We own a 33ft.capedory and would like to install a autopilot below deck. Seeking imformation from CapeDory owners that have installed a unit in their boat.
capedory33@aol.com
Autopilots
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Patrcik Turner
Re: Autopilots
Jim,
A good place to start is by doing a search using "autopilots" as a keyword. There has been some discussion re: this topic in the past. Once you've read through that stuff, I'm sure the "postees" would be happy to relay their experience via email.
Pat
patrick.t@home.com
A good place to start is by doing a search using "autopilots" as a keyword. There has been some discussion re: this topic in the past. Once you've read through that stuff, I'm sure the "postees" would be happy to relay their experience via email.
Pat
patrick.t@home.com
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Ken Coit
Re: Autopilots
Jim,
Parfait, an '83 CD-36 has a belowdecks Alpha autopilot that is still running strong. Unfortunately, I don't think the company did as well, but maybe you can find one used.
Ken Coit
Raleigh, NC
We own a 33ft.capedory and would like to install a autopilot below deck. Seeking imformation from CapeDory owners that have installed a unit in their boat.
parfait@nc.rr.com
Parfait, an '83 CD-36 has a belowdecks Alpha autopilot that is still running strong. Unfortunately, I don't think the company did as well, but maybe you can find one used.
Ken Coit
Raleigh, NC
We own a 33ft.capedory and would like to install a autopilot below deck. Seeking imformation from CapeDory owners that have installed a unit in their boat.
parfait@nc.rr.com
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mike
33cd autopilot installation
Jim,
I looked at the same installation before leaving for the Bahamas last year. I had installed a hatch into the cockpit sole for access to the engine, steering quadrant, fuel tank, etc., Even with the greater access I still found the quarters very cramped for a below deck autopilot. Without the access the cockpit sole hatch provides I would be concerned about getting a proper installation while contorted like a snake from the port locker and then keeping up with the maintenance.
The final solution for LaVida has been the Rayethon 4000 autopilot as a backup for our Monitor windvane. It's slimline profile and small motor size allowed for a neat installation (I only had to drill one hole for the motor wiring to pass thru the s.s.binnical (sp).
We use our Monitor for sailing and the 4000 for motoring as I have found the 58# of torque available from the 4000 is sometimes not enough to hold our course when we are hard on the wind.
The two complement each other and after over 8,000 nm I'm very pleased with the results.
sea u,
mike
mpr@seascan.com
I looked at the same installation before leaving for the Bahamas last year. I had installed a hatch into the cockpit sole for access to the engine, steering quadrant, fuel tank, etc., Even with the greater access I still found the quarters very cramped for a below deck autopilot. Without the access the cockpit sole hatch provides I would be concerned about getting a proper installation while contorted like a snake from the port locker and then keeping up with the maintenance.
The final solution for LaVida has been the Rayethon 4000 autopilot as a backup for our Monitor windvane. It's slimline profile and small motor size allowed for a neat installation (I only had to drill one hole for the motor wiring to pass thru the s.s.binnical (sp).
We use our Monitor for sailing and the 4000 for motoring as I have found the 58# of torque available from the 4000 is sometimes not enough to hold our course when we are hard on the wind.
The two complement each other and after over 8,000 nm I'm very pleased with the results.
sea u,
mike
mpr@seascan.com