[C320-list] Couple of autopilot questions

[Jack Fitzgibbon]

Jack,

Our auto pilot control unit is on the port side of the cockpit between the port settee and the port helm seat just aft of the LP tank locker.  The controls are easy to access when seated at the helm.  Plenty of room in the aft lazaret, with access from topside or through aft berth cabin access port, to maneuver in that space for equipment installation in that location. The same location on the starboard side is limited with installed fuel/water fill lines, manual bilge pump and fuel tank all make for a tight work space.  Our Raymarine wind, depth and speed pod is mounted on binnacle and are easily readable when seated at the helm. 

Anxious to hear your critique of the new auto helm.

Jack Fitzgibbon 
s/v wetted bliss
#441

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 3, 2019, at 2:11 PM, John Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> So I’m getting ready to install my big Christmas present, a Raymarine EV 100 autopilot. As I plan the installation, I have a couple of questions that I hope listers can give me some insights on.
> 
> First, I have a B&G pod with a dead wind instrument that I just removed. A logical spot for it, except that the cables supplied by Raymarine are too short.
> 
> If I put the Seatalk connector in the pod, the cable does not reach far enough for me to mount the EV-1 sensor down below. If I mount the Seatalk connector down below, there is not enough cable to reach the P70 controller.
> 
> I’m wondering how other C320 owners extended the cables?
> 
> Then a thought occurred to me. I’ve never liked that B&G pod because it sits right at eye level when I’m at the helm. And I have a plan to replace the B&G. depth sounder at some point with a Raymarine that shoots through the hull so I can plug up the depth and knot meter through hulls.
> 
> So then I started thinking that I could mount the EV 100 controller – and, later on, the depth sounder instrument – on the starboard coaming next to where the manual bilge pump is. There’s an easy sight line and no one ever sits there.
> 
> The back side is the aft corner of the aft berth. Out of the way, but easy to access. The ACU would also fit there, and I could stash the sensor somewhere close by.
> 
> Good idea, or am I going off the rails here because the cables are a couple of feet short?
> 
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, No. 528
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>