autopilots

[NCountry]

I've read a lot of the other stuff you suggested but I guess I need to be more specific.

I'm interested in some feedback on things like the linear drives -vs- rotary drives. How do the electric drives hold up versus going to the expense of a hydraulic drive? What about power consumption of the hydraulic pumps? I've seen linear drives with a hydraulic pump but then I read blogs and people talking about the frequency of the hydraulic pumps going out or running dry.
There's the issue of how they install on the steering quadrant of my boat or if they even will. Also some of the newer raymarines apparently don't need a rudder reference indicator. Is this a computer thing or does the linear or rotary drive send some sort of information to the course computer?
Dang, my mind just swims with questions and quite honestly none of the manufacturers do a very good job of supplying information. ie: W-H, went to their website and about all they have are references and a "we'll send a price quote" to you. No information on components of the autopilots or even if the remote control is wired or wireless. No information on networking them to MFD's or which ones they'll work with. I've been spending days looking for this stuff and am beginning to wonder if I'm the only one asking these questions or are they just such basic questions no one ask them or maybe I'm typing in the wrong parameters when I'm searching?
Sometimes I'm guilty of having the answers right in front of me and just not realizing it. Probably because I'm looking to hard instead of taking it at face value. Anyone able to straighten me out here?

[btrayfors]

Here are the components of the W-H P3 system, as received from the manufacturer: New W-H P-3C Autopilot

Click twice on each pic for full resolution.

Some thoughts:

- I believe the hydraulic RAM is the best solution, if properly installed. It's incredibly strong and reliable.

- The mounting to your hull must be a lot more robust than you would imagine. Pressure involved with hydraulic RAMs can far exceed the actual rating of the RAM, as you fall off a wave and the rudder kicks back.

- I favor a separate rudder feedback indicator device. Had an Autohelm with the rudder position indicator device built-into the chain drive motor unit. What a disaster and, as it turned out, a fatal design flaw by the manufacturer.

- I would not (and as a marine professional installer will not) interface an autopilot to a chartplotter or GPS; IMHO this just helps brain-dead "sailors" go aground much easier. I know lots of folks don't agree with this.

- the hydraulic motor does draw a bit, but in my experience it's not excessive. And, it only runs intermittently. Sometimes when powering in calm water I can put my hand on the 48" wheel and barely feel any movement at all....just a tad here and there.

- the hydraulic RAM arm usually attaches to a separate arm or quadrant attached to your rudder post.....not to the existing quadrant. As such, it gives you a separate backup steering system, inter alia.

Bill