461 autopilot

Thomas

 

Hi Tobo,

 

I'm pretty sure there's no problems interfacing a Raymarine Autopilot with other kit but if you've already got the Simrad pilot not sure why you might wish to incur the expense of changing?

 

We went with Raymarine overall as I've always had good experiences with their kit - but I doubt if either unit is significantly different than the other.

 

By the way, the Lewmar mamba drives referred to by others are not appropriate for the 470 wire mechanism.  They are a unit designed specifically to bolt onto Lewmar rod steering so were recommended for the 461 and 531.  As it happens, we did not go that way either, chosing a Raymarine drive arm onto our rudder stock.

 

Cheers

JOHN

 

Concerning the helm seats I got the information from my Hanse dealer in Croatia that they are working on it. We didn't talk about the ventilation. Is that a problem to keep an eye on? As I met Michael Schmidt in Genova and speaking German as it's my mother tongue I suppose I could suggest some improvements. He already reacted on my proposal to make it possible to lock the anchor box and the big aft cover. (No insurance pays for unlocked items being stolen!). Secondly they're working on better navigator seat (I told him that the present camping seat is a shame for every skipper!) and there might be a change to get a better office table in the owner's cabin (if you have the A2 layout with the bed on port side). I was swearing at this stupid mixture between beauty- and working table with a too small table, no room to put down the feet and no bookshelf. I liked the version on the 461 so much. We are also planning to alter the achor box, by forgetting the arm and splitting it into a smaller compartment for the anchor and making a second (waterproof) cover for a sail stowage room. ( Hanse sailing should be easy and you shouldn't bother with dragging around a 40 pounds sailing bag, shouldn't you). But it all comes down to what it will cost.

 

Cheers

Thomas

 

Yes please, make all these suggests to the company, see if they can't make some of them available. Agree th Nav seat is a really let down, but I'm sure it can be improved.

 

On the ventilation, i think it was john that commented that the aft cabins lacked enough opening hatches in the photos that were posted. Valid point to if you are going to warm climates like me. So it is that it#'ll be a problem to watch might just need a sizable fan down there!!

 

Is there enough room in the anchor locker for sail bags?? How are you going to make the changes. I assume the deep well remains the chain locker and the aft flat shallow part is for the sails??

 

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Brad