Las Palmas - Back-up autopilot calibrated
Rainmaker
Donald Macdonald
Sun 15 Nov 2020 15:30
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A very nice gentleman from the SORC fleet, Jerry, has
let me borrow an autopilot he removed from a boat and was stored in his loft. It
is a Raymarine Smart autopilot. I had before leaving UK installed the brains of
the unit and flux compass. All wiring was also run in but not connected. This
morning disconnected the B&G autopilot ram and clutch and connected to wires
already run in. The B&G rudder feedback has to be removed to install
Raymarine unit. The control head was connected in a temporary fashion to an
access hatch where that cable located next to helm. On the nice flat waters just
outside the marina we carried out the calibration and checked all functions
required. All worked like a charm. Once back in the marina reverted
to the B&G system including dockside test. The transfer from one system
to the other done in under an hour, maybe longer at sea when bouncing about a
bit as most changes happen at rear of boat where the rudder quadrant etc
is.
Whilst out we also took the opportunity to fill diesel
tank and jerry can, 46 liters.
Today week we start the race across to St
Lucia.
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