Raymarine Autopilot Kit EV-400

[klaspat]

We have an old Raymarine Auto Helm 6000 that came with the boat but wasn't working. It is now in for repair but I don't have much faith in getting it back to a usable configuration.
We have an Auto helm type 1 linear unit that is functioning and I was hoping to buy a Raymarine Autopilot Kit EV-400 and connect it to the existing drive unit.
Problem is the boat is listed at 22,000 lbs and the linear unit is rated for 24,000 lbs. We probably gross out at 27,000 once we add fuel, water and stuff.

What would happen if we configured the unit as suggested above? I can't get any definitive answer from the manufacturer except for pay another $2,000 to $3,000 for a new drive unit.
So... if you have any experience with anything similar please send comments.

Cheers Pat

[d design]

You dont need the ACU 400 only ACU200 for type 1. Is it a long keel or fin keel? how balanced does she sail? lots of weather helm?

[mlydon]

If the unit you have still works, it was likely ‘good enough’ for your boat - sounds like the brains went, not the drive.

Marr

[boatbod]

The main difference between ACU-400 and ACU-200 is how many amps can be supplied to the drive unit before overload protection kicks in and shuts the autopilot down. The ACU-200 will only support a Type 1 drive, whereas the ACU-400 will support Type 1 or Type 2.


If you think there is any chance your Type 1 drive may be under-sized and need to be changed out at some point, I'd suggest going with the beefier ACU-400 now so that you don't incur a double shock to the wallet later.