Autopilot install on 1994 Searay 500

Dave Batistig

New Member
Jan 21, 2022
25
Boat Info
1994 Searay 500. Raymarine Axiom dual displays
Engines
550HP Detroit diesels
Hello!! We recently bought a new to us 1994 Searay 500. It has 2 new Raymarine Axiom displays, new GPS antenna, etc. It has what I assume was an original install B&G autopilot which is non functional. I am planning to replace the B&G with a Raymarine autopilot unit, but it isn't clear to me how to determine which Raymarine unit is the right one.

This boat was one of the few built in 1994 with a hardtop, and it has the 550HP Detroit engines.

Anyone on here installed a new Raymarine autopilot in a 500?

Any help is greatly appreciated!
 
This is what you need for the latest up to date RM Autopilot. You need to spec the right pump for your boat, but these are the basic components. https://mygreenoutdoors.com/raymarine-evolution-ev-150-hydraulic-autopilot-system-pack-t70330/

Your existing pump may still be good, in which case you might be able to salvage it and use with the new system. If not look at the specs for that pump and match that up with a RM pump. I believe a Type 1 pump will work. I have a Type 1 and it works well for me, but I also have an axillary power assistance pump as well. When the Aux pump is not on, it is very difficult to turn the wheel.

Welcome to the forums!
 
Thanks for the response! Interesting that you have an aux power assist pump. When we sea trialed this boat, I thought the steering felt "heavy" for lack of a better term. I will investigate to see what main pump is and if there is an aux pump. I may have to add that. THe boat is in indoor winter storage 4 hours from me right now, so it will be a few weeks before I can get out there and look it over.
 
Thanks for the response! Interesting that you have an aux power assist pump. When we sea trialed this boat, I thought the steering felt "heavy" for lack of a better term. I will investigate to see what main pump is and if there is an aux pump. I may have to add that. THe boat is in indoor winter storage 4 hours from me right now, so it will be a few weeks before I can get out there and look it over.


Yes, heavy is a good description of the steering without an assist pump.

This is the pump I have for power assist:

20180604_184125.jpg

Curious is your boat at Skipperbuds ? If so, nice looking boat. Good Luck.

EDIT: corrected name
 
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No, our 500 is at Safe Harbor Marina in indoor storage in Port Clinton, OH. The boat is being trucked to W. PA in May to just north of Pittsburgh on the Allegheny river for a few years until we can secure a slip in the Marina we want to be in on the Caloosahatchee River in North Ft Meyers, FL.
 
Yes, heavy is a good description of the steering without an assist pump.

This is the pump I have for power assist:

View attachment 119279

Curious is your boat at Skipperbuds ? If so, nice looking boat. Good Luck.

EDIT: corrected name
so, is this aux pump up stream or down stream of the main pump being controller by the autopilot?
 
so, is this aux pump up stream or down stream of the main pump being controller by the autopilot?

It can be anywhere in the loop, just depends on who installed it, but I am guessing there isn't one since you say the wheel is heavy, unless it isn't on or connected. But mine is right next to the AP pump.

Once you add AP in the loop it's all connected via three lines, so each pump can be placed anywhere.
 
Curious…why the aux pump? On my 410, normal manual steering is solely by the hydraulic steering wheel, and mine is very light and responsive. Once the autopilot is engaged, the wheel can be turned but it feels like your fighting the AP pump. I have a single Type 1 and it is pretty responsive.

Is there a different steering config on this era boat?

I would think wiring up the correct sized ACU (likely ACU-200 or -400) and adding a control head would get you up and running
 
Curious…why the aux pump? On my 410, normal manual steering is solely by the hydraulic steering wheel, and mine is very light and responsive. Once the autopilot is engaged, the wheel can be turned but it feels like your fighting the AP pump. I have a single Type 1 and it is pretty responsive.

Is there a different steering config on this era boat?

I would think wiring up the correct sized ACU (likely ACU-200 or -400) and adding a control head would get you up and running

Nope, I have the standard SeaStar pump and also have the Type 1 AP pump. My boat was completely reoutfitted ~10yrs ago by the PO with what was ever being put on all of the Sea Rays of that time. I can turn the wheel very easily when the AP is engaged, but is plumbed for the three hoses and not just two. Perhaps that is the difference, I do not know. But without the aux pump it very difficult to steer the boat, with the aux pump you can use your pinky. There must be a reason for this pump since SeaStar makes it just for this use. Thought it was odd when I first got this boat as well, but love the fact that it is there.

EDIT: The ACU-150/200 are for the Type 1 drive units (pumps). The 400 is for type 2.
 
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Nope, I have the standard SeaStar pump and also have the Type 1 AP pump. My boat was completely reoutfitted ~10yrs ago by the PO with what was ever being put on all of the Sea Rays of that time. I can turn the wheel very easily when the AP is engaged, but is plumbed for the three hoses and not just two. Perhaps that is the difference, I do not know. But without the aux pump it very difficult to steer the boat, with the aux pump you can use your pinky. There must be a reason for this pump since SeaStar makes it just for this use. Thought it was odd when I first got this boat as well, but love the fact that it is there.

EDIT: The ACU-150/200 are for the Type 1 drive units (pumps). The 400 is for type 2.

I'm going to say that our 500 will benefit from the aux pump. Definitely not steering it with your pinky, not even at speed. We will be out to the boat in mid March for sure installing a new swim platform, I'll investigate this further then.
 
How in the world do I post on this page?Preferably this main board!
 
How in the world do I post on this page?Preferably this main board!
.. you just did ;)

If you are referring to starting a new thread then navigate to the appropriate forum section and then click the button saying "Post New Thread"
upload_2022-1-25_16-27-52.png

HTH
-Kevin
 
I just did some quick searches and that aux pump is $2,000…. I think I will use both hands for a while
 
Don't confuse the autopilot drive pump with the steering power assist pump; they have different functions.
I have the Seastar Hynautic engine driven power steering where there are two independent hydraulic systems, one for the rudder drive and one for steering and autopilot control.
 
Don't confuse the autopilot drive pump with the steering power assist pump; they have different functions.
I have the Seastar Hynautic engine driven power steering where there are two independent hydraulic systems, one for the rudder drive and one for steering and autopilot control.

Yes, I looked at that pump link I posted again and realized it is a Type 1 pump and not the power assist pump I referenced. I do have the SeaStar power assist pump in conjunction with my Type 1 AP pump. The conversation is correct, just not the link I posted for the assist pump. Jumped too quickly on that one.

This is the correct pump link: http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/hydraulic-new/power-steering-new/spa/

And @Blueone you were correct in the pricing. Crazy expensive, very glad the PO bought that and not me.
 

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