Autopilot install on 1994 Searay 500

ttmott said:

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.

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dtfeld said:

Thanks for the clarification…I was confused on this point as well.

If you want the AP to work, a newer ACU and control head will get that integrated.

If you want easier manual control, add the Aux pump.

Got it!

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SKybolt said:

What Tom is talking about is quite different from what I was referencing. For clarification on what I was referencing, the power assist pump I mentioned is not a separate system and is used in conjunction with the type 1 AP pump and they are all plumbed together. The power assist is always on regardless of the AP state and assist's with the manual steering. As mentioned without it, the wheel is very hard to turn.

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Dave Batistig said:

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!

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