Raymarine has launched its first autopilot for Volvo Penta IPS at the Schroders London Boat Show last month.
A statement from the company said that the introduction of Volvo Penta IPS presented an ideal opportunity for Raymarine to add 'steer-by-wire' to more well-known electro-mechanical or hydraulic drive connecting methods. Through its existing advanced product range, Raymarine has used a combination of innovation and proven autopilot technology to create the new 'steer-by- wire' system, perfect for the Volvo Penta IPS which has no physical link between the steering wheel and the rudders.
CAN communications and specially written software is used to link the pilot control heads to a dedicated IPS course computer and DPU (data processing unit) to create the new Raymarine autopilot for the Volvo Penta IPS. The dedicated autopilot for the Volva Penta IPS will become an integral part of the engine system.
Companies working with the Volvo Penta IPS include Fairline, Princess and Sealine in the UK, Rodman and Astondoa in Spain, Cranchi, Innovazionie Progetti and Airon Maine in Italy, Beneteau in France and Four Winds and Tiara in the USA. Raymarine product line manager Steve Crane says: "By developing a dedicated autopilot for the Volvo Penta IPS, boat builders and owners can benefit from interconnecting this new autopilot with other Raymarine electronic and navigation products on board. We are delighted to have been selected by Volvo Penta to develop a dedicated autopilot for the Volvo Penta IPS."
The new Raymarine autopilot for Volvo Penta IPS will be available late Spring '05.
