INstalling a Raymarine 4000 Autopilot on a 320

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Jun 3, 2004
3
Catalina 30 Yankton, SD
Does anyone have a good idea how to install a Raymarine 4000 autopilot on a Catalina 320. Seems quite simple to start but the problem is the new Autopilot 4000 (gray in color) has a drive wheel that is 14 inches in diameter as compared to a 12 inch drive wheel on the older black model). The problem is that extra size causes a couple of major problems 1- the autopilot drive wheel hits the 320 engine instrument pod and will not permit the steering wheel to be mounted. 2- if you solve that problem the clutch on the autopilot will not operate because of hitting the instrument pod and 3- Try to operate the engine shut off witht the autopilot installed. Solutions that have been offered: 1- Install a new dished out wheel from Edson. Has anyone tried this. I can't get an answer even from Edson how much the spokes are racked back to determine if the drive wheel will chear the housing and function. ANyone tried this? Results?. 2- Move the engine instrument housing down. On the surface this sounds like the easist but What is involved in the pipes that carry the wires from the pod to below deck to conncect to the electic and engine sub systems? Any one have a sugggest as to problems and solutions using this approach? 3- Replace the shaft the steering wheel mounts to with a longer shaft. Edson is checking out the details on making a shaft 1 1/2 longer the the orginal. Anyone tried this approach? what is the recommend additional length? what problems in installing. Can't believe I am the only sailor that has tried to put on a autopilot on a 320> Would appreciate some ideas. Thanks
 
C

Chris Burti

Have faith...been there...done that!

First...Have actually tried mounting the drive wheel? Mine appeared that there would be no way for it fit. I was told, as I am now telling you, that it will fit. I assumed then that my instrument pod was incorrectly mounted. Figured... what the heck...and tried mounting it. I found that the drive wheel will actually fit on the 320 with no modifications to anything...Have faith, your measurements are to no avail...it just fits with no contact to the instrument pod. There are to solutions to the drive motor mounting. One, is to put it on the port side. That is what I did and it works just fine. The second, is to mount it further up on the starboard side and redrill the drive wheel. This was ok'ed by Raymarine for another owner and he put all the info on the Catalina 320 Owners' Association website.
 
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