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Power Boats
OverviewIn the power market the vast majority of the installed base of autopilot drives is installed on hydraulic steering systems. The drive is simply a hydraulic pump that is plumbed into the hand (helm) steering system. There are 2 types of pumps used, most popular is the reversing pump, the other is a continuous pump. DRIVE SIZING The size of the drive must be matched to the size of the vessel’s existing steering ram, also the power supply capability of the autopilot must be considered. To achieve optimum autopilot performance the goal is to move the rudder from full Hard-over (HO) to HO in 13-15 seconds. For a given steering ram volume (displacement), the drive pumping volume (displacement) usually stated per minute, should be about 4 times larger than the steering ram volume. For example, if you have a steering cylinder (ram) with a volume of 13 cu.in. you will require an Autopilot pump capable of (4 x 13 cu.in.) 52 cu.in./minute. POWER REQUIREMENTS The power consumption specification can be misleading as the power consumed is often quoted as an average and/or simply the peak power, which is not sustainable for long periods. As a general rule, the autopilot should be capable of supplying enough power on a sustained basis to run the drive at 2 x normal steering amperage and on a momentary basis at 3 x normal steering amperage. For example, if the A/P drive is stated to use an average of 7-8 amps with a peak power of 35 amps, the Autopilot should be capable of delivering (2 x 8) 16 amps sustained and (3 x 8) 24 amps momentary.
Mechanical SteeringThis includes both full mechanical (feedback and ‘nfb’; no feedback systems), as well as, Power Assisted systems typically found on Stern Drive vessels. Mechanical systems are easily identified as there is a mechanical push/pull cable coming from the helm unit. View details » Hydraulic SteeringThis refers to the steering system at the helm. Do not confuse this with Hydraulic Power Assist units typically found on Stern Drives. A hydraulic helm is easily identified as there will be 2-4 hydraulic hoses running from the helm to the stern of the boat. View details »
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