I purchased ST2000 Raymarine Autotiller. Installation went very easy, followed the instructions to every detail. Created my own bracket for the pin at the tiller. Works perfectly. Eventually I want to hook it up with my laptop. Next step.
Installation of a Raymarine Autotiller
- Thread starter twodzusfittings
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Nice job, just what I did with our old C25. I also placed a backing plate under the cockpit seat, held that pin in more firmly. Good idea to go under the tiller and avoid extension rods.
If one looks closely in the picture there is a screw directly adjacent to the unit at the pivot point. There are actually three stainelss screws pulling the backing plate located on the underside of the bunker seat lid, in a triangular formation. The backing plate, made out of AZEEK board, was custom fitted and using some 5200, cemented in place. In the center of the screw head triangle, the half inch brass cup was inserted and set deep enough to being close to flush.
The idea of a safety lanyard is excellent, even though when the unit is plugged into the socket there is a screw cap to stop it from coming out. I will come up with a solution as a secondary safety strap. Thanks for that onecoolair.
The idea of a safety lanyard is excellent, even though when the unit is plugged into the socket there is a screw cap to stop it from coming out. I will come up with a solution as a secondary safety strap. Thanks for that onecoolair.
The reason I had to mention it was back when I had my Mac-26...I had a similiar setup. No lanyard....One day the power cable end up being used as the lanyard . After I repaired the power cable and plug. I fitted a lanyard along the lenth of power cable but kept it shorter then the power cable. Maybe the saftey lanyard could be a strong bungee cord to absorb shock making it less likely to pull out at the connection points on boat and or autopilot. Just thinking.
Yes, absolutely. Brain switched on fully, I came up with a harness style setup made from name tag lanyards in plentiful at work. Sorry, I have not yet made a name for myself with my scetches, but I hope you all get the idea!
I did a port side mounting up on the gunwale. To do that I installed a flat plate 2 1/2" wide screwed into the gunwale. A flat arm plate slides into this mount and extends out over the seat. It's supported with a upside down "L" that slides into a flat plated screwed in below on the vertical face of the seat. I wanted it away from the engine on my Hunter 26. I had a pin made for the tiller that secured to the top of my curved wood tiller. This is a Simrad autotiller. The only mistake was that I can't quite open the seat compartment. I could modify it to overcome this. I might add a strip of velcro around it "not tight" so when I disconnect it stays put on the rig. For now I simply pulll the Simrad out and lay it on the seat if I want it out of the way temporarily leaving the rig up. I can post photos if you like
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Chiriqui - Pictures would be cool when you get a chance. I think I understand from your decription, but pictures would surely clarify.
Big test happend this past weekend. The Auto Pilot functioned very well and is a treat to use. Having said that it is only second best to having company on board to interact with. The autopilot is pretty cool and I can push it's its buttons without retaliation!
twodzusfittings: I have the same boat and am thinking of getting a the same pilot. Apart from the bracket and the ST2000+ did you have to buy anything else?
So the bracket I made myself and formed a stainless steel bolt to duplicate the supplied pin, but this way I had it threaded. I had to buy 15 feet of marine 12 gauge 2 core wire and some connectors fot the power supply end. The rest was all hardware as in drills, screws and caulk. My aim is to duplicate the fitting on the other bunker lid so I can use it left or right hand drive in case I go home to England:
Thanks, twodzusfittings.So the bracket I made myself and formed a stainless steel bolt to duplicate the supplied pin, but this way I had it threaded. I had to buy 15 feet of marine 12 gauge 2 core wire and some connectors fot the power supply end. The rest was all hardware as in drills, screws and caulk. My aim is to duplicate the fitting on the other bunker lid so I can use it left or right hand drive in case I go home to England:
I drilled the hole and put backing on the the cockpit seat in preparation. The rod it seems would hit my tiller side on rather than below it as in your picture. I wonder if one of us has an after market tiller.
I will have to play around when I eventually get my pilot.
Its a coincidence but I am also a from England with a MD registered 25.5.
Cheers,
Warren.
Warren, where do you keep your boat? Did you get my e-mail with the link to the instruction manual. You could print it out and do everything except mount it. When you get your unit which you mention is used, will they be supplying all the harware and socket? If not I think I need to chat with you to give you the whole picture of what you need to do.
Here is a better picture of the bracket that holds the pin allowing the tiller pilot to lay horizontal.
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Here my install, I was in a rush just before a 7 day trip. Because it hit the side of my tiller I decided to bend a stainless screw and then cut the head off.
I used it everyday for 7 days, worked perfect even in 10-15 knots. Not sure how I ever managed without one.
Sorry for the terrible picture, it was taken from a video
I used it everyday for 7 days, worked perfect even in 10-15 knots. Not sure how I ever managed without one.
Sorry for the terrible picture, it was taken from a video
I have had my Raymarine ST 1000 on my Hunter 23.5 for six years. I sail alone most days and the unit has proved to be an invaluable asset. I seldom steer anymore , just set a course and hit the auto button. I have read several previous entries that the units are not waterproof so care should be taken not to allow any moisture on or in the unit. I store the autotiller in a waterproof bag below deck,when not in use. I might mention that the unit draws little current and I have been using it about three days a week since mid June and have never charged the battery and it is still going strong. I do not use the battery for any other purpose (as in lighting) as I do not sail at night.
Would it be great if there was a waterproof jacket with a window for the buttons? Mmmm, sounds like a project using some Goretex matierial and a sewing machine. My question is: What would be the correct lubricant to use on the shaft? Just a question. Mine is new and I wish to keep it in good condition for a long time.
I got my pilot used, after checking it worked I took it apart and put "super lube" on all moving parts. Its a synthetic grease, no idea if its the correct stuff though.
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