Help on fitting a Raymarine AutoHelm ST2000

[Mark]

Ian

no I have not fired it up. Basically haven't installed anything other than measure and try and sort of positions etc, this is when I found the issue. Interesting the Raymarine did not tell me this? Anyway I think what I will do is connect to power and extend ram as you suggest and then decide what to do next. How far does that Ram extend btw?

Best and thanks

Mark

[Yara50]

If you can wait til the weekend I wil take some measurements of the mounting position for you and that way you will be sure it will work.

[Mark]

Thanks Ian - appreciated, yes in no hurry want to get it right so will wait till you have made measurements

cheers

Mark

[Yara50]

So I mounted the socket only 36 cm from the aft end of the deck moulding, (which is more or less in line with the rudder axis). The manual calls for 46 cm but I wanted more room in the cockpit, and it was also a function of the tiller length. The 36cm distance works OK, just makes the load on the ram higher, and increases the likely hood of over steer. However the gain is adjustable in the settings to compensate.
The mounting socket is on the outer edge of the cockpit coaming, making the athwartships distance about 2 cm too close compared to the specified 79cm (including extensions), however this error does not matter as there is more than enough travel available due to the closer distance to the rudder axis.

Hope this helps:-)

[Mark]

Thanks Ian for the info.

I have powered up the unit so can now work out better how far I can extend the rods etc.

I think I can mount according to their specs except I will need a tiller extension to compensate for the high differences between the deck mousing and the tiller.

Once I have this in place I can start drilling and fitting. This has turned out to be more complex than I envisioned but hopefully I can get it installed without and issues.

Regards

Mark

[Mark]

I have now finally fitted the ST1000 to Aminee. I will post some photos when I get a chance but a big thanks to Ian B for his comments which helped greatly in finally moving to drill the holes! My next task is a calibration run in the bay but as the ramps have gone into 'out of control' mode for the next week this will wait until calmer times. Ill write up my observations here also.

Happy new year sailing to all

Best

Mark

[snoopebj]

You'll love it - ST1000 absolutely brilliant addition like having an extra crew member.
However one down side with it is that unlike a crew member it won't turn around should you fall overboard and I have recurring nightmares about being offshore in the water watching my boat sail off merrily into the sunset. So when I solo with the auto-pilot with sail or motor I religiously attach my safety harness to the anchor point I installed in the cockpit.
http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... ?f=4&t=300
Hope you enjoy it Mark
Stay safe.

[Mark]

Thanks for the heads up and reminder Snoop. Once past the bay entrance here and into open Tasman waters and solo I usually clip on my harness but I think I might install a more robust clipping point like you have done. Your nightmare scenario is indeed one of total helplessness.

Yes looking forward working out the ST1000. Still have to run the calibration tests and sea trials just waiting for the holiday Hoons to go home.

Best

[Mark]

Some photos on ST1000 installation on Aminee

autohelm Aminee 2014-5.jpg

autohelm Aminee 2014-5.jpg

[Mark]

A short video showing fitted auto-helm in action on Aminee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKEjw5duXb0&sns=em