Autopilot hoses?

[mnm99]

I'm installing a Autopilot and have to change the hose configuration a little. At first I was going to add a return line and all the tee's and fittings with the Nylon 3/8 hose ferrule connectors. Then I was thinking of just adding crimp hoses from the pump to the piston (3 feet). Not I'm thinking of replacing the entire system with the flex hose with crimp connectors. I already bought all the nylon hose, Ferrules ect.. Ugg. Either way I don't mind spending more money to do it right. What do you think?

 

[MikeBravo]

For an autopilot system you need to use hydraulic hoses with the proper fittings.

 

[mnm99]

I’ve seen it both ways. I think I’m gonna do the crimp fittings. BOE marine so far looks like it’s the cheapest per foot. I’m going to need a lot of hose and fittings. Anyone know a good place to get them. It’s gonna have to be custom lengths. My local hose place wants $25 a fitting and five dollars a foot to make them up.

 

[MikeBravo]

I’ve seen it both ways. I think I’m gonna do the crimp fittings. BOE marine so far looks like it’s the cheapest per foot. I’m going to need a lot of hose and fittings. Anyone know a good place to get them. It’s gonna have to be custom lengths. My local hose place wants $25 a fitting and five dollars a foot to make them up.

Custom made hoses are not cheap. Why do you need so much length?

 

[Jaybeaux]

These guys were awesome to work with. They will sell you the fittings and even make up the hoses for you. Often, while you wait....

https://www.colliflower.com/locations

 

[Riptide III]

Ferrules have no place in an autopilot system. Run away from the advice of anyone who says it’s okay to use them. On a different note, why so much hose? Move the pump up near the helm and have three 6 foot hoses made. Problem solved problem staying solved. Rangers lead the way!

 

[mnm99]

Ferrules have no place in an autopilot system. Run away from the advice of anyone who says it’s okay to use them. On a different note, why so much hose? Move the pump up near the helm and the shorter the hose have three 6 foot hoses made. Problem solved problem staying solved. Rangers lead the way!

No room in the helm, Garmin install says near the closest to the steering ram with short hoses. Why so much hose.. 3 from helm to engine compartment Tee, Return, 2 lines to pump, 2 lines to cylinder. I'm going with all pre made crimped hose.

 

[Riptide III]

I’ll stop badgering you after this. There is enough room behind this panel. I know from experience. And experience also tells me, as did the Garmin tech I spoke to, you will not notice ANY difference if the pump is no located near the ram.
1. Disconnect the two factory hoses from the helm and attach them to the pump.
2. Purchase three short hoses and run them from the Helm to the pump
3. “Bob’s your uncle’ Done.
I won’t bother you again. I just wanted to be clear for anyone else that may be monitoring and considering this. Best of luck. You will love the system.

 

[mnm99]

I’ll stop badgering you after this. There is enough room behind this panel. I know from experience. And experience also tells me, as did the Garmin tech I spoke to, you will not notice ANY difference if the pump is no located near the ram.
1. Disconnect the two factory hoses from the helm and attach them to the pump.
2. Purchase three short hoses and run them from the Helm to the pump
3. “Bob’s your uncle’ Done.
I won’t bother you again. I just wanted to be clear for anyone else that may be monitoring and considering this. Best of luck. You will love the system.
View attachment 99561

Understood, no bother. I'm sure it will work as you stated. As you know it's tight to work in there. I have plenty of room in the engine compartment. Power is right there also. The shadowdrive is going in that spot though. I also have all my NMEA stuff in there. A lot of wires. I also think it will be quiet in the engine compartment, much easy to work on with the valves I'm installing and all. Thanks for the input though.

 

[MikeBravo]

I’ll stop badgering you after this. There is enough room behind this panel. I know from experience. And experience also tells me, as did the Garmin tech I spoke to, you will not notice ANY difference if the pump is no located near the ram.
1. Disconnect the two factory hoses from the helm and attach them to the pump.
2. Purchase three short hoses and run them from the Helm to the pump
3. “Bob’s your uncle’ Done.
I won’t bother you again. I just wanted to be clear for anyone else that may be monitoring and considering this. Best of luck. You will love the system.
View attachment 99561

That's where mine is. Much easier install and short hoses.