I'm preparring to install a Raymarine Wheel Pilot ST4000 on my Hunter 326. Seeking any advice available from someone whose been through the installation process. In particular, where's the best location for the fluxgate compass?
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compass location
My compass is located under the bunk in the rear cabin and seems to work well. I have the same autopilot also. The only problem I have had was due to having the VHF radio in the steering console with the autopilot controls. When I called out on the radio with the autopilot engaged, the boat would do a 90 degree turn to starboard. I fixed this by rearranging the wires in the console to give maximun separation and also wrapped some aluminum foil around something(forgot what). No more problems.
My compass is located under the bunk in the rear cabin and seems to work well. I have the same autopilot also. The only problem I have had was due to having the VHF radio in the steering console with the autopilot controls. When I called out on the radio with the autopilot engaged, the boat would do a 90 degree turn to starboard. I fixed this by rearranging the wires in the console to give maximun separation and also wrapped some aluminum foil around something(forgot what). No more problems.
Fluxgater on 410
I just had to move my fluxgate compass from under the front settee near the water heater. Apparently it was too close to the metal on the water heater. We moved it back under the rear berth and when we recalibrated it was only 3 degrees deviation. No metal anywhere near it and still at water line and near center. Will try this weekend to see how close in all directions. Good luck.
I just had to move my fluxgate compass from under the front settee near the water heater. Apparently it was too close to the metal on the water heater. We moved it back under the rear berth and when we recalibrated it was only 3 degrees deviation. No metal anywhere near it and still at water line and near center. Will try this weekend to see how close in all directions. Good luck.
Aft cabin bulkhead
My 1999 H310 has the st4000 fluxgate mounted on the bulkhead behind the aft cabin. You should be able to access this area from the starboard transom locker. You can actually crawl in there if you are not too big (I can get in there to work on things and I'm 5'11" and 155#).
My 1999 H310 has the st4000 fluxgate mounted on the bulkhead behind the aft cabin. You should be able to access this area from the starboard transom locker. You can actually crawl in there if you are not too big (I can get in there to work on things and I'm 5'11" and 155#).
My fluxgate location
I too have a ST4000 on my 1991 Hunter 30T. As you will see in the photo, it is mounted in the galley. It is about as much amidship as you can get and about 2 feet from the keel. It has been there for 11 years and it works great. Rich
I too have a ST4000 on my 1991 Hunter 30T. As you will see in the photo, it is mounted in the galley. It is about as much amidship as you can get and about 2 feet from the keel. It has been there for 11 years and it works great. Rich
320 Install
On my 320, I installed the Fluxgate below the galley/sink cupboard amidships into the liner. It worked well, and kept it away from metal that could interfer with it's operation. Just remember not to put any steel cookware on the bottom shelf! The install went well, with the biggest pain getting the wiring up to the stearing console. You won't need to mount the pin for the drive, as the motor hole in the pedistal will work fine for keeping it from rotating. As a matter of fact, I did mount my pin and later removed it because it caused binding as the drive turned. Good luck. Steve
On my 320, I installed the Fluxgate below the galley/sink cupboard amidships into the liner. It worked well, and kept it away from metal that could interfer with it's operation. Just remember not to put any steel cookware on the bottom shelf! The install went well, with the biggest pain getting the wiring up to the stearing console. You won't need to mount the pin for the drive, as the motor hole in the pedistal will work fine for keeping it from rotating. As a matter of fact, I did mount my pin and later removed it because it caused binding as the drive turned. Good luck. Steve
My 326
On my 326, the compass is mounted on the back side of the master stateroom bulkhead. The center section can be easily removed from within the stateroom by removing the two vertical strips. Leave enough slack in the wire to be able to move the panel around should you need access to anything else in there in the future and then run the wire over the headliner to the pedistal. As Steve said, the drive wheel mounting pin isn't neccessary.
On my 326, the compass is mounted on the back side of the master stateroom bulkhead. The center section can be easily removed from within the stateroom by removing the two vertical strips. Leave enough slack in the wire to be able to move the panel around should you need access to anything else in there in the future and then run the wire over the headliner to the pedistal. As Steve said, the drive wheel mounting pin isn't neccessary.
One more thing John,
We've had this conversation here before; The compass does NOT have to be mounted on the centerline. On my H34 it's against the outer hull in the aft cabin dresser. Has been there for 16 years and works great. Make it easy on your self.
(Photo #39)
We've had this conversation here before; The compass does NOT have to be mounted on the centerline. On my H34 it's against the outer hull in the aft cabin dresser. Has been there for 16 years and works great. Make it easy on your self.
(Photo #39)- Status