Adding autopilot. Simrad Nss8 with bravo 3

[psubill78]

Thinking of adding an autopilot to my '98 310. Seems with the steering (stock) that this may not be possible?

I've got bravo 3's.

Anyone do this on their boat?

 

[Sadler]

I added an autopilot to my 1997 290DA with Bravo 3. I used a Simrad AP-14R which is no longer available, although I've seen a couple on eBay for sale. It works extremely well, but it ended up being quite a job. If you're interested, look back at my posts on the subject, and if you decide to give it a try, PM me and I can give you some more details on what I had to do to make it work.

 

[Henry Boyd]

There are very few autopilots out there that will work with Stern Drive, unfortunately. Raymarine used to make a sport pilot that would clamp to the steering wheel post, but I don't know if it is still available.

Ray still makes a unit like that, and at this year's boat show I asked the RM people what they had that would work with our 280. I was told our 280 (and I would assume a 300 as well) is too heavy to be controlled by their products.

Henry

 

[melida]

Ray still makes a unit like that, and at this year's boat show I asked the RM people what they had that would work with our 280. I was told our 280 (and I would assume a 300 as well) is too heavy to be controlled by their products.

Henry

Henry,

I have to disagree with RM about our 280. I guess they never installed one on a 280DA and don't have any clue about it.

I have the ST6002 control unit, SPX10 smart pilot core pack and universal I/O drive unit installed over my Volvo Penta steering arm.

Even my boat has single engine and heavier than the 496MAG version (not sure heavier than twin 4,3s or 5,0s) with except genny and added more than factory offered options auto pilot works great.


I've never thought in 3 years of AP use as it's a waste of money, if you think it's strictly recommended.

 

[Sadler]

I love my AP!

 

[melida]

I love my AP!

Me too.

It amortized it's cost by cruising less time and consuming less.

Also minimizes the effort keeping the course straight and it eliminates the need of a captain and it's cost, this may or not apply in this size of boats but in a 40+ ft boat it makes huge sense.

 

[Sadler]

Same here. I use it when I'm pretending to be a trawler (saving gas) and going slow for long periods. On a long reach, it's really great, no bow wander and relaxing, like Melida says.

 

[melida]

I was out today for a perfect day cruise. After returning to homeport I took a few photos of my autopilot installed on my steering ram.

My engine is Volvo Penta and the drive is VP DP-G, not sure about the Bravo 3 drive but should be similar.

Starboard view

Port view

Topview

The motor of the AP steers the leg meanwhile steering wheel turns too, however in a shaft driven boat steering wheel is not turning while autopilot is working.

Hope this gives some idea for installation or you may show these to Raymarine folks.