Anyone put an autopilot on an h26 or h260?

[Doug J]

Thanks Fred! Those measurements will clarify everything. I've been working on the installation of a new MSD head with deck pump out, finished it yesterday. I'll post pictures soon.

 

[Fred]

I just noticed that there is a posting in the owners modification section... "Autohelm Installation on a Hunter 26" which correlates very well with my installation.

 

[Doug J]

I ended up moving the mount for my TP10 to the starboard seat. There just wasn't enough travel for a port tack. I think it was really kind of ridiculous the way it was installed. The only thing it could really do was hold a heading, forget about the tack function. I removed the old aluminum mounting pedestal and for now just covered the holes with butyl until I can fix it correctly.

All it takes is this little brass mounting cup.



I installed the mounting cup in the starboard seat, using 5200 and a piece of hardwood inside.
It's very unobtrusive. The cockpit cushion goes right over it.



View attachment 125971



Someday I plan to replace the tiller and rudder assembly with a Rudder Craft setup, but that will take $$$. For now I just modified the parts I have to make it work. The tiller pin bracket was originally mounted on the bottom of the tiller. I moved it to the top and bent it to the correct new angles. The tiller pin is 18 inches from the pivot point of the rudder, as the instructions specify. I added a 6 inch rod extension, purchased from WM.



This setup should work well.



I'll still need to do something about the electrical plug.

 

[Fred]

Hopefully the proximity to the motor doesn't throw off the flux gate compass in the unit.

 

[Doug J]

Well, I don't know yet. But in one of the pictures you can see the holes left behind from the old mount. It was sort of a little closer to the motor there, lower anyway. And the compass is more to starboard though. I guess I'll find out!