Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

The crew replaces an aging wheel pilot with a hydraulic autopilot system on their boat, Uma.0:15 The installation requires fabricating and fiberglassing a reinforced shelf inside the cockpit locker to support the hydraulic ram, which must withstand 1,500 pounds of force.3:53 The system includes an NAC-3 autopilot computer, a dedicated low-profile control display, and a compass sensor mounted near the waterline to account for pitch and roll.8:59 The hydraulic ram attaches to a new tiller arm bolted above the existing quadrant, ensuring the rudder hits its mechanical stops before the ram reaches its full extension.14:18 A rudder position sensor connects to the quadrant via a threaded rod to provide feedback to the computer.16:33 All components integrate into the existing NEMA 2000 network.6:48 The installation provides a redundant steering system alongside the boat's Cape Horn windvane.1:13 Proper alignment of the compass and rudder sensor is essential for accurate autopilot performance.7:19

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