Mounting Autohelm 2000 on CD28

[Mike Thompson]

About a year ago I initiated a discussion on this. Since then
I installed the (Raytheon) Autohelm ST2000 and here is my report.

Following the instructions in the User's Manual results in
an installation that prevents opening of the cockpit locker.
This was a pain! Eventually I decided that the purpose of the
Autohelm was to make MY life easier rather than vice-versa.

I drilled the hole for the mounting socket in the cockpit seat
just aft of the cockpit locker so the lid of the locker could
be opened with about 1 inch clearance from the Autohelm.
The tiller pin head is then about 2 inches above the tiller.

With this convenient setup, the arm has a leverage that is
2 inches shorter than intended. It therefore has to work a
bit harder. However, under varied conditions including downwind
sailing in strong wind and confused seas, it worked perfectly.

Mike



tmike@ma.ultranet.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Mike:

I inherited a dead Autohelm 800 when I bought my 27 last year. I replaced it with a 2000+ soon thereafter. I have been using the existing mounting pin and the existing socket on the starboard cockpit locker, figuring that the recommendation regarding the radius was set in stone. Based on your posting, I may take the extra mounting pin and socket and mount as you suggest. Not only does it allow you to open the locker, but it makes more usable room in the cockpit. As I only use the Autohelm motoring or in light breeze, the extra work probably won't harm the unit anyway (and it's rated for a larger boat anyway). I plan to keep the existing mounts setup as an alternative, though, for those times where it seems approporiate to have the extra leverage.

Question: Is the stock tiller pin long enough?

Bill

About a year ago I initiated a discussion on this. Since then
I installed the (Raytheon) Autohelm ST2000 and here is my report.

Following the instructions in the User's Manual results in
an installation that prevents opening of the cockpit locker.
This was a pain! Eventually I decided that the purpose of the
Autohelm was to make MY life easier rather than vice-versa.

I drilled the hole for the mounting socket in the cockpit seat
just aft of the cockpit locker so the lid of the locker could
be opened with about 1 inch clearance from the Autohelm.
The tiller pin head is then about 2 inches above the tiller.

With this convenient setup, the arm has a leverage that is
2 inches shorter than intended. It therefore has to work a
bit harder. However, under varied conditions including downwind
sailing in strong wind and confused seas, it worked perfectly.

Mike

goldy@bestweb.net

[Mike Thompson]

The previous owner of the boat put a steel collar around
the tiller suitably drilled to take the pin.
Alternatively you might purchase the bracket from Raytheon
with the 2 inch size.
Mike

Mike:

I inherited a dead Autohelm 800 when I bought my 27 last year. I replaced it with a 2000+ soon thereafter. I have been using the existing mounting pin and the existing socket on the starboard cockpit locker, figuring that the recommendation regarding the radius was set in stone. Based on your posting, I may take the extra mounting pin and socket and mount as you suggest. Not only does it allow you to open the locker, but it makes more usable room in the cockpit. As I only use the Autohelm motoring or in light breeze, the extra work probably won't harm the unit anyway (and it's rated for a larger boat anyway). I plan to keep the existing mounts setup as an alternative, though, for those times where it seems approporiate to have the extra leverage.

Question: Is the stock tiller pin long enough?

Bill

About a year ago I initiated a discussion on this. Since then
I installed the (Raytheon) Autohelm ST2000 and here is my report.

Following the instructions in the User's Manual results in
an installation that prevents opening of the cockpit locker.
This was a pain! Eventually I decided that the purpose of the
Autohelm was to make MY life easier rather than vice-versa.

I drilled the hole for the mounting socket in the cockpit seat
just aft of the cockpit locker so the lid of the locker could
be opened with about 1 inch clearance from the Autohelm.
The tiller pin head is then about 2 inches above the tiller.

With this convenient setup, the arm has a leverage that is
2 inches shorter than intended. It therefore has to work a
bit harder. However, under varied conditions including downwind
sailing in strong wind and confused seas, it worked perfectly.

Mike

tmike@ma.ultranet.com