Rotary drive autopilot - Bavaria 31 - 2001

[hennypenny]

Does anyone know if it is possible to fit a rotary drive to the early model Bavaria 31? I am hoping to replace the ST4000 wheel drive unit and would like to have below deck version. The linear drive is quite expensive and the rotary drive seems to be an achievable alternative.

[Yngmar]

It's going to be a space problem. The rotary drive is usually driving the wheel axle (or vertical shaft in the binnacle, if any). So it needs to be mounted somewhere under the binnacle, which I think is going to be quite tricky on the B31 (but I may be wrong).

Have a look at the manual for installation options: https://www.comstedt.se/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/89300136-Autopilot-Manual-Integra.pdf

[Symphony]

That is correct. There is not enough room under the binnacle of the smaller boats of that age for the Lewmar drive. I investigated it for my 2001 37 and even on that there was no room for the frame and the drive.

While below decks drives are inherently superior, the wheel drive is operating well within its capabilities on a 31. The loads on the drive are much lower than on the larger and heavier boats so the weakness of the drive mechanism is not such a problem.

[hennypenny]

Thanks very much both noted - I think I will just get a new wheel drive of the Raymarine variety