted earlier that the D-36 quadrant “Floats”. What that means is that the rudder is attached to the bottom of the keel ( in the shoe) and passes thru the hull thru a 3-4 inch build-up of fiberglass that has a tiller post with packing nut to keep out water. There is no “bearing” here – the post is in a fiberglass tube – The rudder shaft then sticks up” into the air about 8-9 inches and the quadrant is bolted to the squared top. No bearing on top of the shaft – no keyway cut into the post. So…The rudder shaft probably “flexes” a little bit as the steering quadrant turns under load – probably flexed more a couple years ago when the bost was bronze (I had to replace it – used stainless). It really ought to have a bearing to take up any side load….
So a little engineering/thinking will be required here….
A wheel pilot would be so much easier…..
Have Fun!
Mike
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