Raymarine EV-150 vs EV-200 autopilot

[SCFoster]

Looking to replace the cockpit electronics, so researching the Raymarine EV-150 or EV-200 autopilot systems.

Have a 2000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer with what appears to be the original Raymarine ST8002 as part of the autopilot system.

According to the Sea Ray parts manual, the hydraulic ram is a SeaStar BA150-7ATM (HC5314-3) with a 7" (178mm) stroke and 10.2 cu.in. (167.1cc) volume.

According to the Raymarine selection page here, the Raymarine M81120 12V pump supporting a Ram capacity of 80cc to 230cc is the correct unit. The page shows the M81120 pump is suitable for both the EV-150 & EV-200 systems.

If that's the case, should I purchase a T70330 EV-150 or T70157 EV-200 hydraulic autopilot system?

Interested in members' input as to the differences between the EV-150 & EV-200. The EV-150 kit does not come with a M81105 rudder angle reference sensor, so that would have to be purchased. There is an input in the EV-150 ACU to hook up the M81105. Also noted the lack of a clutch output from the ACU, but the M81119 pump does not have a clutch wire so I don't think this matters. The ACU-150 has a max continuous drive current of 12A vs 15A for the ACU-200, or 25% more VA (not Watts since I don't know the power factor). Suffice to say more power goes to the pump, so I'm guessing rudder inputs occur more quickly. The ACU-150 does not have a "sleep" output whereas the ACU-200 does. Not sure what that does. According to the old Raymarine forum "a Sleep switch disables the operation of the autopilot while retaining any power supplied to the SeaTalkng bus".

Is there anything else? Spoke to the folks at TheGPSStore. Was told the ACU-200 will provide a lot smoother and snappier performance than the ACU-150.

Lastly, can either EV-150 or EV-200 use the pump already in the boat, or is it recommended to change out the pump to the M81120 as well? Both the original pump and the new one have only two wires (A & B) connected to the ACU. TheGPSStore opined that if the OEM pump has low hours (the boat has just over 1000 hours on the engines), then the original pump should be fine. A M81120 pump can always be purchased later, if needed.

Thoughts?

 

[Steve S]

Instead of the GPSstore, why don't you speak with BOE Marine?
They are the sponsor of this forum. Jim and his crew are very knowledgeable about marine electronics since that is what they specialize in and have competitive pricing.

https://www.boemarine.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk7f0i4ia_AIVEROtBh10aQp6EAAYASAAEgL98_D_BwE

 

[dtfeld]

The one difference that will matter is the electric pump drive capability. The EV-150 is capable of driving the Type .5 or Type 1 up to 12A @12V. For larger vessels or special application, a EV-200 might be necessary. For the 380 of our Era, the EV-150 will be perfect. It will drive the existing pump and you can save that money, by not buying a new pump.

I replaced the old Autopilot system in my 410 (almost identical to the 380 systems wise) with a EV-150 system. Nice upgrade. Works flawlessly.

 

[SCFoster]

The one difference that will matter is the electric pump drive capability. The EV-150 is capable of driving the Type .5 or Type 1 up to 12A @12V. For larger vessels or special application, a EV-200 might be necessary. For the 380 of our Era, the EV-150 will be perfect. It will drive the existing pump and you can save that money, by not buying a new pump.

I replaced the old Autopilot system in my 410 (almost identical to the 380 systems wise) with a EV-150 system. Nice upgrade. Works flawlessly.

Thanks for the quick response. That's what I was thinking and you have actual physical experience with the EV-150.
For a larger sailboat, I can understand the need for quicker response and dealing with 9 axis movements as fast as possible. A following sea (up the stern) can be miserable and borderline dangerous with an inadequate autopilot.

Thanks David, Happy New Year.

 

[SCFoster]

Instead of the GPSstore, why don't you speak with BOE Marine?
They are the sponsor of this forum. Jim and his crew are very knowledgeable about marine electronics since that is what they specialize in and have competitive pricing.

Since you asked, I was on the phone with TheGPSStore about a Vesper Cortex reprogram. I had purchased the unit from them when I had the Beneteau sailboat and am transitioning the unit to the 380DA.
I asked about the Autopilot while on that call. FYI, I also contacted Raymarine support.

Having sponsored forums myself (aviation) in the past I get the intent to drum up business. “Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know which half.” John Wanamaker (1838-1922)

 

[dtfeld]

Just one other thing, from an $ point of view. Either the EV-150 or EV-200 will work just fine, but you’ll have to decide which system is less expensive. I think you can get the EV-150 for $500-700 less than the EV-200.

As far as snappier response, I’m not sure I believe that, as the limiting factor would be the existing pump volume output. The Autopilot has 3 levels of response and on the tightest response level, mine drives down a route strait as an arrow, wether I’m at slow cruise 950 RPM/7.0 to 7.5 kts, or cruising at 2300-2400 RPM 20-21 kts.

Commisioning and setup are easy, quick, and if connected to a newer MFD, very intuitive. You will not be disappointed.

Definitely spend the money on the rudder position sensor, as it will give you a rudder position gauge that is very handy for centering the rudders as you approach the dock.

 

[SCFoster]

I replaced the old Autopilot system in my 410 (almost identical to the 380 systems wise) with a EV-150 system.

Did you replace the pump with a new M81120 pump, or did you keep the old one?

 

[dtfeld]

Did you replace the pump with a new M81120 pump, or did you keep the old one?

I kept the old one. It’s definitely seen better days, but it works fine (plus it’s buried in the most inaccessible spot on the boat). All wiring and hydraulic lines are completely compatible with the new system. You should be able to remove the old course computer, and drop the new one right in the same location. Install control head, EV1 sensor and you are good to go.

Routing/pulling new wires and pulling old components was the most difficult part.

 

[SCFoster]

I kept the old one. It’s definitely seen better days, but it works fine (plus it’s buried in the most inaccessible spot on the boat). All wiring and hydraulic lines are completely compatible with the new system. You should be able to remove the old course computer, and drop the new one right in the same location. Install control head, EV1 sensor and you are good to go.

Routing/pulling new wires and pulling old components was the most difficult part.

That's what I thought. Speaking to Raymarine tech, was told NOT to replace the pump if it still worked, as the old one was more than likely not made in China... if you know what he was getting at. If it ain't broke don't fix it.