Hello,
I recently moved my boat from the UK to the Netherlands, so apologies writing in English
My old autopilot (Autohelm ST4000) has failed, and I’m now looking for a replacement. A few people have suggested PC Nautic, and their Power Tiller unit looks like it could be a good fit. My boat is a Westsail 32, heavy displacement, double ender. Approx 9 tons.
Where I am now there aren’t many experienced boat people around, and my technical knowledge is pretty limited, so I’m trying to understand where to even start.
My current setup has a 620 mm midstroke, but I understand the PC Nautic unit needs 675 mm. So I have a few basic questions:
1. How difficult is it to install a new pin in the tiller? The PC Nautic requires a stronger 10 mm pin (attached), and I’d likely need to move it as well to match the 675 mm?
2. What’s the correct way to install the new pin? Is it as simple as drilling a hole (tap it) and securing it with epoxy, or is there more to it?
3. I haven’t yet calculated power requirements. I have two solar panels (120W each) would that be enough? I should add that I’m also installing a Hydrovane, so the autopilot won’t be in use all the time.
Given that, would the smaller PC Nautic unit make more sense? It might let me keep the current setup without moving the pin and also save power.
Sorry if these are very basic questions, I’m still learning. I only started sailing about three years ago when I bought this boat, and I’ve been sailing solo for the past year, so I have a lot to learn especially on the technical side.
Thanks a lot for any advice!
Lila