[C320-list] Autohelm Mk2 Wheeldrive

[Jeff Church]

OOps. I meant "tiller" to steer with. Last time I looked, I still had a 
rudder.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Church" <jjemail at comcast.net>
To: "C320-List" <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2006 11:06 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm Mk2 Wheeldrive


> Chris,
>
> I wasn't lobbying or debating your decision either. It's too bad that tone
> is difficult to convey in an email. My intention was to benefit the other
> owners that are considering the project by explaining my preference and
> generally describing the steps that would be necessary to install on the
> stbd side. In the process I once again exposed my extreme analicity.
>
> You're right. We tend to over-analyze these things. Without a rudder to
> steer with I almost always use the autopilot, and after a month or so the
> port side would be second nature. I'm sure that a port side install is
> easier, and it probably does not cause any problems. The very expert 
> rigger
> at my local Catalina broker routinely does installations with the motor on
> the port side.
>
> As to the indexing/locating post/pin. The length of the post/pin actually
> needed to be reduced by about 2". In addition to that, mine and others did
> not fit in the same attachment holes that the old post used because the 
> new
> post would hit the instrument pod. Others mentioned grinding 1/4" of
> material off the bottom of the flange portion of the post to make it fit.
> That is what I thought you were referring to when you wrote that it needed
> "a bit of grinding." I found it easier to just move the pod.
>
> For the benefit of others, again, I posted a picture of the rudder 
> reference
> transducer in my album in the owner's gallery on the C320 site. If anyone
> wants more detailed photos and text I can easily forward to them the same
> email that I have sent to several other owners in the past few days.
>
> JeffC
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Chris Burti" <cburti at yahoo.com>
> To: "C320-List" <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Friday, March 24, 2006 9:20 AM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm Mk2 Wheeldrive
>
>
>>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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