wire run for wheel pilot

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richard

I am installing a wheel pilot and am unsure how to get the wire from the wheel mounted unit to the breaker panel. Do people drill holes in their steering pedestals and run the wire inside? This would be the cleanest way. If this is done, how do you fish the wire, what do you do about chafe protection for the wire and waterproofing the hole (and any other problems I can't think of)? Is running the wire down the pedestal guard an option? Any help or comments on this would be appreciated. Thanks! Richard O'Day 31 Edson 335 steering Simrad wheel pilot 30
 
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Derek Rowell

Through the pedestal guard

I think the most common way is to go into the pedestal guard, and down through the cockpit floor within the mounting foot of the guard. You will need to have a waterproof plug/socket so that you can disconnect. You might want to use a grommet in the hole you drill in the guard to prevent chafe. Also, if you drill through the cockpit sole, make sure you seal any exposed wood coring with epoxy to prevent water incursion and rot. You can use silicone sealant to prevent any drips from getting below.
 
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Les Murray

I drilled through the pedestal with no problems

I mounted my WP-30 last year and drilled directly into my pedestal. No issues with chafe or leakage. Fishing was an issue. I took some thin solid wire, about 16 guage, double looped it and put a hook on the end. Then I hooked a piece of string as a leader. I attached the power cable to the end of the string and pulled that through. As long as you bring the cable through the center of the pedestal (from below), you avoid chafing against the steering cables. I tried to pull my cable through where the power cable to the binacle light cable comes up. Good luck. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
 
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Tom

Notch under the top plate

When installing a RAM Mic for my VHF, I didn't want to drill such a large hole for he connector to fit through. Got a suggestion (from this forum, I think) to notch the top of the pedistal, after removing the top plate (and the binacle, etc.). Worked very well. Fair winds, Tom
 
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lnranch

Simrad Wheelpilot

We installed ours on our O'Day 28 by runing the wire up the pedistal and drilled a hole in the plastic compass holder and added a groument on the wire. Be sure your wire is clear of steering cables. God luck
 
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richard

compass deviation?

Inranch, Did you have any problem with compass deviation due to the wiring running so close to the compass? Thanks to all for the replys, I'm still up in the air as to the way to go.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Should not be a problem.

It should not be a problem with the Simrad WP because the cable from the A/P is about 5 feet long. The wire connections are below deck.
 
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