[C320-list] Remotes for AutoPilot

[Robert E. Sloat]

Tim-Get the Raymarine remote autopilot with the digital repeating function. 
I installed one last year and hang it on the cabin sole next to the sail 
sheet bags.  It greatly helps with sail adjustment from the cockpit without 
having to run back to the helm to check on results.  I repeat AWA, AWS and 
Boat Speed and any other of interest..  The 60 series Raymarine instruments 
are on my boat and you cannot repeat true wind angle.  I hid the sending 
unit in a storage cabinet in the cabin.  You have to hook the sending unit 
using sea talk cables to the back of one of the instruments so you have to 
purchase the extra cable.  I used around 30 feet of sea talk cable and had 
to thread the cable through one of the pedestal legs after drilling a hole 
in the leg near the Navpod. and then down the leg and along the port side 
existing wiring.

The remote autopilot function is used on occassion.  The repeating function 
is why I bought the unit.  On Hull 894 there is no easy way to put wired 
Raymarine repeaters anywhere near the cabin sole or under the dodger without 
wires showing inside the cabin.  You can put a repeater on the mast base but 
it would be next to impossible to do this with the mast up.

You can charge the unit from your boat batteries.  Just hook up the 
autopilot to a charging cable supplied by Raymarine.

Bob Sloat
Savannah 894

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tim" <chillinonahd at yahoo.com>
To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2008 5:27 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Remotes for AutoPilot


Does anyone have any experience with the two Raymarine remotes for their 
autopilots? There is about a $100 difference between the two with the more 
expensive one working like a repeater providing depth, speed, wind and 
rolling road info. It also have rechargable batteries. The later is 
something the boatyard raised as a concern since a) there is always a power 
drawn to keep the unit charged and b) if not charged and needed you can not 
replace the batteries like the less expensive model.

I do like the fact it repeats all that data. Any one have experience with 
these "toys"?

Tim
Calypso
#603

p.s still on the hard getting repaired from the lightning strike. I went 
down there the other day and saw what was left of my VHF antenna...took the 
top right off like a plasma cutter!!