Robertson AP 100

[WoundUpMarine]

I was given a robertson AP 100 autopilot the other day and dont really know anything about it. It has the head unit, cables, and a big compass. Is this something that will work with my boat? I have hydraulic power steering and i'm planning on putting solenoids in the hydraulic lines to control the rudder. I dont need anything fancy, just a AP that will hold a course. here are some pictures.

 

[Wharf Rat]

I was given a robertson AP 100 autopilot the other day and dont really know anything about it. It has the head unit, cables, and a big compass. Is this something that will work with my boat? I have hydraulic power steering and i'm planning on putting solenoids in the hydraulic lines to control the rudder. I dont need anything fancy, just a AP that will hold a course. here are some pictures.

Wow. I haven't seen one of those in over 5 years, and that was in a scrap bin. There are still plenty of AP200DLs in service all over, but I have yet to see one of those still working. You still need a hydraulic drive unit, or if your hydraulic power steering is driven off of the engine, you need a constant running variable pump that has its own solenoids and a 12V solenoid bypass valve for when you actuate the pilot. If I was you, I would NOT attempt to adapt that and install it on your boat. The hydraulic work alone would be a huge and expensive endeveor, and if the system even works you are stuck with a drive system that is incompatible with most pilots out there today. Exactly what kind of hydraulic steering do you have, boat type and displacement?

Here's a link to the manual. AP100

 

[Wharf Rat]

Also, I didn't see you mention or in the picture the rudder reference or most importantly, the JBox AKA course computer. It's worthless without those. I'll buy the compass for 20 bucks though to hang on my wall.

 

[MDI45]

woundupmarine,it would work....you need a rudder indicator...and call John at Marine Hydraulics and you will need the aluminum block that replaces the pump the unit came with

 

[rlmm]

Robertson AP100DL

I wonder if you went ahead with this project or if you just set it aside I have a 100DL and I need parts.

 

[traditions]

John is long gone at Marine Hydraulics, he retired last year. Spend 3 grand and get a new ap24, and solenoid valve, easy install.

 

[rlmm]

Thanks The AP28 is our choice. The owner is still in love with the 100.

 

[Brooksie]

All know I love the old school stuff and I have a Robertson on my boat in FL (AP1000) but IMHO this is too old to start buying stuff to complete an installation. If it were all there, and it tested fine, that would be different, but you can't really even test it w/o buying parts.
BTW, pleanty of Robertson stuff on Ebay