Page 3: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (September 1974)
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Rudder deadband problems eliminated
The weak link in autopilot systems has always been the inability of servos to control the heavy mechanical steering gear without lag, overshoot and backlash. Our patented phantom rudder solves these problems by using an electronically simulated "ideal" steering gear in the servo loop. This reduces rudder deadband to half a degree or less with no reduction of rudder response.
Proven fuel savings of 4% or more
The end results of a Decca autopilot's near perfect steering are faster runs and reduced propulsion losses with proven fuel savings of 4% or more. With bunker fuel figured at $70 per ton, the savings are considerable. For example, an 8,890 ton cargo liner with 5,600 shaft horsepower consumes about $280,000 worth of fuel annually. A 4% fuel savings comes to $11,200—or twice the cost of our
DP 550 Autopilot.
Supertankers can save $210,000 per year
On larger ships the savings are even greater. In two years of actual operation, a supertanker equipped with a Decca autopilot saved an average of $10,000 per month on fuel. An additional three days of operating time per year, valued at $90,000, were also realized because of faster runs. Total yearly savings for the fleet owning this tanker were an amazing $210,000. Thirty-four supertankers of this fleet—many of which are already fitted with other autopilots —are now being fitted with Decca autopilots.
Over 8000 now in service
To date, over 8000 vessels of all types and sizes, from 80-foot fishing vessels to 250,000 ton supertankers, have been equipped or retrofitted with Decca autopilots. Whatever your specific requirements—gyro, magnetic, or combined gyro/magnetic—there's a Decca 450, 550, or 750 autopilot for the job. In addition to the exclusive phantom rudder, all are noted for their operating ease without course restrictions. All offer full adjustments for varying handling characteristics because of wind, sea, and loading. Decca autopilots also have a unique circuit that compensates for ships with unstable steering characteristics.
We make our guarantee work
Rugged and durable, with modular solid- state electronics, Decca autopilots have earned their reputation for trouble-free operation. But if maintenance is ever required during or after the one-year on-board guarantee period, you can depend on the trained technicians of over 100 nationwide ITT Decca Marine dealers and the worldwide Decca organization to have you underway quickly.
For more information and the name of the nearest dealer, contact ITT Decca Marine,
Inc., Dept. MR9, 386 Park Avenue South,
New York, N.Y. 10016 (212) 685-5157. rrmrm
ITT DECCA MARINE
Here's proof.
TYPICAL DECCA PILOT FUEL SAVINGS
Vessel Type
Average Annual
Fuel Consumption (at $70 a ton)
Annual Fuel Savings using Decca Pilot (at 4%)
Type of Decca
Pilot & Price 80 ft. Pocket Trawler 635 Shaft H.P. 450 tons $32,000 $1,280
DP.450 (M) $4,075
Side Trawler Diesel 1,200 Shaft H.P. 1,650 tons $115,500 $4,620
DP.450 (G) $3,600 280 ft. Freezer 4,000 Shaft H. P. 3,300 tons $231,000 $9,240
DP.550 (G) $5,390 8,890 ton Cargo Liner 5,600 Shaft H.P. 4,000 tons $280,000 $11,200
DP.550 (G) $5,390 26,000 ton Bulk Carrier 11,600 Shaft H.P. 7,000 tons $490,000 $19,600
DP.550 (G) $5,390 90,000 tdw Tanker 25,300 Shaft H.P. 33,700 tons $2,350,960 $94,038
DP.550 (G) $5,390 250,000 ton V.L.C.C. 30,000 Shaft H.P. 50,000 tons $3,500,000 $140,000
DP.550 (G) $5,390
Use our "phantom rudder" autopilot or lose big money.
It's that simple.