Raymarine auto on a 23.5

[SFKjeld]

Raymarine auto tiller on a 23.5

Found a thread from a few years back about this upgrade. Evidently, doable. There was a debate about whether to install on the engine or swim ladder side tho. Given that there may be more installs since, anyone care to opine about which side is best? My boat will unlikely be used for swimming, if that matters.

Also, would love any and all install tips. Looks like there is no one way to do it. As is usually the case.

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

Port side install on mine....

Found a thread from a few years back about this upgrade. Evidently, doable. There was a debate about whether to install on the engine or swim ladder side tho. Given that there may be more installs since, anyone care to opine about which side is best? My boat will unlikely be used for swimming, if that matters.

Also, would love any and all install tips. Looks like there is no one way to do it. As is usually the case.

I wanted the TP's internal compass away from the motor and be able to start, operate and tilt the motor without impediment.

 

[SFKjeld]

I wanted the TP's internal compass away from the motor and be able to start, operate and tilt the motor without impediment.

Looks like you do not need a tiller bracket. How does the tiller attach to the auto tiller arm tho? Also, the vertically attached extension is good for space, but seems risky for supporting the unit. Also seems vulnerable from tripping or other clumsy activity which I specialized in. But I might be making up drama that doesn't exist. Thanks for sharing the pic tho. This is exciting.

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

Actually the support column is not terribly in the way. However; someday when I get a tubing bender I'll make it with stainless steel and mount it on the combing near the stearn seat mounts. The mount location is awkward on the 23.5 because where the manual says it should be located there is nothing nearby to attach to.
For the tiller pin, instead of a bracket I drilled a vertical hole in the tiller and filled it with expanding foam. When the foam cured i gouged out the foam to make a larger cavity which I then filled with thickened marine epoxy. When this cured I drilled to fit the tiller pin. One important thing to note: our tillers are curved at the location the pin is to be installed. Make sure the pin sits vertical to the horizon NOT perpendicular to the tiller as this will cause the pin to bind in the TP's pocket at and near maximum steering throw.