[Rhodes22-list] Tiller Pilot Recommendations

[ROGER PIHLAJA]

Mike,

I’ve had a Raymarine ST1000+ Tiller Pilot on S/V Dynamic Equilibrium for about 15 years.  I found it most convenient to use the Raymarine Pedestal Socket to mount the ST1000+ onto the top of the gunnel.  I believe I used the shortest socket assembly 38 mm (P/N: D026) to adjust the vertical position to level out the ST1000+ relative to the tiller.  But, you should measure your boat before ordering this part.  If the ST1000+ is not level relative to the tiller; then, the geometry changes as the actuator strokes and the effective gain of the controller will not be constant.  Variable controller gain is not conducive to holding a steady course.  You will also need some pushrod extensions.  I believe I used the 152 mm (P/N: D008) + the 25 mm (P/N: D003) pushrod extensions.  But, again, you should measure your boat before ordering these parts.  On the tiller, I used the standard tiller pin, epoxied in place.  Be careful to get compound angle of the pin correct on the tiller when you drill the hole.  Remember you only get one chance to drill this hole correctly.  If you screw it up; then, the tiller is ruined!  You want the pin to be vertical with the tiller fully lowered and located 460 mm from the centerline of the rudder’s pintles.  The Pedestal Socket comes with a big backing plate to facilitate thru bolting.  I did not reinforce the gunnel and have had no issues with structural failure.  I mounted the waterproof plug and socket on the side of the cockpit coaming aft of the ST1000, so it would not obstruct seating while the ST1000+ is in use.

If you only want to use your ST1000+ as a basic autopilot with no communication to other instruments via the Seatalk bus or NMEA 0183 bus; then, all you need to provide is 12 amps DC power.  The circuit should be separately fused.  If you want to use the hand held remote &/or communicate with other instruments; then, contact me off the list and I will try to assist.

Basically, it’s a pretty easy installation although there are a few potential booby traps.  The supplied owner’s handbook is pretty good.  If you take your time, follow the instructions, and measure twice/cut once; then, you’ll be fine.  It’s a very useful accessory and I really like mine.  It’s been totally bulletproof.

My ST1000+ does best on points of sail forward of the beam, ie beam reaching up to close hauled.  On points of sail aft of the beam, ie broad reach to a run, there is usually a following sea.  When that following sea is hitting the boat from a stern quarter, it requires the helmsman to anticipate the effect of a wave by counter steering as the wave is passing under the boat.  The ST1000+ (Or any autopilot) has no way to anticipate anything.  So, it’s always in reactive mode and the steered course can look a little wobbly.  It helps to reduce sail area and distribute the sail area fore/aft to keep the helm balanced.  Of course, these are conditions that require the most skill and attention from a human helmsman as well.  The ST1000+ is not as good at maintaining a downwind course as a skilled helmsman who is paying attention.  But, it’s better than a newby helmsman or a tired &/or inattentive helmsman.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

From: Michael D. Weisner<mailto:mweisner at ebsmed.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2021 6:12 PM
To: 'The Rhodes 22 Email List'<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Tiller Pilot Recommendations

Ric,

I'm afraid to ask what you do that you could not do without it. ;-)

I love mine, too.  And to think that I used to use a "tiller jock" to lock the tiller in place when I single handed with my two year old. With the autopilot, we could have both been sailing from the bow with our feet in the water using the remote to steer!

Mike
s/v Windlass ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of Ric Stott
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2021 5:59 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Tiller Pilot Recommendations

Love love love my Raymarine autotiller.
Could not do what I do without it.
Ric
sv Dadventure

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 18, 2021, at 5:30 PM, Peter Nyberg <peter at sunnybeeches.com> wrote:
>
> I have the Raymarine ST1000.  Actually, I depend on it so heavily, that I have two.  I have had one stop working.  I sent it back to Raymarine and they fixed it a no cost.
>
> Attached is a document created by Bill Wickman about his installation of the ST1000.  I followed this pretty closely.  However, at the point where the tiller pilot attaches to the cockpit combing, he said he found the fiberglass to be thick, and needed no reinforcement.  I found the fiberglass to be quite thin at the point, and epoxied in a block of 3/4” thick hardwood.
>
> I have no experience with the Simrad.
>
> Good luck with your project.
>
> Peter Nyberg
> Coventry, CT
> s/v Silverheels (1988/2016)
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>> On Feb 18, 2021, at 5:13 PM, MichaelM <mm.bizlist1 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> I'm hoping to install a Raymarine or Simrad tiller pilot in my boat.
>>
>> Can you share your experience with either unit and what challenges if
>> any did you encountered during the installation?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Mike McKay
>> s/v Liber 2006/2018
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from: http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/
>