[C320-list] Raymarine EV100 Wheel Autopilot/B&G Vulcan

[ptormey at 4square.net]

Just to add to the underdeck autopilot notes. The ram connects directly to rudder post which means it'll still steer even if you lose cabling to the quadrant. 
BUT beware you need to brace the ram with some pretty hefty backing plates AND you need to buy and modify an Edson rudderpost arm. That'll add a few bucks to the install.
I followed Jeff Hare's advice for my install last year and it went very well.

I have a Garmin 7607 chartplotter and upgraded the network to the RayTalk NMEA 2000 and added a multiplexer device to convert the analog stuff to MEA 2000. 

Pat Tormey
Blue Skies s/v
Newport, RI USA

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Doug Treff
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2021 3:28 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Raymarine EV100 Wheel Autopilot/B&G Vulcan

I have the Raymarine EV-100 and I agree with all the others. If I had to do over, I would take the time to install the below deck unit. I find the Wheel Pilot to be underpowered for all but calm seas. I use it primarily when motoring in calm weather or sailing on flat water and light winds. I often have issues with the lever coming disengaged as well. I never leave it unattended for more than a minute or two which kind of defeats the purpose of hands-free steering.

Regarding mixing brands, I have a Garmin MFD and it works just fine with my AP. I can steer a course, to a waypoint, and also relative to a wind angle. the NMEA sentences on the network should be standard and it should work for you.

Bottom line, if I had a do-over, and a higher budget, I would choose a below deck system.

--
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On Thu, Nov 25, 2021, at 5:22 PM, Mark Calisti wrote:
> I’m doing initial research on an autopilot and leaning towards the 
> Raymarine EV100 Wheel Autopilot Pack. Seems like an easier 
> installation, much lower cost than below the deck options, and meets 
> our relatively simplistic needs. I have the B&G Vulcan chart plotter.
> It does not appear that B&G has a similar “wheel pack” offering. 
> Anyone with the Raymarine/B&G configuration? If so, would appreciate 
> pros/cons we should assess before purchasing.
>
> Thank you,
> Mark Calisti
> Solomons, MD
> #749