Auto Pilot actuators

[WDaniels]

I need to install an auto pilot on the old gal and have been reading and
researching them. My question is, in your opinions, which linear
actuator is better, and electric or hydraulic(sp) style actuator? Pros and
Cons? It is for a 44' CSY walkthough.
Any and all help drastically needed.
Warren

[sailingdog]

Warren-

What kind of steering do you have on your boat???

[WDaniels]

from the wheel down to the post is 3/8 cable. Nothing powered.
Warren

[sailingdog]

Warren-

Please don't post multiple threads on the same subject. And please read the post in my Signature to help yourself get the most out of sailnet.

As for the linear actuator, the electromechanical are somewhat less robust, but generally easier to install. Do you have room around the steering quadrant to install the linear drive?

[WDaniels]

Sorry for the double post, I hit the post button twice by accident and I cannot delete the duplicate.
As for enough room. Loads of it.
Warren

[brak]

hydraulic will be significantly more expensive - it will require a hydraulic ram, in addition to the pump - and space wise ram takes about as much. plus, I am not sure how hydraulic systems work without hydraulic steering - on my boat there is absolutely no way to move the rudder if the ram is not being pushed by hydraulic pressure one way or the other (to mechanically control the rudder sometimes people install bypass valves but I doubt it is a good idea to run and switch it every time you want to go from autopilot to manual).

That said, hydraulic is certainly a better system in terms of power vs. energy use.

[artbyjody]

Depends really:

Electric is great if you have the battery capacity, and you are a day sailor. Or if you are a cruiser you have solar etc, to assist in the consumption. Electric versions really do not draw that much unless it is really struggling against tide, wind etc...

Hydraulic is great if you are mechanically inclined, or better yet you boat has hydraulic system already (a rarity actually). Results in smoother operation for the most part, and will operate better in heavier seas, tides etc. However it is an additional complexity in terms of knowledge to troubleshoot when things do not work correctly. There still is an electrical component however.

IN the end it really depends on how and when your sailing operative dictates according to areas of operation and type thereof...

[Valiente]

I think access and battery capacity will drive this question, no pun intended.

I have dual helm hydraulic (Marol) with which I am well pleased, but I have to bypass it to use the tiller and the windvane (first fitting on Friday). This is easy due to access being easy, but that's not every boat.

The expense will come when I put in an autopilot to work either its own ram, or a new ram sized to both the rudder and the autopilot. We are intending to go offshore, and thus it makes sense for us to do this. For you, maybe not. Cables and sheaves and whatnot have more failure points and corrosion issues, but can be repaired more easily: my solution is to have an entirely separate steering system in a tiller/windvane combo for offshore.

Have you considered rack and pinion or other less common, but proven steering linkages?