>> ... most usable alternate to wheel steering... <<
This was our thinking when we installed an oversized below deck drive on Calypso. We added a separate tiller arm to the rudder stock just for the autopilot drive (Whitlock drive, B&G controller). We also bolted the tiller arm to the quadrant to stabilize both. Our autopilot choices were made to support offshore passages where the autopilot would be expected to perform in all best the most boisterous conditions. It has met our expectations. Back in the '90s we owned a 1980 C&C 36 with a wheel, above deck autopilot and that worked well in settled conditions, mostly under power. Sizing the system to the boat and performance expectations is likely more important to performance than the brand. Martin Calypso 1970 C&C 43 Seatle ________________________________ From: CnC-List [cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] on behalf of Jim Reinardy [firewa...@reinardy.us] Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2013 10:34 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Autopilots I had a discussion about below deck vs. wheel mounted autopilots with the president of Edson at Strictly Sail Chicago. He makes an argument that a below deck unit that does not depend on the wheel steering system is a big advantage. He feels that on many boats the autopilot will be the most usable alternative in the event of a wheel steering failure because of the often difficult placement and relatively short length of many emergency tillers. It was something I had not thought much about, but the logic made sense to me. He also stated that he had a high opinion of both the Navico/Simrad and Raymarine units and would not look beyond those two because of the quality of the units and wide availability of parts and service. Jim Reinardy C&C 30-2 “Firewater” Milwaukee, WI
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