Auto pilot Beneteau 323 Oceanis Clipper

[Sundowner]

Hi.
We just bought a Beneteau 323 2005 without Auto pilot.
We have look at Raymarine EV-100 or SPX-5 wheel pilot ( I don´t know the different on the 2)
Have enyone tried to install this pilot.? And does it workshop with the pivoting wheel..? I dont want to loose that funktion.

Regards Rasmus

 

[BigEasy]

I have a ray marine st4000 on my 343; it doesn’t interfere with the functionality of the pivoting wheel. Don’t think that the wheel pilot version would have any impact as the mounts are similar.

 

[Sundowner]

I have a ray marine st4000 on my 343; it doesn’t interfere with the functionality of the pivoting wheel. Don’t think that the wheel pilot version would have any impact as the mounts are similar.

Great, thanks.....
Do you have some photo, how it is mounted on the wheel and the pivoting ?

 

[BigEasy]

Will be on the boat today or tomorrow. Will get some photos for you!

 

[jssailem]

I have the EV100 on my boat. Love it.
Your boat's size and displacement are well within the parameters of the AP. Install was DIY.
Most important issue is locating the units so that they fit with your boat design and you can run the cables as required.

 

[Sundowner]

I have the EV100 on my boat. Love it.
Your boat's size and displacement are well within the parameters of the AP. Install was DIY.
Most important issue is locating the units so that they fit with your boat design and you can run the cables as required.

Thanks, did you use a speciel bracket on the wheel.? I Can see that somone use a speciel bracket to keep the wheel in place and the pivoting still working

 

[joker460]

I posted this a while back https://forums.sailboatowners.com/i...-for-oceanis-323-clipper.180689/#post-1315958

 

[jssailem]

@Sundowner the EV-100 comes with the attachment to the wheel. To rotate your wheel you will need to plan the wiring. You’ll need enough wire to be able to have enough cord so you can rotate the wheel.

 

[Sundowner]

@jssailem how did you mount this bracket.?
I can see that somone have mounted a speciel bracket

 

[jssailem]

It is mounted to the binnacle. I drilled and taped holes then screwed the bracket to the post. My binnacle is fixed not turning like yours. You will need to check the thickness of the metal and confirm the screws will not affect the turning mechanism.

 

[jssailem]

The bracket fixes the motor wheel so that the motor can rotate the helm. Not a lot of force but pretty sure glue would not work. One thought. Might be able to tack weld the bracket to your binnacle post. Would need to check if both metals can take a weld.

 

[danstanford]

We have an EV100 which replaced a previous Raymarine wheel pilot. The only hitch the pivoting wheel causes is the close proximity to the transmission shifter housing to the electrical connection of the wheel pilot. When pivoted, there is no problem but when in use the rubber boot and wire are pushed against the shifter housing in a way I don't like. I have been looking for a right angle connector without any luck yet.
To be fair, the previous installation was in place 10 years and showed no wear on the boot or the wires.

 

[Southpaw]

We have one on are 343 and the bracket that you mentioned will not let are wheel pivot.

 

[Sundowner]

Is this the special bracket that you have on the boat.?
I Think this is the missing peace that i need...

 

[jssailem]

@Sundowner that looks good. It looks like an after market or individual designed item. It surely would work. Especially with your rotating helm.

 

[Sundowner]

@jssailem yes i Think this Will work, now I just need to find this bracket

 

[BigEasy]

Rasmus,
OK, here are the photos from my 343 that has the ST4000 wheel pilot. The first two pics show the wheel in the normal operating position; the last two pics show the wheel positioned to the side. As you can see my photos, there are no pedestal bracket and pin as shown in your diagram. I do have the "special bracket" that you mentioned in your photo. Might want to talk to Beneteau to determine if that was a custom part supplied by Beneteau or if Raymarine fabricated the bracket to fit the Beneteau rotating wheel. Hope this helps; looks like you are already on the right track, if the bracket that attaches to the steering shaft is compatible with the EV100 or SPX5.