autopilot installation

[Neal]

I have had a great deal of difficulty installing the rudder indicator as the Raymarine wheelpilot directions suggest. It is supposed to be even with the rudder post and parallel to the centerline of the quadrant. This puts it in an impossible location for attachment other than drilling down through the deck.

I am now considering attaching it so that it will connect to the steering cable which runs from the quadrant and up to the wheel. The arm will be perpendicular to the cable, but a temporary attachment seemed to move the arm without binding.

Any other suggestion before I commit.

 

[Ron M]

I've been struggling with the autopilot on our 2003 331 since we bought it in 2010. In the aft cabin I removed all the panels around the steering system. Couldn't come up with any way to mount the Rudder Feedback Transducer as described by Raymarine. Called Raymarine for alternatives. They suggested changing Dealer settings...."Also the dealer calibration settings Gain, Response, autotrim, Drive type to all equal a # 2 has helped with these vessels with a "Sensitive Rudder". Also moved the Fluxgate compass from high on the portside of the laz to nearer to the laz floor, closer to the centerline. Still playing with settings, but it holds a course reasonably well now. I see many 331's with autopilot, there must be some secret combination of settings to make it work. I would love to find them.

 

[Neal]

Hi Ron,
My name is Neal and I have the post about autopilot installation on 6/25. Can you take a picture of your rudder sensor installation and send it to me? I do not know how to do it on this site, but my email is nlindeman@hotmail.com.
I would really appreciate it. If the picture is not possible I would appreciate a description of where the sensor is installed.

 

[Neal]

Ron,

I also called raymarine and they were no help other than say that the autopilot would not work unless the rudder sensor was installed. There is an upgrade for $400.00 that makes the sensor unnecessary.

 

[Neal]

Ron,
Did you install the rudder sensor (indicator) or are operating without it?

 

[joker460]

I assume you guys took a look at this installation. It may or may not help give some ideas

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rudder_position_sensor

Attached is a photo form Maine sail, also an idea.

This guy built his own

http://northernlight.vermontficks.org/rudder_sensor.html

Another idea

http://www.jeanneau-owners2.com/hintsandtips/id213.htm

Don't know if this is a good install

http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1427394051031781966hMKadV


Good Luck

 

[Ron M]

Sorry I'm late in responding. I'm operating without a Rudder Sensor. Couldn't see how I could possibly install one for lack of space. It appears that the 352 shown in the previous post has considerably more space to work with. Attached is an equivalent photo from my 331

 

[Neal]

Thank you for the pictures. The Northernlight installation is ingenious. As for the others, I just do not have the same room. I just got back last night after screwing the sensor upside down to the underside of the deck and and then attaching it to the cable which runs between the quadrant and the sheave which runs up to the wheel. It seems to move smoothly but that is as far as I got. Still have not located the compass, computer, or installed the drive on the wheel.