Customized Electronic Trawler Refit by VMAG
By Joseph R Fonseca
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Voyager Maritime Alliance Group (VMAG) has completed a customized Auto Pilot, Rudder and Steering Stick integration system, on a 48ft trawler, M/Y Bavaria.
David Leone, President of Voyager Maritime Alliance Group (VMAG), commented, “Like most equipment, when the instruments are old and start to fail, the parts to repair are either no longer available, and if they are, they do not always work the way you want them to. With M/Y Bavaria, this was definitely the case when we tried to fix their aging ComNav autopilot system. With our experienced engineers, we were able to review what new equipment is available, and not only make it work like the older equipment, but improve its functionality by integrating all the equipment into one single interface”.
VMAG replaced the ComNav Autopilot System with a new SIMRAD Auto Pilot System and an A2004 controller. This system was chosen because it has a precision rotary control dial with dedicated buttons for instant access to steering modes, making it responsive and easy to use. It also has a custom-configurable Work mode and automated turn patterns, ideal for a commercial fishing environment.
Other products installed was a SIMRAD analog Rudder Angle that has a tough, shock-proof casing, and has multiple lighting levels with zone lighting. It is also equipped with an interface to connect with other SIMRAD equipment, such as the SIMRAD FU80 Steering Stick.
The SIMRAD combination of products was interfaced to the existing MDE pump and DC Solenoids, together with an older, but functional Northstar GPS which the owner wished to retain.
The VMAG solution for M/Y Bavaria was chosen to provide maximum efficiency, safety and control to support the very hard environments they experience on a daily basis.