Changing autopilot from Raymarine

[TitanTn]

I'm considering upgrading my autopilot. I have the Raymarine 6001 that is popular in late 90's boats. I'm having an issue with either the computer or the rudder sensor, but I'm not sure how much time and money I want to put into this older system. We'll see.

So if I decide to do a upgrade, what parts do I need to swop out? I know the course computer, compass, rudder sensor, and head unit. But anything else? Can I use the same hydraulic pump and ram? I'm not sure how the AP computer communicates with the pump, so I'm curious about what I need to do in selecting a new system as it relates to using the same pump system.

Or anything else I should consider. Thanks.

 

[Henry Boyd]

You should investigate the Raymarine forum at Raymarine.com. They can point you in the right direction. Having just spent the winter doing a similar investigation my conclusion is you may be better off technologically and financially by just starting with a clean sheet of paper.

 

[dtfeld]

Raymarine has a pretty good upgrade path. I bet we can figure this out on the cheap, or get you a way that wont break the bank.

What MFD do you have? Upgrading to the latest generation requires a newer MFD if if you want full integration ie control from the MFD. If you just want to run it from a control head, no problem. Do you currently have any raymarine networks onboard...particuarily SeaTalkng?

You can reuse the pump and the rudder sensor, they are the same in the new system. There is a troubleshooting guide (see pic) Or buy a used one maybe $100 on ebay.

Beyond that, you'll need a control head (P70 (s,Rs or R), an EV-1 Sensor Core and a new Controller (for our size boats (that would be a ACU-150. Or you can buy the these with a new pump...$1500.

I have this planned as an upgrade...

 

[swaterhouse]

I'm considering upgrading my autopilot. I have the Raymarine 6001 that is popular in late 90's boats. I'm having an issue with either the computer or the rudder sensor, but I'm not sure how much time and money I want to put into this older system. We'll see.

So if I decide to do a upgrade, what parts do I need to swop out? I know the course computer, compass, rudder sensor, and head unit. But anything else? Can I use the same hydraulic pump and ram? I'm not sure how the AP computer communicates with the pump, so I'm curious about what I need to do in selecting a new system as it relates to using the same pump system.

Or anything else I should consider. Thanks.

If staying with Raymarine the pump should be fine to keep and most likely the rudder sensor will be fine as well, but as mentioned above you would replace the course computer, compass and control unit. Depending on your other electronics you may need to upgrade/add other items to help talk between system.

If going to another brand you would likely need to replace everything including the pump and rudder sensor.

 

[quality time]

I plan on replacing my last piece of Raymarine equipment with a Furuno autopilot next winter. It looks like I will be able to reuse the pump after comparing specs so you may be able to also. The pump size is based off of the steering cylinder volume which isn't changing.

 

[TitanTn]

Thanks guys. This has been helpful. I have a newer Garmin chart plotter, radar, and VHF. If I do an upgrade, I'd like to stick with the Garmin products - but I'm not 100% married to that concept.

I guess what I'm wondering is if there's anything proprietary about how the AP communicates with the pump? With Raymarine is it SeaTalk? NMEA0183? Or is it something much more standard? I can understand that I might be able to upgrade within Raymarine because they likely have accommodated these issues, but right now I have everything connected to a Raymarine course computer which uses SeaTalk - so I'm not sure if I can connect other branded APs.

I would love to be able to just change the computer, compass, and control unit.

 

[TitanTn]

Ok. I just called Garmin. The bottom line is I don't have to change the pump. I have to buy a different AP kit than what I was expected, but basically it's one they make to connect to 3rd party pumps. There's a chance I also don't need to buy a new rudder sensor, but I think it will make my life easier to retire the 22 year old Raymarine one and go ahead with a new one.

 

[TitanTn]

I'm following up to close the loop on my question. Yes I can switch over easily to Garmin with having to change the pump or the rudder senor. But I don't need to.

Today I took the rudder sensor apart and found a wire had become disconnected. I soldered it back and the system was up and running again. Now understanding much better about how the system operates, I discovered that the factory installation of the rudder sensor was sloppy at best. After realigning the sensor I got a MUCH more accurate indication of my rudder position. So after doing a calibration, my auto pilot is working better than it ever has. I have no reason to upgrade that I'm aware of, and will run this until I need to switch out to Garmin to match my chart plotter. I hope this helps someone else along the way.