Autohelm installation

bbach1949 · Nov 27, 2003

Hello: I keep the tiller at an elevated angle with a short piece of line
from an eye installed on the top of the tiller to another eye just below the
lazerette hatch cover. This way the pin for the autohelm can be installed
directly into the top of the tiller without the awkward and expensive brackets that
you can buy for these units. I've gone an extra step and made a threaded
bronze insert for the tiller so I can remove a threaded pin when not in use.

I find I use the line to keep the tiller elevated even without the autohelm -
I'm not sure why Vega tillers are so low in the cockpit as they intrude on
foot and knee space.

Bill Bach V 1071

frank_lighthouse · Nov 28, 2003

Garry,

I have the same autohelm unit installed on 'Alkira'. I think the easiest way to overcome the your problem is to introduce a little more friction into the pivot controlling vertical motion of the tiller.
Mine was modified slightly by packing with washers between the tiller fitting and the item clamped to the rudder post together with new clamp bolt which can be tightened in small increments. It's fiddly and may require some machining of the items involved. This system allows the friction to be adjusted as required to a point where the tiller stays where you want it in the vertical plane.
The autohelm unit is attached between the pin fixed on top of the tiller arm and a location point in the starboard locker cover.

Hope this helps.

Frank, 'Alkira', Liverpool.

chris_v339 · Nov 28, 2003

Hi Garry
I installed a Navico tillerpilot 1600 in 1988, I think this is similar to the Autohelm you mention. I had a metal bracket fabricated, shaped a bit like a Z with the upstroke going the other way, if you can visualise it. The bottom was screwed on to the top of the tiller and the top which was level with the top of the locker cover had a nipple to take the end of the tillerpilot. I then fitted a hollow bronze tube, the same diameter as the fitting on the tillerpilot, into the starboard locker cover, which is flush for when not in use. The waterproof plug for the electrics is fitted on the starboard side of the cockpit close to the top and near the place where the tillerpilot fits. I do a lot of short handed sailing in the Med and it has never let me down in15 years and I couldn't be without it. When I am at anchor or in a marina I can lift the tiller and tie to mainsheet and it is out of the way. This was quite simple and inexpensive way of installing the system
good luck
Chris / Farniente 3 - V339

stevebirch2002 · Nov 29, 2003

Hi Gary

I have installed many autopilots into Vegas and never had the problem.
The secret is to tighten the tiller at the bottom bolt so it stays as
the height you put it. Works a treat.

Kind Regads

Steve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

emmajen5 · Nov 30, 2003

Thank you, one and all, for your tips and advice on installing my
autohelm. This is a great list and an invaluable resource.

Garry
"Raven" Vega 2427

papasbackhoeinc · Dec 12, 2003

Dear Garry,

I am using an Autohelm in my Vega without any difficulty.

My nautical english is not too good, but I shall try to explain in.

1. The tiller should be tight and firm, use the two copper screws to
tighten the tiller.

2. The Autohelm should be mounted on the mahogany doors of the lockers.
There is a copper fitting which I made into the mahogany door on star board
side.
It should be rectangle to the pin in your tiller on which you have to hook
the autohelm.
The copper pin is supplied with the Autohelm.

3 Then connect the Autohelm to your 12 volts system with a suitable
water thight fitting.

Thats all , its a pleasure to use the Autohelm.

Regards,
Henk Jansen
V 1682 Le Cygne

imbissfrank · Dec 14, 2003

I purchased a Navico Tillerpilot 5500 about 9 years ago, still works like a charm, however I believe Navico has been taken over by Simrad but I am not sure. Does anyone know for sure, and if so what would their equivalent autopilot be?

Henk Jansen henk-jansen@... wrote:

chris20636 · Dec 14, 2003

Henk,

If you try to go to www.navico.com, you get a brief message stating that navico was bought by simrad. You are then directed to www.simrad.com. If you click

Yachting
Autopilots
tillerpilots

It has a description for three models the TP10, TP20, and TP30. Not sure what the original specs on the 5500 are, but you could maybe match it up there. The TP10 is listed for boats up to 11000 lbs or 35 feet.

Chris
V2933 Renee

colinpspiers · Dec 14, 2003

Hi all,

I fitted a Simrad TP10 to "Naim" in 2002. It worked well until seized solid
after about 3 weeks of holiday use. The Simrad people were not helpful, at
first refusing to repair under guarantee because my boat was too big (27ft Vega).
It has been OK this year but I only use it for shortish periods. I would not
buy another one.

Colin V1400

papasbackhoeinc · Dec 14, 2003

Dear Colin,

I understand you fitted a brand new Autohelm branded Simran TP10.
Does the manual say that Simram is suitable for 27 ft sailing boats?

Then the suppliers must help you out, in Holland its a legal obligation.

If not , then they sold you the wrong type of Autohelm.

As you remark, the problem is of relative importance. Its a real delight
sailing
your Vega by hand in a nice breeze?

I envy you , we are here in the usual winter, that means constant rain,
not even snow.

Happy sailing,

Henk Jansen