Fixing our boat’s BIGGEST PROBLEM! (Installing an autopilot) [Ep175 RED SEAS]
After nearly two years battling a faulty autopilot, we finally install a brand-new Raymarine autopilot system aboard Indioko! In this episode, we walk you through the complete installation process — from removing the old malfunctioning system, to wiring the new components, troubleshooting sensor placement, and finally getting the compass to know where NORTH actually is! 🧠➡️🧭
This isn’t just a fix — it’s a game-changer for our offshore safety, comfort, and navigation.
🔧 What You’ll See in This Episode:
- The issues with our old autopilot system (crazy compass swings & dangerous misdirections)
- Unboxing & prepping our new Raymarine autopilot
- A deep-dive into the brain box, sensors, and rudder feedback units
- Real-life wiring challenges, cable management & installing in tight boat spaces
- The dreaded rudder sensor calibration
- Testing it all... and the sweet silence of no more false alarms! 🙌
Plus: Zora (our boat network) now controls it all — from phones, tablets & helm!
⚠️ WHY THIS INSTALL MATTERS:
Autopilot failure can be life-threatening offshore, especially during night passages. This video shows how we identified, sourced, and installed a full autopilot replacement system, overcoming years of frustration, countless alarms, and thousands of miles under faulty steering.
🧰 Featured Gear:
- Raymarine EV-100 Autopilot System
- Rudder reference sensor (retrofit)
- Raymarine P70s Control Head
- EV-1 Sensor Core & ACU
🛠️ Tech Talk & Tips:
- Differences between old vs. new Raymarine tech
- Mounting the EV sensor for minimal magnetic interference
- Tips for routing cables through cramped, sweaty spaces 😅
- Why accurate rudder sensor alignment matters
- System integration with onboard electronics like Zora
📣 Join Us on This Milestone!
This was one of our biggest upgrades to date — and we’re thrilled to finally sail confidently and calmly again. If you’ve had autopilot problems or plan to upgrade yours, this episode is for YOU.
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more boat tech walkthroughs, cruising life insights, and real-world sailing upgrades!
#SailingLife #RaymarineAutopilot #BoatUpgrade #CruisingCouple #BluewaterSailing #SailingFixes #OffshoreSailing #LiveaboardLife #SailingDIY #SailingTech #RedSeas
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🙌🏻 Support us 🙌🏻
PATREON: www.patreon.com/redseas
TIPJAR: www.tpjr.us/redseas
NEW MERCH STORE: www.red-seas.com/shop
For more information about Zora, check out www.iNav4U.com
DISCOUNT CODE: REDSEAS
See version 1 (Wayfinder) in action here: https://youtu.be/jQanLnmrHBw
💬 Follow us on social media 💬
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/realredseas
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/realredseas
⏰ Time Stamps ⏰
00:00 Our boat's biggest problem
00:41 We got a new toy!
02:32 Ripping out our broken autopilot
06:24 Wiring a new autopilot rudder sensor
10:45 Fitting a compass to our new autopilot
17:22 Installing our new autopilot head unit at the helm
18:18 Calibrating a new Raymarine autopilot
🎵 Music 🎵
All tracks can be found at Epidemic Sound.
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📖 Our Story 📖
We're Iain and Brioni [The Reds] a couple of redheaded Scots who sold everything we own and moved halfway round the world to buy a boat that we could call home. We have a habit of finding ourselves in the most unusual circumstances, but that’s what makes life interesting! We live in search of the most remote places to live and sail so hit subscribe and join us on this adventure!
🗺️ Track 🗺️
https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/red-seas/journey?find=0&sid=6132493533052928&tc=1679925060879ieours
Sailing Red Seas
Iain and Brioni Cameron documented 20,000 NM on their Leopard 47 'Indioko'. Follow their 2026 mission and massive New Zealand refit in this technical feature.
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Fixing our boat’s BIGGEST PROBLEM! (Installing an autopilot) [Ep175 RED SEAS] Locations
- French Polynesia (-17.679742,-149.406843)
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