Want To Buy: Pivoting helm adapter for Raymarine wheel autopilot

[George_SD]

Looking for an adapter that was fitted on Beneteau and Jeanneau sailboats with pivoting Gioit pedestal to accommodate Raymarine wheel autopilot on boats around 1995-2007 or so.

It was a metal plate that was mounted with wheel hub bolts and kept wheel pilot from turning on its own.

[George_SD]

Still looking, in case someone got one or seen one for sale. Will pay a bounty if you point me to a source and I can make a purchase.

[Allied39]

So this unit attaches around the wheel shaft as opposed to the pedestal like normal because the helm rotates? I have that right?
I cant see how it bolts in place but imagine it wouldn't be difficult to get right.
It does not look like a hard build, what would you think a fair number would be for that?

[George_SD]

Yes, it attaches to the wheel mount itself, but it does not rotate with the wheel. Wheel and wheel stopper nut behind it need to come off to install this. It does seem like a fairly simple part to make for those who have access to the right equipment, but of course needs to be made of stainless steel (flat plate + round bar stock and then weld the two after cutting)

I honestly don't know what a fair price would be. I figure price of the SS + labor and maybe some mark-up?

https://www.cut2sizemetals.com/stain...eel/plate/spl/
They show 12"x6" plate of 1/4" $40-50 depending on if it is 304 or 316 grade. I don't know what labor for something like this costs.
$30 for 304 on Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/Stainless-S...ustrial&sr=1-2

I've contacted the dealer to see if they can source these, but don't know if the part is still available.

I'm open to discuss custom order with someone though.

[Allied39]

You are in California? Machinist can be costly, and I understand why, no issue with that.
I used Garhuaer years back to get custom work done and they were super reasonable pricing. I was really happy, so was the client that needed 16 custom stanchion bases.
Might try giving them a call.
You would need to be able to draw what you want, pretty specifically of course.

I do have all the equipment, stainless material and although not a machinist do a lot of machine work. If you cant find someone local for a reasonable number I could likely help you out.

[George_SD]

Very cool, thank you. I have a few places I can check with about cutting metal (they are our clients), but yes - California labor prices are quite high and machine shops are running 3 shifts.

[George_SD]

Something completely amazing happened and after searching for this for a month and asking all over - I've got a word that the dealer may have a lead on them and i should be able to get one.

Part number Beneteau 458035

Looks like there is a different design these days that has a wide cut from the locating pin to the steering shaft.

[George_SD]

And the dealer just came back saying that part is in fact NOT AVAILABLE.


I'm back to looking for this part.

[Allied39]

Hmm, bummed to hear that.
Ok, so I am looking at the pic you posted. This unit sits over the wheel shaft, has the flat plate with the rod in the end to secure the wheel drive.
I an not however seeing a way to stop the unit from rotating. It looks like the three rods may have something to do with that?
Can you explain or draw or somehow communicate how the unit secures to the pedestal please.
Turning up something on the lathe to suit is do able, the flat plate and rod ....easy. But I cant see whats needed to secure the unit.

[George_SD]

I can't draw well, but can try to explain.

What you see in the picture starting from the front:
0) NOT PICTURED - steering wheel attached to the shaft with a huge nut
1)PICTURED- Manual wheel chuck/lock. You spin it on the threaded pipe inside which is the wheel shaft is installed. It is essentially uses friction against the wheel to stop it from turning.
2)PICTURED- Autopilot adapter plate - it is secured with bolts that go through it and through the next ring and into the pedestal.
3) PICTURED - last piece is the pedestal mount through which the wheel shaft goes through. I think it is largely cosmetic and attaches with several bolts to the pedestal. You essentially attach the adapter (#2) to this base and pedestal with the bolts.

Only the wheel rotates when you steer. The wheel locking nut is rotating only when you want to lock the wheel and the adapter always stays in position because it is bolted to the piece behind it.

I can take pictures of the whole thing in more detail and disassembled state once I get to taking it apart.

[Allied39]

Ok, bolts to the pedestal.
So, if you feel you can give me the needed dimensions IE enough info to build it or.....it would appear you already have one, so supply a unit I can copy.....I dare say that I could knock something up for you.
I would need diameter of pedestal, pattern and size of bolts, distance between pedestal and wheel lock, distance of pin from center of wheel shaft....to begin with.
I think we could come up with a price that would work for us both.
PM me if you this is something you want to do.

[George_SD]

Sounds good - I'll get in touch with you. I will try to get some basic information on dimensions first to make sure we actually have something to work with

[Celestialsailor]

I am in Northern Ca. My business id Alchemy Imagineering. I would be happy to help a fellow sailor out. I would do it for cost of 316ss material and shipping only. Like stated above, I would either need a accurate drawing or part to copy. Things are slow in the shop now, so it would be a good opportunity to kick it out...Martin

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

I am in Northern Ca. My business id Alchemy Imagineering. I would be happy to help a fellow sailor out. I would do it for cost of 316ss material and shipping only. Like stated above, I would either need a accurate drawing or part to copy. Things are slow in the shop now, so it would be a good opportunity to kick it out...Martin

Done...

[Allied39]

Slacker.....where's the holes to bolt through to the pedestal??

Only joking, Looks good. And very nice of you to do for materials and shipping, I must say.

There's a fellow on CF looking for some 3 inch bases......you could get pretty busy!

Happy thanksgiving!