Raymarine ST4000 install

[bcollis]

This winter I plan on installing a Raymarine ST4000 autopilot on my 88 Hunter 30. I have the power cable run to just below the pedestal, but am not sure about drilling holes in the Edson pedestal. There is a bolt on the front of the pedestal that looks like it may be adaptable for the mount post.





Does anyone have an idea what this bolt is for? Should I avoid it and drill holes for the post and power cable? I there anything that I should know before I start drilling?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[FastOlson]

My guess is that the four small holes you will drill will be well above that bolt head. Just follow the install instructions and you should be fine. The install kit even includes a drill bit...
The tricky part, IMHO, is getting the length just right on the stud that engages the plastic wheel unit.
FO

 

[kloudie1]

St 4000

The bolt probably is the support clamp for the throttle and shift cables. The bracket usually will be above that a little .. don't drill in any further than necessary, though.. Here is a shot of the bracket on mine .. It ended up at the top of the tube and caused no problems installing.. My unit is a Merriman, but the dimensions are very close to Edson units. The power wire is routed through the guard tube and not the pedestal

 

[Swandriver]

It is the bolt holding the bracket that stabilizes the power and gear cables.

Also, just installed a Raymarine on my Catalina27. Ran the cables up the pedestal in a 1 inch flex conduit, drilled a 1 inch hole just below the "bowl, put in an o-ring and have gps power and data, autopilot and fish/depth finder cables.

Good luck and good sailing.

 

[bcollis]

Thanks for the info. Since I'm working with an EBay unit, I didn't get all of the parts.. like the drill bit, or the four screws for the mount. I'll be making a trip to Lowes for those.

I like the idea of having the cables on the inside of the pedestal... it looks cleaner, but I might opt on the non drilling side and run it outside. Holes in metal are tough to fix if you make a mistake.

How is your power wired? Are you running to an open 12v breaker on your panel, or did you attach to an existing? I only have one free switch left, so I thought I'd use it to keep the power clean.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[kloudie1]

Ran my power off the depthsounder breaker .. Figured I'd not run the autopilot without the depthsounder being on. The circuit is fed with 12 ga wire. Has worked out very well.

 

[FastOlson]

Separate breaker for the AP. Run the power cable down thru a drilled hole (well chamfered...) in the ss guard leg for the wheel.

Note that the screws have to cut their way into the pilot hole in the aluminum steering post. Buy good quality screws and do not twist off a head.
The original screws were hardened steel, powder coated. I have used good quality ss for this, also.
You may have to work your way up in drill sizes, until you can turn those screws in with juuuuussst enough force.

L

 

[bcollis]

Here's an update on my install. I have the power run to the pedestal. I ended up running it inside the pedestal because the grab handle terminated at the bottom with no way to get inside without cutting fiberglass. I followed the throttle and gear cables back to the stern cabin, and found that I could fit my entire body on the port aft locker next the the fuel tank.... This was necessary to get the run into the cabin. It was tight in there though.

Next will be the power run to the head unit, an the flux gate install.

Brian

 

[FastOlson]

Brian,
Remember to install that fluxgate compass with the logo facing forward ( the protruding dome part). Locate it near as reasonable to the roll and pitch center of the boat. Not near - by several feet -- to electric motors like bilge pumps or fans... and not near the aux. diesel engine. Sometimes this can be a little like seeking the Grail.
Watch out for areas where someone might inadvertently store canned goods, tools, or any other ferrous metal.

That little compass requires ... "magnetic peace and quiet".... as it were....

Cheers,
FO

 

[bcollis]

I did see a PDF on the Raymarine site that had a graphic of potential fluxgate placement positions, and it mentioned placement being best in the center of the boat. The curious thing is that it had a 30% mark when the flux was placed toward the stern of the boat. I'm going to try placing it under the aft cabin, mostly because it I the easiest place to run the cable to the head unit from. If that doesn't work well, I guess I'll have to move it forward. The distance from the engine is almost four feet, and about 6 feet from the stern of the boat.