I recently purchased a 1986 Catalina 30. I would like to install Autohelm on the boat. I was wondering if this is something I should tackle myself, or let soemone do it. I am mechanically inclined. Also what is a good model to purchase, I would like to get one capatible with my Garmin 215 GPS. Also how good does Autohelm work, I have never sailed a boat using it. Thanks
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Richard
I have the autohelm 3000
I have the older version with the drive motor, belt, and control unit. On my 30 it works fine on most points of sail (depending upon weather helm and sea conditions). The auto tack function seldom works. The installation is not too difficult, just a bit time consuming. If you have the skills (sounds like you do) then definately do it yourself. I don't have the gps interface so I can't answer that. I can't see much use for it unless you have auto sail trim?
I have the older version with the drive motor, belt, and control unit. On my 30 it works fine on most points of sail (depending upon weather helm and sea conditions). The auto tack function seldom works. The installation is not too difficult, just a bit time consuming. If you have the skills (sounds like you do) then definately do it yourself. I don't have the gps interface so I can't answer that. I can't see much use for it unless you have auto sail trim?
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Hayden Watson
4000+
The Autohelm 4000+ will interface with your GPS. The only points of sail I have problems with are close hauled and running at more than 150 degrees appearant. The auto tack feature is one of the handiest things on the boat.
The Autohelm 4000+ will interface with your GPS. The only points of sail I have problems with are close hauled and running at more than 150 degrees appearant. The auto tack feature is one of the handiest things on the boat.
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Mark Gale
Auto install
I installed my 4000+ this spring. You can do it if you're handy. The only moderately difficult thing was running the cable through the binnacle support. Also, they keep changing the software, so your manual won't quite match your unit. Siting the compass was the most troublesome part. With the engine where it is in a C30, the most logical places are taken. I put mine behind the companionway steps but on the inside of the quarterberth structure near the fuel tank. A handheld compass indicated no interference and my deviation is only 3 degrees. Being on the inside means it is facing backwards. A tech guy just told me to correct the factory setting 180 degrees. It works pretty well. Although some conditions -- gusty, confused waves -- can cause it to wander a bit. Usually it slowly settles back in, so give it a little time. You can be too quick to correct. Sometimes I have taken it off, steadied the course and then reset. Even when it wanders, though, it does get you where you are going. I've sailed twenty-some miles on a tack and been right on the button. I would love to hear from anyone else who recently installed. Where did you put your compass? mark.gale@n-s.com
I installed my 4000+ this spring. You can do it if you're handy. The only moderately difficult thing was running the cable through the binnacle support. Also, they keep changing the software, so your manual won't quite match your unit. Siting the compass was the most troublesome part. With the engine where it is in a C30, the most logical places are taken. I put mine behind the companionway steps but on the inside of the quarterberth structure near the fuel tank. A handheld compass indicated no interference and my deviation is only 3 degrees. Being on the inside means it is facing backwards. A tech guy just told me to correct the factory setting 180 degrees. It works pretty well. Although some conditions -- gusty, confused waves -- can cause it to wander a bit. Usually it slowly settles back in, so give it a little time. You can be too quick to correct. Sometimes I have taken it off, steadied the course and then reset. Even when it wanders, though, it does get you where you are going. I've sailed twenty-some miles on a tack and been right on the button. I would love to hear from anyone else who recently installed. Where did you put your compass? mark.gale@n-s.com
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Ernie A
AUTOHELM ST4000 is plug-and-play.
Hi, Hooper-- Installed an ST4000 as well as AUTOHELM radar and AUTOHELM GPS on my former Hunter-34. I'm not an mechanic or electronic wiz, but nothing was a problem. However, had to file the ST4000 alignment bracket a bit to fit a lip my particular pedistal. Mounting only required a few drill-and-taps -- everything else just mounted out of the way on the wheel. A nice, neat installation with no open belts. The electronics and electrics were plug-and-play. Of course, running the wires is never a snap on a boat -- easy but always time-consuming. I realy liked the ST4000 and it interfaced well with my GPS. I'm seeing ads for $899. Enjoy your new crew-member. Ernie April
Hi, Hooper-- Installed an ST4000 as well as AUTOHELM radar and AUTOHELM GPS on my former Hunter-34. I'm not an mechanic or electronic wiz, but nothing was a problem. However, had to file the ST4000 alignment bracket a bit to fit a lip my particular pedistal. Mounting only required a few drill-and-taps -- everything else just mounted out of the way on the wheel. A nice, neat installation with no open belts. The electronics and electrics were plug-and-play. Of course, running the wires is never a snap on a boat -- easy but always time-consuming. I realy liked the ST4000 and it interfaced well with my GPS. I'm seeing ads for $899. Enjoy your new crew-member. Ernie April
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Ernie A
Compass under the sole.
Previous post, continued to answer Mark's compass query. For my current ST6000, I put my fluxgatge compass on the C/L on a stringer above the bilge sump just beneath the salon sole. This location should ONLY be considered if the keel is lead and the sump is deep enough to keep the fluxgate dry. It is also important to make sure that any wire runs (i.e., bilge pump wires) are relocated well away from the compass. From here it is easy to run the fluxgate wire beneath the sole to where ever. This low-down mount puts the fluxgate closest to the vessel's center of bouyancy where movement is least. Made a big difference. Cheers-- Ernie April
Previous post, continued to answer Mark's compass query. For my current ST6000, I put my fluxgatge compass on the C/L on a stringer above the bilge sump just beneath the salon sole. This location should ONLY be considered if the keel is lead and the sump is deep enough to keep the fluxgate dry. It is also important to make sure that any wire runs (i.e., bilge pump wires) are relocated well away from the compass. From here it is easy to run the fluxgate wire beneath the sole to where ever. This low-down mount puts the fluxgate closest to the vessel's center of bouyancy where movement is least. Made a big difference. Cheers-- Ernie April
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Bob
Nice when motoring
I installed an Autohelm in my C-30 and echo the other responses. I, too, mounted the fluxgate compass in the bilge beneath the mast compression post. I also mounted the control panel in the cockpit coaming, next to the helm position. We sail in the SF Bay Delta and often have to motor for long periods of time with many powerboat wakes in close proximity. I find that the Autohelm is as good or better than I am at keeping a straight course through the wakes and that I'm much less tired after 2-3 hours or more of motoring. The optional remote control is essential.
I installed an Autohelm in my C-30 and echo the other responses. I, too, mounted the fluxgate compass in the bilge beneath the mast compression post. I also mounted the control panel in the cockpit coaming, next to the helm position. We sail in the SF Bay Delta and often have to motor for long periods of time with many powerboat wakes in close proximity. I find that the Autohelm is as good or better than I am at keeping a straight course through the wakes and that I'm much less tired after 2-3 hours or more of motoring. The optional remote control is essential.
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Sean Phelps
AUTOHELM 4000
This unit was very easy to install and it is eabsolutely fabulous when interfaced. I especially like the cross track feature when crossing Juan de fuca strait in fog. It s perfect. I also put the keypad on the port side across from the wheel. It was much easier to wire on the port. I put the compass underneath on the starboard side of the cockpit wall. When the seas kick up, you can punch +1 and -1 simultaneously and get much better steerage. It does use more power, however
This unit was very easy to install and it is eabsolutely fabulous when interfaced. I especially like the cross track feature when crossing Juan de fuca strait in fog. It s perfect. I also put the keypad on the port side across from the wheel. It was much easier to wire on the port. I put the compass underneath on the starboard side of the cockpit wall. When the seas kick up, you can punch +1 and -1 simultaneously and get much better steerage. It does use more power, however
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