Bavaria Yacht Info

Member Forums => Modifications & Equipment => Topic started by: Kasier on October 05 2022, 07:47

Title: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: Kasier on October 05 2022, 07:47

Hi all
I'm curious if there is anyone that has installed a linear drive, below deck, auto pilot on their Bavaria 32ft?
The space in the lazarette is quite limited, and I've received conflicting information from different sources on the possibility of fitting the extra tiller unit and the corresponding linear drive. So I wanted to check if anyone had it done and could confirm that it is possible?
Thanks

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: Goboatingnow on October 06 2022, 13:29

I’ve done it on a Bavaria 36 which had an original wheel pilot. I’ve seen the transom space on the 32 and it’s not much smaller. So shouldn’t be an issue. I fitted a tiller arm to the rudder post and the linear arm went from it to a new plywood piece partly across the transom access panel.

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: JEN-et-ROSS on October 06 2022, 13:31

I suspect it would be a tight fit even if it was possible. We have a linear drive in our B38 and it takes a lot of space...
But I was wondering, if the space is too tight, why not install a wheel pilot or a tiller pilot if you have a tiller..
Much cheaper, easy to fit and just as effective.....My late brother had a wheel pilot on his Gibsea 372 that was really just as good......Bill

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: Lazy Pelican on October 06 2022, 15:22

Many years ago we had a Wheel Pilot on a B36- it was hopeless on anything other than flat water. Go for a proper AP if you can.

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: Goboatingnow on October 08 2022, 09:44

Quote from: Lazy Pelican on October 06 2022, 15:22

Many years ago we had a Wheel Pilot on a B36- it was hopeless on anything other than flat water. Go for a proper AP if you can.

Wouldn’t agree I  had no space issues with the Jefa linear drive and tiller arm

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: delga on November 22 2022, 11:51

I have one Raymarine linear on my Bavaria 32 2003; Contact me if you want pictures gerard.delga@orange.fr

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: delga on November 22 2022, 12:00

J'ai réussi ; voici quelques photos

Title: Re: Linear drive auto pilot for Bav32 2003
Post by: Kasier on November 30 2022, 07:05

Thank you so much for the pictures Gerard.