Mark I finaly got my tiller pilot at the boat show. Do you have a two battery set up? I currently have a single battery with a solar panel. I plan on expanding to two batteries, but I bought a few to many boat toys at the show to due it right away. I have an 8hp tothatsu that has an alternator, but I don't motor alot, and I rarely use the electric start as it usually starts on the first or second pull.
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You're going to love it.
Hi Sean, I have a single battery setup with a United Solar 5W panel. When I bought the boat, I thought that I would eventually add another battery. However, I have not found a need since installing the solar panel. On a typical weekend sail, I run the Autohelm, VHF, depth/knot, and sometimes the stereo and GPS from sun up to sun down with no battery problem. At night, I'm conservative with power and use the Den Haan anchor light (uses oil). I don't motor that much and probably see very little benefit from the alternator on the Tohatsu. I almost always use the electric start. Occasionally, I'll hand-start it just to prove that it can be done.
I think you might find you don't need an extra battery. You are going to love the Autohelm. Take your time on the installation and measure everything twice (at least) before drilling any holes. Let me know what you think of it once you try it out. I find that "Otto" steers more than I do since the install. Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
Hi Sean, I have a single battery setup with a United Solar 5W panel. When I bought the boat, I thought that I would eventually add another battery. However, I have not found a need since installing the solar panel. On a typical weekend sail, I run the Autohelm, VHF, depth/knot, and sometimes the stereo and GPS from sun up to sun down with no battery problem. At night, I'm conservative with power and use the Den Haan anchor light (uses oil). I don't motor that much and probably see very little benefit from the alternator on the Tohatsu. I almost always use the electric start. Occasionally, I'll hand-start it just to prove that it can be done.
I think you might find you don't need an extra battery. You are going to love the Autohelm. Take your time on the installation and measure everything twice (at least) before drilling any holes. Let me know what you think of it once you try it out. I find that "Otto" steers more than I do since the install. Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240Autohelm
Mark or Sean or whoever, Make sure to post details of the installation. Autohelm is my next great investment, I think. I saw the pix in the forum and that looks great; but I have one problem- I don't have the remote controls on my o/b and find that I have to spend quite a bit of time in the very spot the autohelm is mounted. I don't know whether this creates a problem or not.
Mark or Sean or whoever, Make sure to post details of the installation. Autohelm is my next great investment, I think. I saw the pix in the forum and that looks great; but I have one problem- I don't have the remote controls on my o/b and find that I have to spend quite a bit of time in the very spot the autohelm is mounted. I don't know whether this creates a problem or not.
Location, location, location.
Hi Mark, I can see where that might be an inconvenience. It might not be as much of a problem as you think. It's easy to lift the autopilot off the tiller pin and pivot it around to lay against the starboard cockpit coaming. When I motor around the docks, I keep it in this position since I sit back there as well. You can also remove it and unscrew the pedestal from the mount if you really want it all out of the way. Try this; since you haven't purchased the unit yet, take a short piece of 2x4 or other suitable simulator on your next outing. Place it where you would mount the Autohelm as if it were steering. Now pivot it away from the tiller end and see if you are comfortable sitting where you normally do when motoring. You think that might work? Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
Hi Mark, I can see where that might be an inconvenience. It might not be as much of a problem as you think. It's easy to lift the autopilot off the tiller pin and pivot it around to lay against the starboard cockpit coaming. When I motor around the docks, I keep it in this position since I sit back there as well. You can also remove it and unscrew the pedestal from the mount if you really want it all out of the way. Try this; since you haven't purchased the unit yet, take a short piece of 2x4 or other suitable simulator on your next outing. Place it where you would mount the Autohelm as if it were steering. Now pivot it away from the tiller end and see if you are comfortable sitting where you normally do when motoring. You think that might work? Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
Thanks, I'll give it a try
That might take the uncertainty out of it for sure. I didn't think about how easily it might be to move. DOOOAAAHHHH! I'm planning on getting it around Christmas, so expect an e-mail or two for specifics. Your mount is PERFECT!
That might take the uncertainty out of it for sure. I didn't think about how easily it might be to move. DOOOAAAHHHH! I'm planning on getting it around Christmas, so expect an e-mail or two for specifics. Your mount is PERFECT!
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