[C320-list] Autopilot install

[Rod Boer]

Hi Angus,

I ordered a package from Defender Marine. It was referred as an Evolution Autopilot with a P70s Control Head, ACU200, EV1 sensor core, EV1 cabling kit and type 1 mechanical linear drive. I purchased the arm that was attached to the rudder post from another vendor.  I had a machine shop fabricate plates to reinforce the inside and aft side of the rear wall of the aft berth. I installed it myself. My entire installation is below decks under the helm.  Previously there were several similar installations done and one written up in a previous issue of the Mainsheet.  My installation is very similar to Jeff Hares installation. A similar installation was written up and published in the Mainsheet. If you decide to install this Autopilot, let me know as I can provide you with quite a bit of information.

Rod Boer
Odyssey, #688
Chesapeake Bay 

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Gus Macdonald
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:04 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autopilot install

Thanks Rod.  I single hand most of the time as well and find that when I am faced with a rapidly increased wind speed and need to reef, the 4000 will not control the boat while I do this.  This would be my biggest motivation to go to a linear unit.  As a matter of interest do you have the Raymarine 6000 linear?  I had this on a former boat (Beneteau 393) and it was bullet proof.
Wrt to some concerns raised by Scott about removing it in a failure situation, the 6000 required only the removal of a couple of clips at each end of the ram.  Inconvenient, as you had to reach down into the lazarette but not a big deal.  One plus of a linear unit not mentioned is that if your steering cables break or come off the blocks in the steering system, you can steer the boat with the AH as it is attached directly to the rudder post.  This happened to me twice when I fist got the Beneteau. 

Angus


> On Aug 28, 2018, at 2:06 PM, Rod Boer <rod.boer1 at verizon.net> wrote:
> 
> Angus,
> 
> I also installed the linear drive on Odyssey #688.  There is no comparison between the two drives.  I single hand all of the time and can point the boat on any course, push the button  on the autopilot and it will hold the course in a straight line. The linear autopilot was designed for boats up to 24,000 lbs so it doesn't have any problems with the C320.  It is especially useful when dropping the sails with the Dutchman system. On my boat the sails drop nicely except for the portion at the rear which tend to fall off the boom. I can put the sail cover on without any worry.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Gus Macdonald
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 12:01 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autopilot install
> 
> Graeme.  I was interested that you had decided on the linear drive which is below deck I believe.  I was wondering whether you had chosen the linear model to make it easier to remove the wheel while at anchor or for better control of the boat.  In the later respect I find that the 4000+ does not control the boat very well especially in 10kts or more.  The boat actually goes upwind .when close hauled without the AH.  Of course this needs trimming the sails just right.  I would appreciate your comments.
> 
> Angus Henderson
> Hull # 999  2004
> Georgian Bay
> 
>> On Aug 28, 2018, at 2:21 AM, Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> wrote:
>> 
>> Sara
>> 
>> Following the advice of other 320 owners here I put the control unit and sensor in the small wardrobe in the main aft cabin
>> 
>> This makes for easy cable runs from across the main electrical panel and through to the helm station (I routed them alongside the engine loom cabling) 
>> 
>> Performance has been outstanding, albeit I bit the bullet and paid the extra for a linear drive!
>> 
>> Graeme
>> #366
>> 
>> Sent from mobile: please excuse typos etc.!
>> 
>> 
>>> On 28 Aug 2018, at 06:16, Sara Skinner Schroeder <saras951 at comcast.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I purchased a Raymarine wheeldrive EV 100 autopilot at the boat show and am considering locations for the three units.  Would love to hear where others have mounted the sensor, ACU and control unit. I’ve read that the sensor should be centerline and as low to the waterline as possible without magnetic interference. Also, I have space on my helmstation for the control unit between the knot meter and wind gauge. Would that be a suitable place? Thanks!
>>> 
>>> Sara
>>> Wandering Star 
>>> 2000 / Hull #707
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>