Simrad Autopilot

[Patrick I.]

After reading Larry's good post on this autopilot, I was wondering if any other Catalina owners had tried and installed this unit (Simrad WP30CX). Is it compatible with existing Catalina equip? My concern from looking at photos of this unit is that it is right between the wheel and pedestal. It seems as though it might make getting to the gears and throttle a little difficult. Am I right or wrong. Thanks all, Pat

 

[Ed Schenck]

Pat, what mfg. pedestal?

The Simrad fits well on my old Edson. The shift lever is centered on back of pedestal and points out to port, up is reverse, etc. It is no more difficult than before when I had to reach over or through the big wheel. Well, maybe a little.My throttle is separate, mounted on the strbrd side of pedestal. Since it only moves forward there is no interference.