Whitby 42 Brewer Sail Boats

I would appreciate knowing what works and what doesn't in the way of autopilots. I need to replace an autopilot and would be inclined to a Raymarine hydraulic autopilot. Not sure what size pump is needed for this size and type vessel.

On this boat (hull No 2), one hears a distinct click in the steering as one steers from one side to another, right at the helm. The owner explained that this click has been there the entire time he owned the boat (20 years) and that it is apparently the system switching, gating fluid from one pipe to the other. Does this make sense and is the system likely to stay reliable?

in some cases the hydrolics have a check valve and that is the click... you will need 1000 psi hoses with the matching copper line fittings not hydrolic fittings which are restrictive. raymarine builds a very smart system which even memorizes the handling charcteristics of your boat and applies the pilots memory to steer your boat in those situations. what ever you do Raymarine uses sea talk and every one else uses nmea 183 as a launguage to talk between devices such as chart plotters and auto pilots. miss matching is possible but with special equipment... sizing of the motor can be done by reading the literature or by a knowledgeable marine dealer. Raymarine help is aweful the products great... if you are not a good do it yourselfer then do not count on Raymarine for too much help... you should have a relief valve that will let go in the case of the rudder stiking something. this is also your bleed assist for the system... some systems use auto transmission fluid and other hydrolic oil, the transmission fluid is red so you can see what you have. electronic compasses and rudder indicators are accesories that you can add although the new raymarine systems do not use rudder feedback so will not have a sender... if you want to get fancy it is possible to use the wind angle indicator atop the mast to steer across oceans at steady wind angles instead of the stern manual version. good battery power and charging would be a must for this setup... hope i was of help, Ev

Quick answer--you'll need a size 2 Raymarine pump for this installation. I really do like Raymarine autopilots, and every one I've installed has left behind a happy owner. But Ev is right about the communications; Raymarine uses that proprietary interface for its gear.

Dave Shaddock
Gypsy, #324

You may want to check out W-H Autopilots on the west coast. Those that have used these sytems like them a lot and the company is said to have a great service department and very friendly staff with good advice. They are designed for hydraulic systems and for heavy boats.

Larry Donaldson

S/V Star Shadow
Whitby 42 #333

Thanks for all the information, guys! Very helpful.
Since I posted I've learned more about the system on board. It's a Navico Corus System Ocean Pilot and most of it works, but not the part that controls the reversing pump. The reversing pump is a Navico RP1 variable output unit with flow rate adjustable from 90 to 275CC. I've also done a bit more research on autopilots and like the simplicity and price of the Comnav 1420. As best I can tell, this unit saves cost by getting rid of the graphic interface, leaving just a simple 6-button control. Between compass, GPS heading, and the nav computer I will put on board the only data the active control provides that I would like is the rudder angle indication.

Thanks! John

I'm new to the website....glad to meet everyone..
My friend has purchased a Whitby which has hydraulic steering.
It has the old Benmar autopilot.
I've talked to the Benmar guy in California and he says that for $200 each he'll look at both the command and drive units, replacing any parts that need to be replaced ....also charging me for the parts.....
I have no idea if the units work....no reason to think they dont....the reservoir is supposed to be kept at 30 psig to 40 psig....according to the Benmar guy....I cant see the gauge...it's turned around....
I have a complete manual on the Benmar.

I'm looking for any comments that may be useful....I dont want to replace the whole thing unless the Benmar isnt safe....
I'm thinking that because we have hydraulic steering, retrofitting to a Raymarine would be problematic.....maybe not...the check valve manifold is in the binnacle.
I actually need a phone call from someone that has used the Benmar and/or retrofitted a Whitby with something else.
Needless to say that this is only one system that needs to be made good before we leave for Panama....we have 6 months.