Sailboat tech: How does a marine autopilot work? (with the Raymarine evolution ) //RTC #7

Sailboat tech: How does a marine autopilot work? (Featuring the Raymarine evolution & EV1 sensor) // Ryan’s tech corner #7
In this new episode of Ryan’s tech corner, we explore autopilots.
What exactly is a marine autopilot and how does it work?
What is the difference between a wind vane and an electronic autopilot?
What to think about before buying an autopilot for your boat?
As we purchased a brand new Raymarine Evolution autopilot ahead of our coming Atlantic crossing, we figured this would be a great opportunity to demystify our third crew member, and explain how we go from pressing a button to our autopilot holding its course.
Hope you enjoy this video!
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[@RyanSophieSailing]

Ok guys, clearly, we need to make a video of the installation! What would you like to see? Anything in particular we should focus on? Placement of the parts? Tools required? Footage of Ryan crawling in the lazaret? 😅 Thanks for your all your comments and constructive feedback, we are loving the exchange we have with this wonderful community of sailing enthusiasts! /Sophie

[@cliveo]

Hi, definitely the installation and also some information on any data protocols and compatability with older equipment.

[@howardwhite9773]

After the fuss of wondering where to put the EV1, we gotta see that if nothing else :D

[@philgee6901]

I want to see how the actuator rod end bearing/heim joint mounts to the rudderstock..is there an additional arm? does it mount to the quadrant?

[@jackfletcher4175]

Yes, yes, and yes to all of the above. Most of all, please continue to be yourself and do what you enjoy. Thanks.

[@peterfrebold]

.... does it correspond with the chart plotter or do you manually enter the coordinates .... have fun be safe, save our oceans .....

[@lowellmccormick6991]

Ryan does an excellent job explaining things in his tech videos.

[@tomd.3082]

As much as I enjoy listening to Sophie's accent, I really enjoy these technical videos. Ryan, you make these videos informative, easy for the novice to understand and entertaining. Two thumbs up!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Tom! So glad to hear you like these videos :) /Sophie

[@cliveo]

Hi, I would love to see an installation video. Many thanks for this one!

[@jasonargonaut9112]

Even if I'm a fan of windvanes (for offshore sailing), I must admit, that Ryan's tech series are really good. He excels at doing this kind of videos 👍🏻

[@Rspri10104]

A video of the installation and how you use it would be great.

[@CaptainMJ]

Was a video of the installation made?

[@jms5c8]

WHERTE IS THE INSTALL VIDEO@@CaptainMJ

[@patricklindahl868]

Actually the autopilot brain is in the EV-1 sensor. The actuator control unit is only an "amplifier" of the control signal, to send signals to the drive unit. About power consumption, I previously had a ST2000 which was dull and slow, always hunting to get the boat on to the right course. That took a lot of power. The EV-100 system is so smart and fast, and it corrects the course so fast that it doesn't need that much power to keep the boat on the right course! Truly an amazing autopilot!

[@johnboone2581]

Enjoy the tech episodes, Ryan seems to be more relaxed than when he’s sailing. Looks like he is more comfortable and having fun, and yes do a install episode 👍

[@flyingmedic]

A really good explanation for a potential first time buyer or upgrader. Thank you.

[@st-ti6yd]

I remember when you were camera shy. You have a wonderful personality. You are also excellent with instruction. Thank you!

[@kaskl5403]

Very detailed explanation of how the auto pilot works. They are more complicated with all the different information they can analyze on keeping your headings.

[@robroy725]

I really appreciate that this video was novice-friendly. So many videos assume a fund of foundational knowledge that newbies like me just don't have.....

[@phpwhiz]

Installation video please. Very informative video about how it works. Hope tp see an equally informative video about the installation.

[@WillN2Go1]

Cool. Of course the question before the first question to answer is: Who do you ask about these kinds of things? Who are the 'go to' people to ask? Sailing seems to be a really interesting endeavor. On one hand there are things like nomenclature, knots, handling lines and sails that are universal, then there're all those things that seem to require beer or rum , where three old salts, two drinks each, you can get 6 different opinions and maybe some shouting.

[@gregsellentin6842]

Thanks for making such great and easy to comprehend instructional videos!

[@lisahanlin5317]

Thank you Ryan and Sophie..you are very good at teaching and explaining, great job👍🇨🇦

[@boazjoe1]

Very well done. Very clear. Very helpful. Thank you

[@breakinggreatness1010]

Amazing explanation of how autopilot works, learned a lot. Keep it up Ryan.

[@IntuitivDesigns0]

Can't thank you enough for this very well made video! We are replacing the auto pilot on our 34ft Gemini catamaran and I have no idea what I'm doing. This just helped me visualize how these work, so now I feel more comfortable figuring out the rest. 🤸🏼✌🏼⛵

[@gregeconomeier1476]

Installation videos are always a plus +++++

[@jackfletcher4175]

I would like to see an autopilot installation video and have enjoyed all of the Ryan & Sophie videos . Thank you for sharing.

