Brookes&Gatehouse Hydrapilot

South Pacific Familyadventure 2008
Claes Brodin
Mon 17 Sep 2012 13:42
With transmitters from wind,depth,impeller for speed,rudder reference,and a fluxgate compass(all connected to a computer unit),this is an integrated system that was well ahead when it came in the nighties.Installed in Tarita in the midnighties,the system has been with us for more than 15 years.Allthough rather complex with many small connection boxes and displays,it has been working without any major problems.The autopilot(once commisioned and programmed),is easy to use and very accurate.The interior motorunit is big and powerhungry and therefore mainly used when motoring.
The problems we have had during our time are digits diminishing on the displays(humidity inside) and therefore two displays have been changed.Buying new displays from todays B&G Hercules system is very expensive,but fortunately we found Myles Electronics in Florida who has provided Tarita with refurbished displays from the Hydrapilot system.
In New Caledonia the autopilot stopped working due to a defect rudder reference unit,that was replaced in New Zealand.
Investing in todays B&G system (Hercules),would be a major economical commitment,and if so we would look at another system.

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