A New Autopilot

This week we have taken delivery of a new Nexus Autopilot. This is another really important system for us.

Until now we have only used our autopilot when we needed to and when both of us have been on deck ie. for headsail changes in strong winds. Most of the time to do anything away from the helm we would call the off watch person. However when the “off watch” person also has to take radio scheds, cook, pack sails, etc that “off watch” looses its meaning fast… ok in short races, but the thrill wears off. Our plan is to be more independent, where possible, to let the other person sleep

Additionally we have decided that for the race Round NZ we need to provide for 8-9 days at sea if the conditions are adverse. Within that time if one person is incapacitated for any reason we need to have the realistic ability to sail the boat single handed for 3-4 days.

Our old system has painstakingly been kept alive by Neil doing frequent electronic brain surgery, thanks heaps Neil but if you can’t come with us and fix it every day we will have to let it Rest in Peace

We chose Nexus for our autopilot because we really like our NXR system and we like Kiwi Yachting’s proven history of long term support of quality brands. Every enquiry we have had so far has been met with an instant and honest answer from all levels of the team at Kiwi Yachting. This has resulted in a great sense of confidence as an owner to commit totally to the  Nexus system.

The Details

We will be running a 1510 course computer, a Rotary rudder sensor, a 40amp servo box to compliment our original lA2 linear actuator, headed by a NX2 autopilot display unit. This will integrate with our HPC compass, and NXR windgear for a fully integrated system that we believe will be bulletproof and that’s exactly what we need.

Complimentary to this we will be upgrading (tripling) our battery capacity and upgrading our charging system, but that’s another story.

Meantime I will be installing the new system in time for the White island Race so we can get used to it, more cool toys to play with, and again we are both very excited about it.