[C320-list] Some instrument advice out there?

[Scott Thompson]

I'll add that after two seasons I couldn't be happier with the Raymarine 
linear drive setup, except for a few minor issues having to do with the 
control unit software: I don't like the "rolling road" graphical 
animation on the control unit when I'm in "track" mode. It's just silly, 
and does not show me the compass or wind information I get in other 
modes. And certain "pattern" modes are only available if you configure 
the unit to think it is installed on a fishing boat, in which case the 
wind modes disappear. Don't they know that sometimes people go fishing 
from a sailboat when the wind dies? (The patterns could also be helpful 
in a MOB or emergency search situation.)

The linear drive itself is terrific. It is almost silent and very 
smooth. I like the fact that I have an independent steering solution. It 
drives the boat much better than the older ST4000+ unit it replaced, 
with none of the "snake wake" problems I had with the older unit when in 
track mode.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653

On 8/20/2014 10:19 AM, Allan S Field wrote:
> Scott Thompson has pictures out on the C320 website regarding a linear drive
> install.  I followed his instructions and did the same install after going
> through 3 wheel pilots.  I highly recommend this robust solution.  The
> linear drive is designed for a 24K pound boat and the C320 is less than 12K
> with the result that the drive will hold a straight line course in virtually
> any kind of wind and seas. See:
> http://www.catalina320.com/search.php?query=linear+drive&type=all&mode=searc
> h&results=30
>
> Allan S. Field
> Sea Shadow - #808
> Columbia, MD
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
> Of Stephen Cox
> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 10:01 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Some instrument advice out there?
>
>
>>   
>> 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
>