Patrick Lainevideo
Ep 53 Sailing Solo : Boring Refit Stuff and NKE autopilot installation
September 13, 2021 · 18 min · 58K views
What this video covers
A refit of a performance sailboat includes installing an NKE gyropilot system, replacing engine components, and reinforcing the forestay attachment. To accommodate the boat’s rack-and-pinion steering, a custom-machined bracket connects a Raymarine electric ram to the rudder shaft.5:47 The NKE system integrates multiple sensors—including wind, pitch, roll, and heading—into a central computer, requiring complex calibration for optimal performance.8:30 Structural maintenance involves installing a turnbuckle between internal eye bolts to distribute forestay tension and prevent deck deformation.4:46 Engine repairs include replacing a corroded exhaust elbow, a leaking heat exchanger element, and a U-Flex throttle quadrant.1:24 Electrical upgrades feature a new AIS unit from Vesper Marine, a digital voltmeter, and a rewired panel.11:04 During a mast-down service, the VHF antenna cable was upgraded from RG-58 to RG-8X coax to improve signal clarity.16:02 The project also includes installing a new anemometer and a masthead tricolor light.5:22
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