I'll be installing the Raymarine S1 Autopilot (Wheel)myself, since it would cost more than $1200 to have it installed. Does anyone have any installation recommendations, or things to watch out for. For example ... ideal placement for the onboard computer, and rudder sensor? Thanks, A
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Raymarine Smartpilot X-5 Wheel Pilot
Raymarine has a new line coming out in July 2008. Raymarine Smartpilot X-5 Wheel Pilot for Sailboats under 16,500 lbs displacment. It will be $1,249 at West Marine, so may be less elsewhere. Also this should reduce the cost of the S1 over the year. Fairwinds, Max
Raymarine has a new line coming out in July 2008. Raymarine Smartpilot X-5 Wheel Pilot for Sailboats under 16,500 lbs displacment. It will be $1,249 at West Marine, so may be less elsewhere. Also this should reduce the cost of the S1 over the year. Fairwinds, Max
installing a S1
Just installed a S1 in Feb. in my 33. It was fairly easy. As with most projects take your time no need to rush. Technical assistance from Raymarine is very good. This is where everything was placed: Computer – Under the starboard quarter-berth inside the locker next to the electrical panel. Flex-gate compass – mounted on the inside sink cabinet back wall close to the floor and centerline. Rudder sensor – under the steering quadrant. Used a hose clamp to mount the sensor attachment point to the steering quadrant. Control unit – mounted on the steering pedestal where it can be easily seen and changed. The great thing about the 33 is that there is enough room to mount everything unlike many boats that have a problem with the rudder sensor. The S1 works great, best thing added to the boat lately.
Just installed a S1 in Feb. in my 33. It was fairly easy. As with most projects take your time no need to rush. Technical assistance from Raymarine is very good. This is where everything was placed: Computer – Under the starboard quarter-berth inside the locker next to the electrical panel. Flex-gate compass – mounted on the inside sink cabinet back wall close to the floor and centerline. Rudder sensor – under the steering quadrant. Used a hose clamp to mount the sensor attachment point to the steering quadrant. Control unit – mounted on the steering pedestal where it can be easily seen and changed. The great thing about the 33 is that there is enough room to mount everything unlike many boats that have a problem with the rudder sensor. The S1 works great, best thing added to the boat lately.
Did this last summer
I wrote up such details as I could remember in a blog post, linked with this post. It's not as informative as I would have liked and I don't have time at the moment to fill in most of the blanks, even if my memory would allow it, but I think it answers some of your questions about the placement of the computer and rudder sensor. Also has some pictures so you can get an idea what it looks like. If you search these forums you'll find even better information--not long after we installed ours, there were several posts that were made which showed some much better ways to do things, particularly regarding the rudder sensor install, which was the biggest pain in the ass of the whole project. Good luck!
I wrote up such details as I could remember in a blog post, linked with this post. It's not as informative as I would have liked and I don't have time at the moment to fill in most of the blanks, even if my memory would allow it, but I think it answers some of your questions about the placement of the computer and rudder sensor. Also has some pictures so you can get an idea what it looks like. If you search these forums you'll find even better information--not long after we installed ours, there were several posts that were made which showed some much better ways to do things, particularly regarding the rudder sensor install, which was the biggest pain in the ass of the whole project. Good luck!
Works great
Congratulations you will like this autopilot. First dont worry. If you follow the directions it will work fine. I put the compass on the starbord side above the setee, and I think it is fine. As the maual sez you want it away from the motor, metal and electronics. the biggest challenge was the rudder location indicator. I built an arm by using a 3in piece of plastic pipe with a 1 in out let on it. I cut it n half, fastened it to the rudder post and made an arm with a 1 in by 4 in piece of plastic pipe that contolled the indicator. I will send you a drawi ng if you need it. For the rest just follow the directions. Good luck steve
Congratulations you will like this autopilot. First dont worry. If you follow the directions it will work fine. I put the compass on the starbord side above the setee, and I think it is fine. As the maual sez you want it away from the motor, metal and electronics. the biggest challenge was the rudder location indicator. I built an arm by using a 3in piece of plastic pipe with a 1 in out let on it. I cut it n half, fastened it to the rudder post and made an arm with a 1 in by 4 in piece of plastic pipe that contolled the indicator. I will send you a drawi ng if you need it. For the rest just follow the directions. Good luck steve
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