[@markrobertshaw2781]

Installation video yes please. Great explanation Ryan cheers.

[@HiroNguy]

Ryan your tech vids just get better! This was informative + very, very well presented. Keep doing what y'all do! ¡Buen viaje!

[@Dynaco77]

A video of the installation would be great to see.

[@danielculpepper8772]

Another great one. Clear and fun. Thanks.

[@Itsp3rsonal]

love to see the install well presented video thanks so much . Much Love

[@reloadncharge9907]

informative, well done. Ryan is in his element with these tech videos......Thanks....I have a new B&G hydraulic unit for my cat, ripping out the old, and installing this week! Andrew

[@davidharlem6824]

Would love to see the installation vid! Ryan, you certainly do great presentations-you have the knack!!

[@smallsliverphysics7484]

Nicely explained. Thank you.

[@darrinmazur2624]

I learned a lot! Love it. Interesting little devise.

[@SVImpavidus]

Ryan you make the complicated so simple. Nice one! Ant, Cid & the pooch crew. xx

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks guys! Big hugs to you, Oscar and Lady! 💜

[@paulmcgraw5823]

Nothing like a good teacher to explain something.

[@brettkramer]

I've learned more watching a handful of your videos that most of the other sailing channels combined, really excellent work, thank you ! Would love to see an installation video as well.

[@liecadventures4555]

Thanks! Super informative and fun!

[@spyglassfreowestaus2733]

Definitely show us the install You do a great job explaining Keep up the great vids!

[@HopeOfJoe]

Great job, Ryan !! Bravo, Captain. 👍🏻

[@SailingMalie]

Great job Ryan. I understand how Autopilots work but I wasn't aware of how the evolution series had changed from just the Fluxgate Compass. Thanks

[@ejdd3442]

Ryan, great job, thank you for making this.

[@bobo-wf1jv]

Yes, please .. imo, as much install time, footage and detail as possible .. I absolutely love tech videos and this one was very much appreciated ... ty, Cheers ...

[@AlbertoA15]

Excellent, awesome video guys! Five stars!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Thomas_Speck]

I like to see the Installation of your Autopilot. Well done!

[@berserkerbdog]

yes more tech videos please.Im in the beginning stages of this currently.

[@paulsj9245]

Hi, awesome information! I noticed the wheels turning by themselves on your transatlantic route - "Christmas alone 2019" being the first one. Enjoyed Ryan's teaching here plus the display of the items, almost hands-on. Learned something, and gonna continue binge-watching with "how to make water". Cheers from Bavaria, high and dry - stay safe! Paul

[@edwardtumbaking2189]

Thanks for education! Lov it!

[@brookswatson5798]

So good! Thanks you two! 👋⛵️⚡️

[@johncrock1489]

Fantastic video. Thanks so much.

[@johnminter732]

A really interesting and informative video, particularly as my auto pilot (on a slightly smaller boat) has also just gone nuts and refuses to do as it is told. I am going to be replacing it over the winter so a further video of installation would be very welcome

[@petermcgrory5267]

Fantastic explanation! Thank you very much

[@johnrichard6802]

You are really good at this stuff. Definitely would like to see a installation video.

[@thespiritualsagaofanidiots8223]

please make installation video. I just purchased the same system. Great video, best one I've seen explaining to dummies like me how things connect. Thanks !

[@pete9501]

We have had the wheel pilot version ?Evo100 for two years now and the gyro compass is streets ahead of the old fluxgate types.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

This is great to hear! Ryan

[@pete9501]

@@RyanSophieSailing Previously the fluxgate only worked in a following sea when the yacht veered off course. However, the Evo recognises that the wave tilts the yacht first before trying to push the stern off course The Evo make a small course change as the yacht tilts before it goes off course so doesn't need a huge adjustment later. Quite uncanny to sit and watch it work in a following sea. When I read the RM advertising blurb I wasn't sure but having seen it in action its quite impressive. Only thing I will say is the Evo100 needs a rudder reference unit if the yacht is a fin keel. That is another huge improvement we made earlier this year. I recon George your autopilot just got AI :-)

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Thanks so much for awesome video

[@kjelpeterson5236]

Great episode Ryan. Would love to see an installation episode

[@mgtsmartlady]

I installed this same unit on my Motorsailer for this season and very impressed with its operation especially in heavy weather with large swells. I also installed a digital amp meter to monitor current draw / indicate any weather helm, works reasonable well though current seems to pulse and not constant ( computer pulses to actuator ?) but good enough to spot and increased current draw. Still need to decide which mode is best - cruising or leisure. Good bit of kit so far. Will enjoy watching your installation.

[@johncano2594]

Most excellent!

[@rmjryost]

Thanks guys. Would love to see the install.

