[C320-list] AutoPilot Installation

[Joe Abbagnaro]

Lower the Engine pod as far as you can at least one inch.
I mounted the drive motor on the Starboard side and cut an
inch off the bottom of the locking handle on the drive motor.

Be careful when you lower the Enging Gauge pod there is a stud
that comes throug the binnacale into the pod. That stud
will end up above the engine pod. Do not let the stud fall in....
That stud hold the mounting for your engine controls Throttle
Reverse and Forward. If it pushes back in you can retrieve it but it is
a pain you have to remove your compass and go in threw the top of the
binnicale .... Good Luck its not that hard...

Joe
#574


On Sun, Jul 5, 2009 at 6:42 PM, Jon Vez<jonvez at comcast.net> wrote:
> Dennis,
>
> You will not have to make any adjustments to the wheel spindle--however, you
> will have to lower the engine pod about an inch to fit the new pe beg that
> holds the back of the MKII in place. The drive motor will also need to be in
> the 'alternate' position which is to port and in the upper quadrant. This
> will cause your compass to be thrown off due the magnetic influence. Neither
> is a big deal and worth the upgrade...
>
> Regards,
> Jon Vez
> Solstice #582
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Harris
> Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 7:58 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] AutoPilot Installation
>
> In looking at the new Raymarine Autopilot, I notice that the width of the
> drive wheel is 28mm (~1 in.+) while the existing clearance between the
> boat's wheel and the instrument panel is only 3/8-1/2 in.  The Edson Wheel
> nut appears to be about 1 in., so, at first glance, it would seem that the
> autopilot would not fit without modification to the Edson Wheel spindle.
> How is this situation resolved with the S1 and X5 autopilots - new spindle,
> spacers, etc.??
>
> An acquaintence is replacing his Simrad Wheel Pilot 5000 with the new X-5 on
> his Hunter 340 and has offered me the old Wheel Pilot 5000.  He said that it
> controls well except every now and then it goes crazy and puts in an abrupt
> turn.  I don't know whether the problem is with his boat/installation or the
> unit.  Has anyone used this autopilot with the C320 and what has been your
> experience with it?  Also, any comment on how to resolve the clearance
> issues above for the WP5000 will be appreciated.  "Free" is a good price,
> but "you get what you pay for" is perhaps also a good warning.
>
> Dennis Harris
> C320 #694
>
>