[C320-list] X5 Autopilot

[Jim Sweet]

Mike,

I replaced mine last year because the control head died.  I put the computer 
unit in the aft cabin over the little shelf to starboard of the steering 
mechanism and it seems to be fine.  The wiring question is a bit foggy in my 
memory.  I do remember having a bitch of a time pulling the wires through 
the pedestal because the original install of the previous unit included 
sealing the pedestal tubes with about 4" of silicone that had to be dug out 
to get the wires through.  I know that the power wires were fine but I think 
that I had to route some of the wiring to the computer down.  I would also 
replace the control head (that's what went on mine).  I think that the new 
unit is vastly superior to the old one as far as course keeping ability.  I 
had a very old ST4000 on a Pearson 332 that was a very good unit but the 
original ST4000 on the 320 never kept a straight course like on the Pearson 
and I fooled with it for 9 years.  The X5 performs like the old ST4000 on 
the Pearson.  BTW, I did manage to sell the old unit to a guy on ebay that 
repaired the units (If I had found him prior to plunking down $1300 for the 
X5 I probably would have had him repair my head unit) so you may want to see 
if he can repair your unit or is willing to buy it for parts.  I think that 
he gave me around $500 for mine.  His email is Dan Gerhardt 
<c250 at mydurango.net>.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jim Sweet
TGIF (Thank God It Floats) 901
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Paris" <mparis495 at gmail.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 8:12 AM
Subject: [C320-list] X5 Autopilot


My ST4000 disintegrated while cruising this past week. The band broke and 
two of the small wheels snapped at their base. I plan to upgrade to the X5 
unit. I have St60 instruments with a Raymarine C90 chart plotter.

Questions for those who've installed the X5
1) Where is a good place to place the computer unit?
2) Which, if any, of the existing wiring can be used?
3) Is it worth replacing the the control head?
.
Thanks,
Mike P #734