Encyklopedia jachtów
Autopilot
Yacht autopilots: tiller and below-deck types, survey checks, power draw, and FairHelm limits on trusting a dock demo alone.
Co to jest
A yacht autopilot is a steering system that holds a compass heading, GPS course, or wind angle by driving the tiller, wheel, or quadrant through an electric or hydraulic actuator.
Anchor
FairHelm meets tiller pilots on smaller Nordic boats and below-deck ram or rotary drives on larger cruisers. Sea-trial behaviour in a chop matters more than a quiet dock beep. Battery health and clutch disengage are part of the same check.
FairHelm judgment
FairHelm judgment: hunting, noisy drives, failed fluxgate calibration, and a clutch that will not release are survey items. "Has autopilot" on a listing is not a sea-trial pass. Confirm spare capacity on the house bank for overnight passages.
Limits
We do not invent amp-hour budgets or claim one brand never fails in Baltic swell. Match the drive to rudder loads with a surveyor or installer for that boat.
Najczęściej zadawane pytania
Q: Is a tiller pilot enough for offshore?
A: It depends on boat size and conditions. Many coastal boats use them. Do not treat brand marketing as a passage plan.
Q: Does NMEA link prove the autopilot works?
A: Networking helps. Mechanical drive and rudder feedback still need a trial.
Q: Can I survey an autopilot only at the dock?
A: Basic power-on yes. Steering under load needs water time.