I would like to install an autopilot on my Hunter 310. I had a person from West Marine on board to do an inspection for an estimate for the installation cost. He told me that it would be impossible to install the Raymarine ST 4000, because the space between the wheel and the fiberglass box which sits in the middle of the cockpit is not wide enough to fit the autopilot. I called Hunter and they are all on vacation this week. I have seen a similar arrangement in the cockpit of other Hunters and I wonder how this problem can be resolved. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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With a hole saw...
At least on the 340 the fiberlass pedestal needs to have a hole cut in it to recess the drive motor for the ST 4000. I think the situation is similar on the 310. The only possible problem would be if there isn't enough clearance inside the box even with a hole cut in it.
At least on the 340 the fiberlass pedestal needs to have a hole cut in it to recess the drive motor for the ST 4000. I think the situation is similar on the 310. The only possible problem would be if there isn't enough clearance inside the box even with a hole cut in it.
I installed the ST4000 on my Hunter 29.5
The 29.5 has a similar center console to the 310 from what I can see on the models section of this site. Miles is correct. You simply need to drill a hole for the motor to recess into the console, and everything should fit just fine. The motor acts as an anchor for the fixed part of the circle assembly that attaches to the wheel, but I also anchored it with a 3/8" bolt with the head going in the slot in the assembly and the bolt drilled into the console with nuts and washers on both sides to hold it secure. Used the autopilot this way for four years before trading up to a bigger boat. When placing the holes for the motor and for the bolt, look carefully inside so you miss any steering cables and have enough depth behind the motor for the plug that goes in the back. Good luck.
The 29.5 has a similar center console to the 310 from what I can see on the models section of this site. Miles is correct. You simply need to drill a hole for the motor to recess into the console, and everything should fit just fine. The motor acts as an anchor for the fixed part of the circle assembly that attaches to the wheel, but I also anchored it with a 3/8" bolt with the head going in the slot in the assembly and the bolt drilled into the console with nuts and washers on both sides to hold it secure. Used the autopilot this way for four years before trading up to a bigger boat. When placing the holes for the motor and for the bolt, look carefully inside so you miss any steering cables and have enough depth behind the motor for the plug that goes in the back. Good luck.
Did you do all the work yourself
Did you do all the work yourself? Was it difficult to run the power to the pedistal? How long did it take? I am reasonably handy and am wondering if it is within realm of a do-it yourselfer? Thanks for both the replies Paul
Did you do all the work yourself? Was it difficult to run the power to the pedistal? How long did it take? I am reasonably handy and am wondering if it is within realm of a do-it yourselfer? Thanks for both the replies Paul
Autopilot on my 2001-290
From what I can see your steering wheel and fiberglass box looks very much the same. I have also seen 310 with autopilots so I think maybe west marine guy is wrong you will find this out from 310 owners soon. nick
From what I can see your steering wheel and fiberglass box looks very much the same. I have also seen 310 with autopilots so I think maybe west marine guy is wrong you will find this out from 310 owners soon. nick
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