[@g.lausin8521]

Very cool video as usual Ryan. I would love to see the install, I think it would be helpful to see that Incase you have to service or repair it. Thanks.

[@wright1049]

Thanks Ryan! Great video, would love to see the installation as a follow-up. We are currently shopping for a similar sized autopilot for our boat.

[@jms5c8]

HOW DO U INSTALL IT

[@TheBeggFamily]

Fascinating!

[@marcellodavanzo7471]

Good job guys.

[@inixio11]

good Job Ryan we need that video.

[@wp4246]

You guys are awesome, Subscribed!!!

[@mikeelmore4721]

Excellent job explaining the auto pilot process. I would like to see the install process.

[@Mr12frod]

yes let us see the install, and why does Sophie always got to ask the tough question, like "where are you going to install it" kinda put you on the spot Ryan. LOL.

[@Preinkd]

You guys are awesome!!!

[@janheckman1408]

With all the navigational aids modern sailing boats have, my admiration for Joshua Slocum - who circumnavigated the world without any autopilot or chart plotter at all - has increased greatly!

[@johnwishart7950]

love the video i would like to see more on installation

[@velocita8842]

Thanks...great explanation!

[@jimmerrill5471]

Love to see a install video

[@tommycheshire5508]

Excellent video!

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

I always enjoy your videos

[@richardadams3164]

Another good one. Thanks.

[@bahceninrengi]

Very nice video, health to your labor.

[@monicapuccetti3310]

I agree with all the comments about Ryan’s skill at explaining complicated tech in an easy to understand way, best sailing tech videos on KZbin - especially for a complete noob like myself :)

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Or me 😅 /Sophie

[@nicholast.rolander3784]

nailed it again 👌

[@petertorrey236]

Good job mang!

[@stephenfleming7918]

Thanks, always wondered about that

[@captnron3530]

We have the same as you, and our cable shredded and the bearings fell out of the pullies. After being towed back to port and $1200 we were advised we could have used autopilot to steer as it is a direct drive to the quadrant LOL

[@cyclomaniac9086]

Great video.... would love to see the installation considerations and process.

[@billroberts9182]

Very nice expanation. Thx

[@michaelvanvleet998]

Definitely want an install video!

[@stefanbusuttil]

Looking forward for the installation video :-)

[@tommyt4062]

Thank you that was exactly the type of video that I needed. Could you do a similar video on chart plotters and how they interact with other systems 🙂

[@mathikumar3204]

Good information

[@HeidiandFranny]

That was super fun! Really enjoyed that :) Ryan you are great at explaining stuff! Great series. Oh thanks to Vanna too! p.s. I'd love to see your super awesome installation video!

[@popuptoaster]

Good video, my old one is connected via a belt to the wheel but I think when I replace it i'll have an actuator below deck on the rudder post instead, I hadn't though of the concerns about losing steering.

[@joshuaant9088]

Nice explanation

[@christiandohrn3076]

a kind of sesame street for sailors - love it!

[@peterb4620]

Thanks Professor Ryan👨‍🔧 Great video. Please show us the install.

[@sufiyanmuhammed5859]

Thanks brother

[@TheRealSasquatch]

great explaination. I still think a wind vane is a great tool, esp. as it doesn't use any power which is handy for long passages where manual course corrections aren't such a big deal.

[@marcwouters6059]

I lile video's about technical boat stuff . Ryan is always at its best when it becomes technical ! The best auto-pilot is called "SOPHIE" , always awake and alert , she does not eat to much , she is a beautiful appearance , always very funny and she even survived a shower with boiling water . I would not replace her with an electroice one !!! BTW properly sorted out what the differences are and how everythings works . Well done Ryan but still follow my recommendation !!!! Cool video .

[@peterdavies915]

Spookily I called our autopilot George. I upgraded and now have "new George".

[@sailingmutzer6426]

A very understandable explanation of how a auto pilot does its works! About the windpilot: it is possible to connect a cheep and simple tiller pilot to the holder of the windvane on the windpilot. It takes just a bit of battery energy and is working even without having sails up. When all sails are down, this method works even better when the windvane is not mounted on the windvane holder.... Have you thought this over? Without a doubt, that Raymarine system is by far super intelligent comparing to a simple tiller pilot :)

[@lionkempers]

Thanks you for your wisdom🤔😉

[@sailingprepperdarksecrets2615]

I love to see it

[@markbernier8434]

Curious to see how the determination of the actuator length and lever arm on the quadrant is made to determine absolute angle encoding and to meet the torque requirements.

[@johnkeegan6646]

Show His hand to hand combat with “George” as they wrestle in the lazaret and in the wiring looms. Do not cut any curse that come from the bowels of Polar Seal! What a great new dose of modern technology you will show!

[@davidburnham5411]

Agreed with others, install vid would be appreciated.:)

[@allynonderdonk7577]

A cool video. Nice graphics!!!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks! It took me A LOT of time to get those sorted 😅 /Sophie