Install tiller auto-pilot below decks???

[braol]

I was looking at the Raymarine site and the ST2000 Tiller Pilot requires only 18" between the rudderpost centerline and the autopilot arm. I have more than enough room below decks (my boat has an Edson wheel) to install the auto pilot. I could just make an 18" extension arm out of steel stock and mount it to the radial drive wheel. I figured at around $400 for the tiller pilot vs. $1200 for the wheel drive unit makes this type of installation very interesting. (Note: I already have a Raymarine MFD that can direct the tiller pilot via NMEA...so no need to press buttons on the tiller pilot down below.)
Thoughts???

 

[Jackdaw]

You have to pin and un-pin it EVERY time you want to use it. Above decks its a hassle. Below decks that would be a unworkable.

The true below deck models are clutched internally so this is not needed.

 

[shanker]

Braol, Have you taken this any further? I've just started to to investigate this type of setup. I have some other ideas about mounting it above deck. I'm very early in my research and I found this post and wondered if you have done any more on it.