Help installing an Autohelm 800

C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
My Catalina 250 had an uninstalled Autohelm 800 in it when I bought the boat. My problem with the books directions stems from the fact that if I mount it 18" up the tiller and then 90 degrees across to the bulkhead I have a rail in the way. Is it acceptable to mount it at 80 degrees? (16" up the bulkhead rather than 18")
Contacting Raymarine has resulted in no callback since yesterday morning.

Chief
 
Bonzai

Bonzai

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Jun 23, 2009
250
Chris-Craft SailYacht 35 St. Simon's Island, Ga.
Chief have you been to youtube yet? I found 2 factory videos on installing my unit. That may not answer your specific question, but you may see or hear something to give you an understanding as to why they are so specific in their measurement instructions. Maybe mounting some sort of surface at the proper cords would be possible... like building a mount for the attachment that would bring it into the proper parameters they require....
 
Joe

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,257
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
by "rail" do you mean "stanchion"? If you're trying to mount it on the coaming and it won't fit... you may consider fabricating a metal bracket that would allow you to mount the drive unit a bit more inboard, closer to the tiller, but still 90 deg.
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Joe: The rail is actually 1" round SS vertical that is one leg mount of my elevated stern seat. I have an extender foot to bulkhead mount and it's just the right length so will fit right in if I can mount extender right behind vertical leg at 80 degrees. Another thought is to mount unit end on tiller at 16" rather than 18" and I could attain 90 degrees. That would load the unit more though since it would shorten steering radius. I want to just mount it as my reasoning tells me to but a mistake is so final in these epoxy boats! At 18" there is nothing to mount to except the rail as seat is furthur up. Chief
 
Squidd

Squidd

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Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
18"x18"with 90* is the best...Given the choice between 16" or 80*... Id go with the 16" mounting...Balanced with slightly less leverage rather than an unbalanced push/pull.
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Thanks Squidd. I need inteligent feedback to help me make a sound decision. Chief
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Squidd, Joe, Banzai: Just went out and remeasured for maximum forward length and still get 90 degrees. Looks like I can get 17" if I squeeze up close to that vertical rail real close. So, think I can chance it and go with this? Chief
 
Joe

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,257
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Chief RA said:
Squidd, Joe, Banzai: Just went out and remeasured for maximum forward length and still get 90 degrees. Looks like I can get 17" if I squeeze up close to that vertical rail real close. So, think I can chance it and go with this? Chief
Click to expand
That's good to hear, 'cause I'd say that it was a design issue with Catalina to not make an allowance for ap mounting, unless your stern seats are after market, in which case you could probably wiggle the strut a little bit to make more room. For really intelligent answers on this question I would consider calling the factory for their input.
 
justsomeguy

justsomeguy

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Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
I think it's mostly a factor of the AP's strength to weight ratio, if you will.

One inch less of leverage...I think it'll be okay.

I think.
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Thanks for the help on this problem. I have decided to go with the 17" install unless factory finally returns my call and says different. It's been 2 days since I called and asked for a call back as I was on hold so long.
Moving my batterys to get up in the stern to do the backing plate/washers/nuts ought to be a nightmare!
Thanks again, Chief
 
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