Tillerpilot - Port or Starboard?

[Mike B.]

I just ordered a Raymarine ST1000 for an '01 H240, and have noticed in the forums two quite different installations. Wayneo F mounted his on the starboard side <A HREF="http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/pix.tpl?folder=73147918726&sku=31154300761405974&fno=17"></A>, while Bob Fliegel (on an H260) mounted his on the port side <A HREF="http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/pix.tpl?folder=73148169816&sku=31156540195406905&fno=17"></A>.<BR>I don't have outboard remote controls, but I do have a tiller link, so I might use the tillerpilot under power. As far as mounting to the Starboard side, the unit would seem to get in the way of leaning out to shift or throttle the outboard. As for mounting to port, the pilot seems more exposed to loss since it's over the open side of the transom*yks.<BR>Are these valid concerns?<BR>Any other pros & cons to think about?<BR>Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Wayne]

tiller pilot 240

Hi, they are all good thoughts and mine sat in the box for a while and then it comes down to personal preference and sure both work well, and it is the best thing you will ever buy for the boat. Mine is on the starboard side has the +es of when not in use just detach from the tiller and it lays down nicely across the back while still connected to the rear pin, its out of the way and back on in seconds (some times it is on for hours, other times on and off regularly), also I leave it plugged in and while at a port etc I can put in the hatch for safe keeping. So leave it plugged in for the whole trip, have separate switch inside to turn on/off. I also have a remote for my motor, but do lift my motor out of the water while autotiller connected and is not in the way, but have to step over it. I would not think that you would have the auto connected while reaching to put you motor into reverse. Trust me you will be using it while under stink power a lot (specially when soloing it), setting sails, dropping sails, no wind etc etc etc. Do a mock test doing your cockpit duties as I did, before permanently installing it. -es, the lower bracket on the tiller is "just" out of the way when opening the rear hatch to switch over the fuel, Bob's connection to the tiller has less wiggle room and stiffer connection. Make sure your rudder is all the way down (rudder creepas it works your autotiller hard and I bent one of my brackets which is better than damaging the autothing. Bob's needs the extension, mine needs the bracket on the tiller (mine is a little ugly). Might lose a few degree on bobs on port tack as it it not at right angles to the tiller???. not sure where bob swings his when disconnected from the tiller but sure has thought of a way so he is not donating it to the fish and can swing it back on easily. (that is a big one for me)  good luck.