Got a UPS box today, containing a brand new S1 autopilot. Just finished reading the installation manual, and instructions. If I don't make another post by say, Monday, send a search party. I'll be trapped in the aft compartment, trying to make a mount and install the rudder sensor. I have only been down in there once, and thought for a bit I wasn't going to get out.
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I'm holding out till
June 6th and if I don't have a firm it'll be in my hand date from Raymarine than I'm going to go with the S1 and forget the X-5 I'm presetting the boat up with power at the computer location,drag lines to the controller location and a drag line to the rudder location(hope I don't need to use it) but the whole installation is a piece of cake except that rudder sensor! I have a lot of access to my quadrent but its the mounting and alignment of the rudder sensor with the quadrent that looks like a real pain one thought is mounting the sensor upside down above the quadrent which in my case might be an easier way than trying to install it the way the drawings show keep posting and if we don't hear from ya who should we call to go look for you in the aft bilge area
June 6th and if I don't have a firm it'll be in my hand date from Raymarine than I'm going to go with the S1 and forget the X-5 I'm presetting the boat up with power at the computer location,drag lines to the controller location and a drag line to the rudder location(hope I don't need to use it) but the whole installation is a piece of cake except that rudder sensor! I have a lot of access to my quadrent but its the mounting and alignment of the rudder sensor with the quadrent that looks like a real pain one thought is mounting the sensor upside down above the quadrent which in my case might be an easier way than trying to install it the way the drawings show keep posting and if we don't hear from ya who should we call to go look for you in the aft bilge area
I can relate to...
...your concern of not getting out of a tight space. I waited until I finally had extra hands on board Sunday to replace the scupper hose that exits the port-side aft thru hull (a PO had replaced it w/ cheap plastic hose not suited for the purpose and plumbed it badly w/ a loop that held water which eventually froze and split. Not good. The perceived 'good price' wasn't nearly worth it). I had to drop the rudder and remove the steering radial to provide just enough access, and I mean 'just enough'. The subsequent squeezed, contorted and wedged sensation confirmed that spelunkers are crazy. It was just about this moment the left leg went completely dead, numbness and then no-feeling slowly creeping northward from the ankle up. That's when the desire for a permanent 'Mini Me' onboard was expressed in language and volume that evoked laughter from the cabin top. "Quit laughing and help get me unwedged, 'cause I can't feel anything on my left side". 15 minutes later I felt I could trust the wheels to provide vertical support (they did). Good luck with your install. Recommend you double your time estimate so your Personal Extraction Team will still be there for you. Take care.
...your concern of not getting out of a tight space. I waited until I finally had extra hands on board Sunday to replace the scupper hose that exits the port-side aft thru hull (a PO had replaced it w/ cheap plastic hose not suited for the purpose and plumbed it badly w/ a loop that held water which eventually froze and split. Not good. The perceived 'good price' wasn't nearly worth it). I had to drop the rudder and remove the steering radial to provide just enough access, and I mean 'just enough'. The subsequent squeezed, contorted and wedged sensation confirmed that spelunkers are crazy. It was just about this moment the left leg went completely dead, numbness and then no-feeling slowly creeping northward from the ankle up. That's when the desire for a permanent 'Mini Me' onboard was expressed in language and volume that evoked laughter from the cabin top. "Quit laughing and help get me unwedged, 'cause I can't feel anything on my left side". 15 minutes later I felt I could trust the wheels to provide vertical support (they did). Good luck with your install. Recommend you double your time estimate so your Personal Extraction Team will still be there for you. Take care.
Looking at it againg
I have been looking and studying the situation, and I am about to decide it is going to be easier to get in there from the starboard lazarette. There is a fair amount of room once you get in there. I'll be 70 in June, and I am 6'5", so a lot of me to fold up. Fortunately I'm kind of skinny, so at least that is in my favor. Also trying to figure out some way to design a mount, that will actually work,and only have to get in there one time. Of course, this won't ever happen, but it's nice to dream. Your right though, the remainder of the installation is pretty straight forward. I think the rudder sensor will be the very first thing I tackle, just to get it over with so I don't have to look forward to doing it.
I have been looking and studying the situation, and I am about to decide it is going to be easier to get in there from the starboard lazarette. There is a fair amount of room once you get in there. I'll be 70 in June, and I am 6'5", so a lot of me to fold up. Fortunately I'm kind of skinny, so at least that is in my favor. Also trying to figure out some way to design a mount, that will actually work,and only have to get in there one time. Of course, this won't ever happen, but it's nice to dream. Your right though, the remainder of the installation is pretty straight forward. I think the rudder sensor will be the very first thing I tackle, just to get it over with so I don't have to look forward to doing it.
You laugh, but it could happen!
I actually had a friend that some way locked himself in the head late one Sunday when the marina was getting vacant. Luckily he was able to reach a handheld VHF by reaching through the port and call for help. Better keep the radio handy!
I actually had a friend that some way locked himself in the head late one Sunday when the marina was getting vacant. Luckily he was able to reach a handheld VHF by reaching through the port and call for help. Better keep the radio handy!
It is always my clothes that snag on something
when I stuff myself into small spaces. I am about a foot shorter than you but not skinny. I have only one place that is a real tight fit in and out. Once in I can turn around.
when I stuff myself into small spaces. I am about a foot shorter than you but not skinny. I have only one place that is a real tight fit in and out. Once in I can turn around.
You don't have to look purty
N&E- Have fun and be careful. You're not in a beauty contest so dress as needed and make sure you have good air movement and a phone and plenty of Gator Aide and sweat towels. Hope it all goes in like a breeze.
N&E- Have fun and be careful. You're not in a beauty contest so dress as needed and make sure you have good air movement and a phone and plenty of Gator Aide and sweat towels. Hope it all goes in like a breeze.
I can feel your pain...
good luck with the install... hope you make it out this year. I have a similar situation with the stuffing box. If I turn on my side... I can slide in between the fuel tank and the water heater. That leaves enough room for my arms to flail around while the blood rushes to my head as my ribs get crushed by some sort of stringer. If I lost 60 pounds... I think it could be easier! If you go naked... don't forget to take off your watch. I don't know where you will keep the phone.
good luck with the install... hope you make it out this year. I have a similar situation with the stuffing box. If I turn on my side... I can slide in between the fuel tank and the water heater. That leaves enough room for my arms to flail around while the blood rushes to my head as my ribs get crushed by some sort of stringer. If I lost 60 pounds... I think it could be easier! If you go naked... don't forget to take off your watch. I don't know where you will keep the phone.
BTW to anybody working on there boat
And you have to lay on a your side with a cabinet frame or a stringer sticking into your ribs make sure you put a pillow,foam or a pfd under you. I didn't last year and all was well till the next day and for two weeks after with a lot of pain *cry
And you have to lay on a your side with a cabinet frame or a stringer sticking into your ribs make sure you put a pillow,foam or a pfd under you. I didn't last year and all was well till the next day and for two weeks after with a lot of pain *cry
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