Autopilot replacement for Bavaria 44, EV-200 or EV-400

[Bjorn_J]

Hi!
I have an old Bavaria 44, 2004 with a Raymarine course computer 150.
I would like to replace it with a new Raymarine EV-200 or EV-400 autopilot.
The ACU-200 drive unit is rated 15A and ACU-400 is rated 30A, both at continous load.
The drive/gear is Lewmar Mamba standard for Bavaria 44 (89200092) and the electrical motor is rated 1/4 hp (appr 186W) at 12V, average cosumtion 4A.
The recommendation for the Lewmar Mamba motor is a 16A circuit breaker.
The question is if the ACU-200 is large enough (it is on the edge at max load)? The ACU-400 is much more expensive.
Have you tried one or the other?

Kind regards
Björn Johansson

[sy_Anniina]

No first hand experience on said combination, but my engineering-thought:

1/4 HP max rated power is almost exactly 12V x 15A, so if it was my boat, I would not hesitate to use EV-200.

BR,

Tommi
s/y Anniina

[Bjorn_J]

Hi Tommi,
I have the same engineering thoughts.

Kind regards
Björn

[kavok]

A good ratio between computer power and motor average consumption is 5
For our motor that use average 4 amp, we need 20 amp computer.
Ev 200 is too small , 15 amp, in rough conditions when the autopilot must be affordable
EV 400  is rated 30 amp, in this case we have more reserve power.
I put Ev 400 on 40 CRUISER my 2008 and I am very satisfied in wind mode navigazione.

[Baltic]

Hi.

" Mamba standard for Bavaria 44 (89200092)"
Lewmar SKU might be  89300053  (Mamba 1/4hp 12v Std)

I am not  an engineer.
But. I think in this case 1/4hk does not mean 1:1 electric motor power 186w  and P=U*I...  15A. 

We have Lewmar autopilot Integra drive 89300111.  1/8hp
Specification:    AVERAGE CURRENT  CONSUMPTION 4A, MOTOR 16A CIRCUIT  BREAKER,  CLUTCH 2A
Electric motor is Kenlowe KLM2189 ,  Output power 64w,  Rated Current 8.3A    (~ 1/8hp)

We have used it 15 years with Raymarine S1 smart pilot.
Specification:   Drive motor output:   continuous 5 A at 12 V,  Drive clutch output:   1.5A at 12 V  (FUSE 10A)

With 12V and without extra load drive motor will draw less than 2A.   And 10A fuse is working fine without any problems.

I just want to say..   
It is possible to use 1/8Hp and 8.3A  (Rated Current)  motor with the S1 course computer with 5A drive output without any problems.   
 (Rated Current) = Internet says... "The current drawn by a motor at its full load"

My opinion...  Mamba 1/4hp 12v Std  Rated current could be that  186w ~ 15A.
ACU-200 15 A (maximum continuous output)   And Fuse is 20A

As Tommi and Björn told
If it my boat..   Hard to see any reason to pay extra and buy ACU-400.
 
The clutch might be a more interesting question...

[SYJetzt]

Why change the AP, if it is functioning? A new one does nothing else than the old one (exept draining you some 1000€ from your wallet). Yes, the new pretty shining displays.... but worth a fortune?

[kavok]

Why change the AP, if it is functioning? A new one does nothing else than the old one (exept draining you some 1000€ from your wallet). Yes, the new pretty shining displays.... but worth a fortune?

New generation autopilots are a big improvement in spite old, specially in sailing mode and strong conditions.

[Bjorn_J]

Hi,
thank you all for all the thoughts and recommendations. I have decided to go for the EV-400 to have soem extra margins.

Kind regards
Björn

[kavok]

Righ choice.