[C320-list] Some instrument advice out there?

[Stephen Cox]

>  
> 1. I was assuming wheel drive  but what models fit the wheel 
> with the factory pedestal arrangement?
>  
> 2. What models has anybody installed recently and what are 
> your thoughts?
>  

You have to ask yourself when will you really need the autopilot.  The wheel
pilot is OK for mild conditions but when the going gets really tough the
wheel pilot setup just won't cut the mustard in the long run.  Been there,
done that.  I have upgraded my Autohelm system from an ST4000 II autopilot
by installing a hydraulic ram setup acting directly onto a lever on the
rudder stock (separate from the steering quadrant), upgraded the computer to
an X30 (needed to provide the maximum amps of the ram setup) and reused the
control head.  Using a separate lever onto the rudder stock gives you
complete backup steering if something fails in the normal steering setup.
Some people do connect their drives to the quadrant but Edson don't
recommend it and if you think about it it’s a false economy if it fails.

There are good linear drive systems out there too now so you don't have to
go hydraulic, its just that I managed to get a ram setup on eBay for about
1/10 of the rrp from a former dealer who was remaindering his stock of bits
and pieces.

As to second hand, if cost is an issue I would pay to get the drive new but
the computer, compass, rudder angle and control head second hand.  As new
models of gear come out there are always people who just have to upgrade
what is really quite good gear with plenty of feature and life in it.

Just my two pennies worth,

Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141