Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

AlanC

I am about to purchase a 10m yacht which has Raymarine i70 display, A50 plotter and no autopilot. I am told that there is a transducer on the boat (as part of either the A50 or the i70 display), but I have yet to see this so am not sure about its type or specifications. I want to upgrade to an Axiom 7 chartplotter and install an autopilot.

Can I simply unplug the A50 and plug in and mount the Axiom 7 or is the installation more complex than that? Do I need any other equipment for the Axiom 7 to work, specifically a particular type of transducer and separate GPS?

Is there much advantage for a yacht in the Down Vision option? It seems to be used mainly for fishing. Also, some people have told me that Down Vision does not work well on yachts because the keel distorts the signal. Is this correct? (The yacht has a 1.5m fin keel.) If I was to go with the Down Vision option is there other equipment that needs to be installed as well?

For the autopilot my options appear to be the Evolution Wheel Pilot system pack or the Evolution Autopilot pack with Type 1 mechanical linear drive. Is this correct given that the yacht has mechanical wheel steering?

As the first option is about half the cost of the second, I would like to know if there is much difference in performance and durability? I have also been told that a wheel pilot is less precise and more likely to disengage in moderate seas and I will be sailing in open waters (although I run for cover if it looks like getting too adventurous!) Do they last as long as each other?

I assume that the installation of the wheel pilot is easier, but is there much difference?

Thanks.

AlanC.