Location of AP Pump on R25

[NorthernFocus]

Where did the factory mount the auto pilot hydraulic pump on R25s? The logical place seems to be the starboard side lazarette. But that involves a lot of wire and tubing runs.

 

[AKDAVE]

Using guidance from Andrew, I installed mine behind the AC breaker panel, accessed from the electronics compartment and below it in the V berth.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, Dave. What brand AP did you install?

 

[AKDAVE]

I put in a Garmin package for a seamless interface with the rest of the Garmin package which came with the boat.

 

[DBBRanger]

I purchased a Raymarine autopilot and mounted the pump as described above, behind and forward of the AC panel. However, I am considering moving it to the stern by the rudder. The pump is very noisy and very active so I use it less than I want to due to the noise. I believe it can be placed very close to the rudder piston and therefore no extra hydraulic lines are needed. An extension to the control lines will be needed but I don't see that as a game changer. On my R25, installing it where I did was a bear and not that professional of an install either since getting access to the area was a nightmare.

 

[Just Dreamin']

Dan, I added our Garmin AP the winter layup after our first season with Just Dreamin' (life was much better the second season). I mounted the pump in aft starboard side lazarette which basically placed it right next to the rudder piston and did not take away that much storage area.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I purchased a Raymarine autopilot and mounted the pump as described above, behind and forward of the AC panel. However, I am considering moving it to the stern by the rudder. The pump is very noisy and very active so I use it less than I want to due to the noise. I believe it can be placed very close to the rudder piston and therefore no extra hydraulic lines are needed. An extension to the control lines will be needed but I don't see that as a game changer. On my R25, installing it where I did was a bear and not that professional of an install either since getting access to the area was a nightmare.

I'm installing a Raymarine unit also. Based on prior general experience with APs I was wondering about the noise issue if mounted near the helm. So your comments validate that concern.

Dan, I added our Garmin AP the winter layup after our first season with Just Dreamin' (life was much better the second season). I mounted the pump in aft starboard side lazarette which basically placed it right next to the rudder piston and did not take away that much storage area.

That seems like the most logical spot. Of course mounting it in the aft location involves the pleasantries of running all of the wires and the hose for the reservoir connection on the pump. I do so love to fish wiring on this boat 🙁 Does the pump on the Garmin unit require the third hydraulic hose for the "reservoir" connection?

 

[Just Dreamin']

Dan, I am not on the boat and will not be until tomorrow when we head back up to Lake Erie. If I recall correctly the Garmin pump did require a third line running from helm reservoir back to the pump, a return line. If it would be of interest to you when we are back on the boat tomorrow I can take a photo of the pump installation in the aft lazarette and forward on. Fishing wires is always a fun under taking no matter what size the vessel. :shock:

 

[NorthernFocus]

... If it would be of interest to you when we are back on the boat tomorrow I can take a photo of the pump installation in the aft lazarette and forward on....

Yes please.

 

[Just Dreamin']

Dan, as you requested have added a couple of photos of the Garmin AP pump location in the aft starboard lazarette. Under the small black plate is the AP ECU, I added the plate as a protective cover. As you can see takes very little of my storage area and I still have full access to the trim tab reservoir. Taking the photo actually pushed me into cleaning out the locker. :lol:

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for that. My lazarette is a little more crowded than that but there is room all the way aft there. I mounted the fuel pump for my Webasto in there and have two five gallon jugs of diesel in there that double as heater tank and emergency auxiliary fuel. But back aft there is still plenty of room. Relatively speaking... 😉