I'm about to finally install the Raymarine S1 autopilot on my 1995 Hunter 336. I wonder where to best mount the computer unit which is a pretty open design, i.e. not by any means water- or humidity proof. An easy installation would be in the cockpit locker where the batteries sit - easy access, no trouble with the wiring, close to the pedestal and the control unit. It is not exposed to direct water access but, of course, not as protected as my alternative location in the aft quarterberth. Any experience/recommendation with the cockpit locker installation ?
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Computer installation
I would not recommend putting it in a locker where the batteries are located. If you have AGM's might be OK, but if you have wet cells the fumes are corrosive. Even with AGM's I'm not sure about any corrosive fumes. I mounted mine in the cabin, under the nav. table. Works well, and there was more than enough wire on the unit to reach. I would recommend that you figure out a mount for both the computer and the compass, before installing either one. I have a hanging locker just in front of the nav station, and mounted the compass inside the locker, at the bottom front. It's down low, and close to the centerline which is recommended. Thats the easy part. Good luck on the rudder sensor, and I can tell you from experience, it won't work without the rudder sensor.
I would not recommend putting it in a locker where the batteries are located. If you have AGM's might be OK, but if you have wet cells the fumes are corrosive. Even with AGM's I'm not sure about any corrosive fumes. I mounted mine in the cabin, under the nav. table. Works well, and there was more than enough wire on the unit to reach. I would recommend that you figure out a mount for both the computer and the compass, before installing either one. I have a hanging locker just in front of the nav station, and mounted the compass inside the locker, at the bottom front. It's down low, and close to the centerline which is recommended. Thats the easy part. Good luck on the rudder sensor, and I can tell you from experience, it won't work without the rudder sensor.
I put mine under my nav station too
I have an ODay cenertcockpit and the aft cabin had a sink that I removed and turned the space into a nav station/desk and the computer lives under it, I had considered installing it in my engine room but it gets too hot down there The biggest pain was installing the rudder sensor even though I have great access and plenty of room to work,I can't imagine some of the installations with tight quarters also the fluxgate compass was a little tricky keeping it away from the engine,wiring,etc but I am very pleased with the way it works. Next week we start a cruise and Anna the auto pilot as my daughter calls it will be on duty
I have an ODay cenertcockpit and the aft cabin had a sink that I removed and turned the space into a nav station/desk and the computer lives under it, I had considered installing it in my engine room but it gets too hot down there The biggest pain was installing the rudder sensor even though I have great access and plenty of room to work,I can't imagine some of the installations with tight quarters also the fluxgate compass was a little tricky keeping it away from the engine,wiring,etc but I am very pleased with the way it works. Next week we start a cruise and Anna the auto pilot as my daughter calls it will be on duty
Raymarine Autopilot Installation
I like the British sailing magazine Practical Boat Owner. The June 2008 edition has a full article at Page 68 on installing a Raymarine S2G autopilot. While your model is the S1, it goes into all the details. The article is very good. Pete
I like the British sailing magazine Practical Boat Owner. The June 2008 edition has a full article at Page 68 on installing a Raymarine S2G autopilot. While your model is the S1, it goes into all the details. The article is very good. Pete
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