autopilot recommendations for 53-foot Skookum sailboat/troller

[Albee rose]

Hi all:

Vessel is 53-feet, 40 gross tons. Commercial fishboat (troller for salmon based in Sitka, Alaska), but also a sailboat (ketch-rigged, with headsail and staysail). Looking for recs on an autopilot that'll allow me to power an autopilot electrically via batteries versus powered off the main as it is presently configured.

First, what I have: A 40-year-old hydraulically-powered Wagner Mark IV. Yeah, it's old, and it works flawlessly. Problem is: It only works when the main engine is running (4-71 Detroit "Jimmy" Diesel; pump mounted on camshaft). As of now, gotta hand-steer if I wanna sail w/o the engine running, which sorta defeats the purpose. Fish alone a lotta the time, and tho I can and have sailed by myself, it ain't easy.

So: wondering if I might tap the hive mind and see what folks recommend for replacing my system from being powered off the main to powered by batteries? Or am I going about this wrong? Happy to be enlightened, specially if there're options of which I'm ignorant. (What I don't know is legion.)

Rudder is fairly large, keel/skeg-mounted, solid f/g, roughly 3 1/2' x 5' n prolly 3" thick. Question is: are there electrically-powered autopilot systems available that will accommodate my needs? Brand names/models greatly appreciated, specially from folks with direct experience setting up a vessel of that size.

(For batteries, have two separate banks of two 8D batts wired in parallel to maintain 12-volt and double amps, plus a 4D at helm -- USCG-mandated emergency power for comms.) Would one batt bank, i.e. two dedicated 8Ds in parallel be sufficient power to, say, power the autopilot and nav software and comms for an 8-hour stretch w/o overly discharging the batts?

If I'm going about this wrong, feel free to say so. Thanks for your time and consideration in fielding my query. Gotta replace a Vickers hydraulic pump and clutch assembly (separate problem), but will attempt to field queries in betwixt showering in hydraulic fluid and grime.

[Stu Jackson]

If the steering disengages from the hydraulics when the h is off, try CPT, I believe it's CPT Autopilot Inc.


Good luck, well presented question.

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Originally Posted by Albee rose

Hi all:

Vessel is 53-feet, 40 gross tons. Commercial fishboat (troller for salmon based in Sitka, Alaska), but also a sailboat (ketch-rigged, with headsail and staysail). Looking for recs on an autopilot that'll allow me to power an autopilot electrically via batteries versus powered off the main as it is presently configured.

First, what I have: A 40-year-old hydraulically-powered Wagner Mark IV. Yeah, it's old, and it works flawlessly. Problem is: It only works when the main engine is running (4-71 Detroit "Jimmy" Diesel; pump mounted on camshaft). As of now, gotta hand-steer if I wanna sail w/o the engine running, which sorta defeats the purpose. Fish alone a lotta the time, and tho I can and have sailed by myself, it ain't easy.

So: wondering if I might tap the hive mind and see what folks recommend for replacing my system from being powered off the main to powered by batteries? Or am I going about this wrong? Happy to be enlightened, specially if there're options of which I'm ignorant. (What I don't know is legion.)

Rudder is fairly large, keel/skeg-mounted, solid f/g, roughly 3 1/2' x 5' n prolly 3" thick. Question is: are there electrically-powered autopilot systems available that will accommodate my needs? Brand names/models greatly appreciated, specially from folks with direct experience setting up a vessel of that size.

(For batteries, have two separate banks of two 8D batts wired in parallel to maintain 12-volt and double amps, plus a 4D at helm -- USCG-mandated emergency power for comms.) Would one batt bank, i.e. two dedicated 8Ds in parallel be sufficient power to, say, power the autopilot and nav software and comms for an 8-hour stretch w/o overly discharging the batts?

If I'm going about this wrong, feel free to say so. Thanks for your time and consideration in fielding my query. Gotta replace a Vickers hydraulic pump and clutch assembly (separate problem), but will attempt to field queries in betwixt showering in hydraulic fluid and grime.

First your boat have Displacement 56,000 lbs 23 tonn
you mast choice new electric pump similar size your pump now in use.When choosing the correct pump for your craft, you need to know the volume of the steering cylinder fitted to the boat. This is determined by the type of boat, its dimensions and displacement.

The size of the pump directly influences the ability to steer the craft. If the pump is too small, it will struggle to maintain a course. Too large, it can cause the boat to over steer and use excessive power.
for autopilot ask Garmin
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/599938
https://www.hodgesmarine.com/gar010-...-pump-kit.html

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