Autopilot 4000 or Navico 300cx

[Jim Grant]

JSI just delivered my new ratheon autohelm 4000. (bought for $925.00 with remote and free shipping, online) Anyway after reading the instalation instructions I'm thinking I should have purchased the Navico 300cx. Is this thing going to be a bear to install? What about the wiring from the pedestal? There is no access from below. Should I run the wires with the steering cables then punch through the hull into the port locker? Many questions, few answers. I look forward to your replies. Thanks from "Adventure Bound"

 

[Bob E.]

Autohelm 4000

I don't know what year/model of H30 you have, but I have a 1989 H30G with an Autohelm 4000. I didn't install it, but it doesn't look as though it was too difficult. The wires from the motor go down inside the pedestal, and aft though tubing caulked into the wall of the cockpit floor drainage channel. The connector is located in the aft port side locker. The control unit is mounted on the port side wall of the cockpit. My AH 4000 is the older model with integral flux gate comapss, so there is no external wiring for the compass. This arrangment works fine for me.Good luck.

 

[Steve Dion]

Navico vs Auto

We just purchased the Navico unit. The basic wiring is as follows:Connect the red wire to the 12v+ dc and black to ground. Use the same power source that is for any interfaced instruments.The navico unit has a 6 wire cable. Red/Black power, Green/White Corus instrument interface and Blue/Yellow NMEA interface.The wp300cx unit can be installed in about 10 minutes. You probably can't go wrong with the Autohelm units, many more of these sold than anything else in this price class.

 

[Alan Claunch]

H28.5 installation

I installed the ST4000+ last year without any major problems. Running the cable in the pedestal was tight but not impossible. I mounted the control panel on the port side of the cockpit (it backs into the top of the aft compartment). I would be happy to answer any specific questions.

 

[Bob G.]

Autohelm 4000

You got a good deal on the autopilot, I paid $925 at West Marine but did not get the remote. Anyway, the instalation was very simple on my h33. I mounted the control unit on the port side of the cockpit and ran the motor wiring inside the pedistal guard. I mounted the flux gate compass under the gally sink putting it on the centerline of the boat and low in the boat to minimize motion. I have been very happy with the performance of the unit. It was nice to sit on my bow last Sunday under sail and watch seven dolphin play in my bow wave.