help with auto pilot

[DaltonGang]

So I have a 1995 370 sundancer searay (twin engine stern drive) with B&G equipment which most doesn't work. Only thing that works actually is the depth gauge. The boat has autopilot but it was unhooked down at the linkage.

I can get the system to turn on but the compass reading on the screen just goes from 0 and slowly climbs up and just keeps doing that. The only thing I really want is to set a heading on it and it just keeps that heading. I'm assuming since the previous owner unhooked the linkage that it just doesn't work and they didn't want it to steer on it's own.

I don't need it tied into navigation or anything fancy. So I'm thinking of just replacing the items it already has with new stuff. Since it has the proper hydraulic system in the engine room then I assume I'd need
1) new electronic compass
2) New autopilot computer
3) new display/controller

and then just use my existing hardware / hydraulic stuff and linkage.

But this is where I'm stuck. I'm not sure where to go from here or what to shop for. Any direction is appreciated.

I was thinking something like this but its for small boats. But the limiting factor (I think) is the hydraulic pump but since I'd use my original then I would just use the other parts of this kit and won't use the pump. Would this work?

https://www.boatersland.com/rayt701...WKgwkWjDfCA4dhG9R0wKpA8SoyMImxLhoCr5QQAvD_BwE

 

[DaltonGang]

Also, I'm assuming since my boat has hydraulic steering then I don't need this additional pump. The AP system just ties into the existing system that the boat has? I'm not really sure how autopilot works, its the one thing I haven't messed with on the boat. But I don't see why autopilot would need it's own pump and my steering wheel needs another.

 

[dtfeld]

The autopilot pumps are usually DC motors and the autopilot course computer just reverses polarity to change direction of the pump/rudder.

That system will likely work just fine with your existing pump, and you could sell the pump if not needed. I'd keep the pump until you sure the existing is in good working order

The one thing you will need to verify is the size/volume of your ram usually specified by in cc or cu in. The system obove us the smallest, but Raymarine makes a ACU-150 that comes with the Course Computer, heading sensor and control head for about the same price. I suspect this might be a better fit size wise to your boat.

 

[dtfeld]

Also, I'm assuming since my boat has hydraulic steering then I don't need this additional pump. The AP system just ties into the existing system that the boat has? I'm not really sure how autopilot works, its the one thing I haven't messed with on the boat. But I don't see why autopilot would need it's own pump and my steering wheel needs another.

With the steering wheel, you are the pump!

The Autopilot pump is plumbed into that system, but does not power anything if its not engaged.

 

[DaltonGang]

With the steering wheel, you are the pump!

The Autopilot pump is plumbed into that system, but does not power anything if its not engaged.

ok that makes sense. So the boat does have a pump back there. Its the one thing I looked over when fixing 100 hundred things but now that everything is done I can focus on this. So the question remains, can I use my existing pump and a system that is all new?

this is the one I am really considering. it says for medium sized boats & doesn't include a drive (pump)

https://www.boemarine.com/raymarine...QUQKN_DCpvhlDmnR5n25GFOYo_n0wzAhoC9QoQAvD_BwE

 

[dtfeld]

It comes down to the size of the ram and the size if the pump. Bigger ram requires more fluid, and more fluid requires a bigger pump, bigger pump...more power is required.

Let me see if I can find the specs, but you still bed to try and nail down what you have. My bet is on a 370, a ACU-150 would cover it nicely. I have a 410 and if works well...love it!!!

 

[DaltonGang]

It comes down to the size of the ran and the size if the pump. Bigger ram requires more fluid, and more fluid requires a bigger pump, bigger pump...more power is required.

Let me see if I can find the specs, but you still bed to try and nail down what you have. My bet is on a 370, a ACU-150 would cover it nicely. I have a 410 and if works well...love it!!!

ok, if you have a 410 and the EV 150 system then I know it should work for mine! I would probably get the whole system for $2k instead of trying to use the old pump. I don't even know if it works to be honest.

 

[dtfeld]

 

[dtfeld]

ok, if you have a 410 and the EV 150 system then I know it should work for mine! I would probably get the whole system for $2k instead of trying to use the old pump. I don't even know if it works to be honest.

You can test the pump by applying 12VDC to it. They are pretty robust, and also expensive, but a whole new system would be a nice upgrade. I would get some data off your current ram/pump just to be sure, and call Raymarine tech service (they are really good and will call you back if busy) and just make sure you are getting what you need. I think you said you are dual outdrive? I'm twin inboard, I do not know if it makes any difference. BOE has a good return policy.

I love my system, I think you will as well

 

[DaltonGang]

You can test the pump by applying 12VDC to it. They are pretty robust, and also expensive, but a whole new system would be a nice upgrade. I would get some data off your current ram/pump just to be sure, and call Raymarine tech service (they are really good and will call you back if busy) and just make sure you are getting what you need. I think you said you are dual outdrive? I'm twin inboard, I do not know if it makes any difference. BOE has a good return policy.

I love my system, I think you will as well

ok thanks!
Mine is also twin inboard with 8.1 engines.
I'll do some investigating this weekend when I'm down at the boat and see what I can find (whats good and what isn't) along with the pump info and cylinder ram size.
Now I know where to start at least!

 

[dtfeld]

I think you would be good with the ACU-150. Orginally Ray marine only had the ACU-100 and ACU-200 and I think they introduced the ACU-150 for midsize cruisers. Mine already had a raymarine pump, so that made things pretty simple.

Mine works flawlessly in heading hold or Nav mode, and you can likely get the Nav mode working with whatever MFD you have on board. If you ever upgrade, to an Axiom, all the Autopilot controls can be handled on the Axiom touch screen except the control head allows changing the heading with the rotary knob. That's a feature I like and use a lot.