Wheel drive auto pilot.

[Dalliance]

I want to add a wheel drive auto pilot to my ‘82 H30, but I have the Edison pedestal with the shift lever on the aft side. While the end of the lever is to the left of the pedestal rather than directly behind it, I am concerned that when the auto pilot wheel drive is mounted to the steering wheel, it may be an annoying obstruction. Has anyone with this pedestal and shift lever configuration added a wheel drive auto pilot?

 

[19thol]

We have a 90 30-2, pedestal looks the same, raymarine wheel drive installed, no problems.

 

[Tally Ho]

The transmission lever on my O’Day 322 is just like yours.
I have a wheel pilot and it works fine.


this shot gives you an idea how close the shifter and wheel pilot are...but I don’t have any issue shifting.


Greg

 

[Dalliance]

The transmission lever on my O’Day 322 is just like yours.
I have a wheel pilot and it works fine.
View attachment 179248

this shot gives you an idea how close the shifter and wheel pilot are...but I don’t have any issue shifting.
View attachment 179250

Greg

Greg,
It’s a tight fit but it works. I was concerned I might need the more expensive below deck drive type. What brand auto pilot do you have and where do you have the control unit mounted? I’m thinking of putting it next to the engine panel or on the port side opposite that rather than on the pedestal.
James

 

[doc jim]

I have an 81 Hunter 30 with identical pedestal and controls. I have a ray marine st40 wheel autopilot mounted with no problems. the flux gate compass is low under the starboard settee , Computer unit under the fiberglass sink Starboard to the step And control unit near warning lights and tach in cockpit

 

[Tally Ho]

Mine is an older ST40 AP. I did not install it, but the Fluxgate compass is actually mounted in my bilge. As low as possible...

The control head is mounted on the side of my pedestal. The PO built an enclosure around the lower part of the pedestal, and that houses a fish finder, 2 speakers, a VHF radio and the AP control head.

On my previous boat (a Hunter 280), the AP Control head was mounted on the flaming, near the engine controls. I think that is a good location.

Greg

 

[Dalliance]

I have an 81 Hunter 30 with identical pedestal and controls. I have a ray marine st40 wheel autopilot mounted with no problems. the flux gate compass is low under the starboard settee , Computer unit under the fiberglass sink Starboard to the step And control unit near warning lights and tach in cockpit

Thanks Doc Jim, this is helpful. Had not thought of putting the computer unit under the sink. Plenty of space back there and it’s out of the way.