Autopilot

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
boudy
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2015 2:41 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X

Autopilot

Post by boudy »

Helo.
I am trying to put an autopilot to my 26x
Is there any good ideas ???
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Spector
First Officer
Posts: 266
Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2012 6:53 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Calgary AB, 98 26X 'Cenoté' 2002 Yamaha 60 HP
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Re: Autopilot

Post by Spector »

Lots of info in here on autopilots. Use the search function and you will be busy reading for hours.
I installed the Raymarine EV100 wheel. Increased steering wheel size by 3" to make more finger room. Some have installed the actuator below but I like being able to disengage instantly. Very happy with the unit.
SENCMac26x
First Officer
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Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:44 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Carolina Beach, NC

Re: Autopilot

Post by SENCMac26x »

I'm really considering one too since I single hand a lot.

I've considered the EV-100 wheel mounted one on my 26x and have thought about connecting Ray Marine Tiller AP directly to the steering linkage connecting the motor and using a remote to operate it.

Then there is Vic's prototype still in the works out there.

I guess it's a good thing I'm travelling too much for work to actually spend any time working on my boat right now. :cry:
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beene
Site Admin
Posts: 2546
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:31 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Ontario Canada, '07 26M, Merc 75 4s PEGASUS

Re: Autopilot

Post by beene »

Auto pilot systems will be the best dollar for dollar mod to any mac

Bar none

Had mine for years, wouldn't leave home without it

G
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Obelix
Captain
Posts: 523
Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:20 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Port Richey, FL, 26M 2008 "New Love" - 60hp E-Tec

Re: Autopilot

Post by Obelix »

I'm still holding for Vic's AP, looking at a prototype convinced me that his drive unit is the way to go.
Unfortunately, there is no progress information coming for the last few months. :cry:

Obelix
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yukonbob
Admiral
Posts: 1918
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:54 pm
Sailboat: Other
Location: Whitehorse Yukon

Re: Autopilot

Post by yukonbob »

I've really been considering the EV100 as well, but hate the bulk at the wheel. Anyone with pics of a tiler pilot install below?
Retcoastie
Captain
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Gray Hawk, Kentucky 2002 X "Last Flight"

Re: Autopilot

Post by Retcoastie »

Amen, Brother Beene!
bahama bound
Captain
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: charleston sc

Re: Autopilot

Post by bahama bound »

My mac seems to have a good bit of slop in the steering ? How does this affect the performance of the autopilot ? Thought about switching to hydraulic helm ?
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RobertB
Admiral
Posts: 1863
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 7:42 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Clarksville, MD

Re: Autopilot

Post by RobertB »

The AP does not worry about slop. It will steer until the direction changes. Nice to let the AP handle this. For details, search the forum and look at the pictures I posted of the tiller install. Others have documented this as well.
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jimmy alonso
Engineer
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Joined: Mon May 02, 2005 9:27 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Puerto Rico, 2004 26M,Yamaha 50

Re: Autopilot

Post by jimmy alonso »

Raymarine's Wheel Pilot is on special at Defender.com
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Chinook
Admiral
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Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 7:20 pm
Location: LeavenworthWA 2002 26x, Suzuki DF60A

Re: Autopilot

Post by Chinook »

I installed the Raymarine wheel pilot on our boat. Instead of changing to a larger steering wheel, I made a set of 1/2 inch shims for the donut which mounts on the steering wheel spokes. It gives plenty of room for finger grip, and I don't encroach on the already tight clearance around the pedestal.
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yukonbob
Admiral
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Location: Whitehorse Yukon

Re: Autopilot

Post by yukonbob »

jimmy alonso wrote:Raymarine's Wheel Pilot is on special at Defender.com
Same price as WM regular price
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yukonbob
Admiral
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Location: Whitehorse Yukon

Re: Autopilot

Post by yukonbob »

Chinook wrote:I installed the Raymarine wheel pilot on our boat. Instead of changing to a larger steering wheel, I made a set of 1/2 inch shims for the donut which mounts on the steering wheel spokes. It gives plenty of room for finger grip, and I don't encroach on the already tight clearance around the pedestal.
You have pics of this Chinnok? Really considering the EV-100. Also saw a Ray EV-100 tiller installed below deck in the mods. Looks like the base was attached to a block of wood glued to the hull? :|
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RobertB
Admiral
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Location: Clarksville, MD

Re: Autopilot

Post by RobertB »

On mine, I did use a block of wood glued to the hull - pretty standard, plenty strong. I also laminated fiberglass over all. Better than bolting thru the hull, might have messed up my name decal.
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yukonbob
Admiral
Posts: 1918
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:54 pm
Sailboat: Other
Location: Whitehorse Yukon

Re: Autopilot

Post by yukonbob »

RobertB wrote:On mine, I did use a block of wood glued to the hull - pretty standard, plenty strong. I also laminated fiberglass over all. Better than bolting thru the hull, might have messed up my name decal.
Hmm I do like the idea of the AP hidden below deck out of sun salt rain.
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