FW: RE: [Rhodes22-list] Tiller Auto Pilot Question(s)

[Bob Keller]

>Bill,
>I'm not going to tell you about my unit, but will be glad to talk about my 
>autopilot...I went with the ST2000, but not for any specific reason other 
>than I read that it might be more reliable (I think in epinions.com) and I 
>figured that more power could not hurt.  Will the ST1000 work?  Most likely 
>it would be fine.  The R-22 helm is very light, even in heavy wind.
>
>As for installation, I had it at Big Water Marina for several months with 
>no progress before finding someone close to Atlanta (Lake Lanier) who had 
>experience installing all kinds of autopilots on all kinds of boats.  He 
>installed it quickly and perfectly and it is like most things: simple when 
>you know what you're doing.  The installation is like this (in 
>non-technical terms):
>1. the pushrod hooks below the tiller with an offset bracket attached to 
>the tiller. I don't know the size of the offset-but it isn't more than two 
>inches.  There are three pushrod extensions, but I don't exactly know their 
>lengths.  I believe they are 4 or 5 inches, 2 inches and then a 1 inch 
>extension that I do not need and keep as an extra.
>2. The unit installs on the top of the coaming - the little receptacle cup 
>is sunk into the coaming flush with the surface and epoxied in place.  This 
>installation is simple (since it does not require any additional brackets) 
>and also allows my stern swivel captains seat to swing freely over it.
>3. The unit is perfectly level installed this way and I understand that 
>this is part of a good installation although I've been told it will work 
>fine even if it's not level.
>4. The electrical connection is directly below the unit on the seat back.  
>I also got a free remote which is installed and plugs into the bulkhead (I 
>think).
>
>This is the best addition to the boat that I have made (even though 
>everyone laughed at me for adding it).  I singlehand a lot and it makes 
>sailing much more enjoyable, less tiring and I am able to keep my drinks 
>full and the music fresh.  Great when motoring also, although I do run over 
>a lot of channel markers.  I also have a wind instrument and can set the 
>a/p to hold a certain apparent wind angle - great on a lake when trying to 
>point as high as possible.  Nice feature.
>
>The unit performs flawlessly, although I had a problem recently as the 
>internal gears were stripped.  I sent it back, they completely rebuilt the 
>insides of the unit and sent it back to me at no charge.  Amazing customer 
>service after 2.5 years.
>
>In summary, I would avoid pedastals and mount it right on the coaming for 
>simplicity.  I don't think you would go wrong with either the ST1000 or 
>2000 - I have no knowledge of any other brands.
>
>I wish I had some pictures, but I don't (on this new computer) and I won't 
>be seeing the boat again for a couple months.
>
>Best of luck.
>Bob K
>s/v Yankee Clipper
>
>
>>From: "William E. Wickman" <wewickman at duke-energy.com>
>>Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>>To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>>Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Tiller Auto Pilot Question(s)
>>Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 17:10:30 -0500
>>
>>I am looking at buying a Tillerpilot.  It looks like the Raymarine ST1000
>>is the one everyone is getting.  For those of you with autopilots, I have 
>>a
>>few questions:
>>
>>1)  Is the ST1000 the best unit for the Rhodes22?  Anyone have or use the
>>Simrad?
>>
>>2) How did you install yours?  Any problems/challenges?  Did you install
>>the pushrod pin above or below the tiller?  Where to install the base of
>>the unit?  How about the power plug?
>>
>>3)  Does the unit have to be installed exactly level?  It looks to me like
>>it would be impossible to install the mounting pedestal (or base unit
>>mounting hole) perfectly horizontal because of the slope of the coaming.
>>How did you deal with the non levelness issue?
>>
>>I read in the Rhodes22 FAQ where Roger recommended a 3" pedestal and 2- 5"
>>rod extenders.  However, a recent picture of Yankee Clipper shows the unit
>>mounted nearly flush to the deck with the pushrod mounted underneath the
>>tiller.
>>
>>Basically, I would love to hear about everyone's experience with these
>>contraptions.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Bill W.
>>
>>__________________________________________________
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>
>
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