Switching to AutoPilot controls

[brodie123]

We have a Thompson Daytona 270 with rack/pinon cable steering and we are wanting to add an auto pilot.

The part I'm stuck on is the drive controls for the steering. What's the best (and yet economical) way to do this?

Is there a hydraulic system that can tie in? Do I have to change the steering rack?

Any advise/links would be greatly appreciated.

thx!!!

Chris

 

[dingbat]

You need hydraulic steering. Change out the helm and add cylinder to steering link.

Autopilot controls through the cylinder. Pretty simple setup. The trick is to size it properly.

Need a pump big and fast enough to overcome those less than ideal days

Need some sort of heading sensor for the autopilot as well

 

[brodie123]

I was really hoping not to have to replace the steering with hydraulic (cost). Is there a ram or something other as an option?

I'll do the hydraulic if needed - but would like to try and avoid. What I saw, the steering alone was around $1k+.

 

[dingbat]

I was really hoping not to have to replace the steering with hydraulic (cost). Is there a ram or something other as an option?

I'll do the hydraulic if needed - but would like to try and avoid. What I saw, the steering alone was around $1k+.

I spent almost $3k on my AP when all was said and done.

The issue with cable steering is the amount of slack in the system and its affect on responsiveness. Work an AP pump to death trying to troll a slow straight line.

A quick Google search turns up a cable assist AP from Lowrance for under $1k.

Doesn’t give specs but given the fact your steerIng through a sloppy cable using GPS for course correction I cant see it doing all that well in any less less than ideal conditions.

Then again, it all about expectations and how you intend to use it. I primarily use mine for trolling so low speed tracking is my primary consideration.

If your primary goal is the go from point A to Point B with minimal effort, the cable system may work for you.

Either way, you have to change the helm

 

[brodie123]

Awesome. We don't troll for fishing and would be running at around 12km/hr - using the AP to go from a to b. I'm going to take a look at that! thx !!!!!