FF
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2007
- Messages
- 22,552
The difference is that my AP was connected to the helm so it had to deal with the wrap-up of that long shaft (pipe) going back to the pitman arm.
It bogels my mind to think the steering loads were so high that you were twisting the pipe , and that caused slop.
Perhaps some end fittings were worn?
********
Frankly one regret I have is not having an A/P, and the only downside to fitting to this type of system is the rather heavy price asked for the rotary electric motor and sprocket to link it by chain to the main drive chain, so I could not justify the cost for our boating region and typically not long distances covered. Apart from that, no problem, and the wheel turning with it would not bother anyone.
A vessel with an easy mechanical helm can frequently just fit the cheap tiller ram style AP.
It attaches to the king spoke and will usually only have 4 inches of motion either way , but for sweet boats it is enough,
Try your helm , if tiny few inch corrections will steer , you might borrow a sail boat tiller ram and hook it up to see. About $300 for everything , if it works for you.
It bogels my mind to think the steering loads were so high that you were twisting the pipe , and that caused slop.
Perhaps some end fittings were worn?
********
Frankly one regret I have is not having an A/P, and the only downside to fitting to this type of system is the rather heavy price asked for the rotary electric motor and sprocket to link it by chain to the main drive chain, so I could not justify the cost for our boating region and typically not long distances covered. Apart from that, no problem, and the wheel turning with it would not bother anyone.
A vessel with an easy mechanical helm can frequently just fit the cheap tiller ram style AP.
It attaches to the king spoke and will usually only have 4 inches of motion either way , but for sweet boats it is enough,
Try your helm , if tiny few inch corrections will steer , you might borrow a sail boat tiller ram and hook it up to see. About $300 for everything , if it works for you.