Wheel pilot for 1979 H-30

[Dave Wilson]

The Edson rep at Pacific Sail Expo told me I couldn't have a wheel pilot as the fitting would interfere with the transmission shift lever, which exits at the rear of the pedestal. Have any of you successfully installed a wheel pilot, and if so which one.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Simrad should fit.

Dave, I think my 1979 H37C has the same pedestal. My shift lever is mounted on the back and points out to port. Up is reverse and down is forward. Throttle shaft comes out the right side of the post. My Navico 300CX(now Simrad WP30) has adequate(but not lots) clearance. If I can remember to get the Edson info at home I can give you the model # to compare.Ed(schencked@bfusa.com)

 

[Jim Flowers]

Wheel Pilot

Navico Wheel Pilot 5000 works fine on my 37C.

 

[Douglas]

WP30

Though my Hunter30 is an 89, I believe the shift lever set up is the same. I installed the WP30 with minimal difficulty. Loosen the set screw for the shift lever and slide it in enough for the lever to clear the WP30 engagement lever. If you want, you could cut a new locking groove in the lever for the new position. I haven't but the lever hasn't changed position after a season of use. I also used a Dremel tool to remove the upper 1 inch of the engagement lever. It is VERY critical to set the engagement lever of the autopilot behind the screw on the case when in the "off" position to avoid the unit hanging up. Installing an autopilot was the best upgrade I made to my boat (in conjunction with EZ Jax).It gives me confidence to singlehand.-Doug

 

[Steve Miller]

Raytheon works fine!

Dave,I just installed a Raytheon WP 4000 on my 1979 Hunter. It works fine. It is close to the shift lever but there is no interference with it. Best upgrade I ever invested in

 

[David]

ST 4000

I have the same transmission lever arrangement as yours on my H36 with an ST 4000 auto pilot that has worked flawlessly. Either choice is better than no auto pilot.