Thinking about buying and Installing Raymarine S1

[Bad Obsession]

I am thinking about buying and installing a Raymarine S1 Wheel Pilot. Has anyone here installed this unit themselves? If so how hard was the installation? Also, any tips for the installation would greatly be appreciated. Btw, I am going to install it on a 1990 Catalina 30.

 

[mortyd]

raymarine

whenever i see someone ask about raymarine, i suggest he try to contact raymarine customer service with a problem as if he already had given raymarine some of his hard-earned cash.

 

[Rodney]

Raymarine Response

Whenever I see a statement like the one above, I always say that I have contacted Raymarine multiple times, several with very complex problems, and have always received prompt, courteous, and correct help. Is my Raymarine stuff new? Hardly, I have an ST50 series speed, depth, wind, an ST 50 radar, a Garmin GPS interfaced via NMEA, a ST7000+ autopilot, and the whole lot interfaced to a Dell laptop running Coastal Explorer. It all works thanks in large part to Raymarine tech support.

 

[mortyd]

raymarine

i'm not saying anyone should believe you; i'm not saying he should believe me; i'm just saying he should try himself. ok?

 

[Bad Obsession]

This isn't an arguement

I didn't post this topic to start an arguement! I simply wanted information on the installation of this unit! Please refrain from posting on my topic unless you have something helpful to say!!

 

[Rick D]

Easy

I put a 4000 unit on a 32' Hunter Vision which I used for nine years. It was the same configuration except for the addition of the course computer in the S1. That should add a higher level of sophistication to the unit, although I was well satisfied with the 4000 and I put a lot of miles on it. This does not have a rudder sensor and may not need it with the course computer. In any event, the installation is straight forward. You just need to find a place for the compass, naturally away from objects that would cause deviation and low and near the centerline as possible. That's the most critical part of the installation. The rest is just running wires, which you have to evaluate your comfort in doing. Make sure the ends are properly crimped and sealed and that you use the proper gauge for the power (best to go up).Rick D.

 

[Anchor Down]

What about Simrad

I have the same boat and will be doing the same install. Any opinions about the Raymarine vis-a-vis the comparable Simrad wheel pilot?They look almost identical, and I'm leaning toward the Simrad for two reasons: my friend has had good luck with the brand, and their wheel pilot covers only one wheel spoke, which makes it look easier to get the wheel off to open up cockpit space for the weekend once I'm on a mooring.Any compariaons re: Raymarine vs. Simrad in general?

 

[Rick A]

That's my plan...

I had a good look at the S1 at the Oakland Sail Only boat show after looking at some literature. Looks like a sweet unit and it is relativly simple to install, provided you are at least a little bit handy. It is an upgrade over the 4000ST and gets rid of the belt issues.