Navcom 1420 Autopilot Questions

[Jon Neely]

Sorry about the misspelled title! Comnav not Navcom

Looking to upgrade my autopilot system from our half working raymarine st4000+ to a commav 1420 below deck unit. Our boat is small yet medium displacement( around 9000lbs). Looking not to break the bank and for something offshore capable I came across the Comnav here on the forum and it looks nice. Looking at it on defender the price seems right to but does that include everything for it to run? I have a link to the defender page:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?...931&id=1340500
Now if that is complete then great, if not what else is needed? Also what is the difference when it asks for the 18cu in version or the 30cu in version? Is that the length of the arm or the capacity of the hydraulic pump? Any help would be great on this subject. Not looking to spend any more than $1800. Thanks
Jon
Caliber 28 "Tara"

[r.furborough]

Comnav make a decent autopilot that is also available as a Si-Tex item, that can possibly can be found cheaper. If your existing drive is a below decks unit is still ok you should be able to reuse it with other pilot electronics.

[Jon Neely]

My existing unit is a above deck wheel pilot

[S/V_Surya]

Jon,

As I am currently installing a comnav 1420 here is what I know. You will need the hydraulic ram to install on your rudder. My boat came with an octopus Canada Metal - Octopus Hydraulic Linear Actuator. Other than that, that is all you need. I bought mine (comnav 1420 only with hydraulic pump) off of ebay for $570.00 used. They do not come up that often and I got lucky. I am sure I also saw them listed new for $900 some place so shop around. I resold the hydraulic pump as it would not work for me on ebay for $375.00.
The system is installed and I start the on the water calibration this week end.