[C320-list] Autohelm Mk2 Wheeldrive

[Chris Burti]

I am not lobbying for any particular installation. Go
with what suits you.

This is just an observation that I haven't found any
downsides to the portside installation. 

I had it done by a pro, but he was finished before I
could get there so it could not have taken more than a
couple of hours. That makes it appear that the
portside is an easy install. Using the left hand to
operate the clutch lever is perfectly natural with
your right hand on the wheel. It is probably easier
since you don't have to bend over to release or engage
the lever. I see no observable effect on the compass
for coastal navigation.

My recollection is that, at the time, I spent a
significant amount of time studying and considering
all the issues and came to the conclusion that I would
have preferred the standard starboard installation but
it was easier to go with the alternate. 

Now, after three years of heavy use, I haven't a clue
as to why I even bothered to give it a second thought.

--more below--

--- Jeff Church <jjemail at comcast.net> wrote:
> Chris,
> 
> I would have had to grind 3/8" off the bottom of the
> post, so I just 
> relocated the instrument pod 1/2" lower.

The only change required on our boat was a shortening
of the locating/indexing pin that came with the unit.
I am not sure what post you are referring to. While I
was certain during dry fitting that the stupid thing
couldn't possibly fit...no changes were required to
the pedestal guard or instrument pods. Made me believe
in magic, 'cause I sure can't explain it and the
installer only answered my inquiry with a
cryptic..."no problem".
  

Chris Burti
"Commitment"
Catalina 320, #867, 
Farmville, NC

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