auto helm mount???

[frank]

I've got 2 ole autohelms...both still work. Will need whatever brackets etc required to mount. I won't be at the boat for about 6 weeks....anyone have pics etc of how they mounted theirs on a 23? Tiller bracket to lower the pin hieght? Coamng extension mount for unit itself? Hoping to get the right parts so I can show up, mount and go. Pics or parts numbers apprec.   THANKS   

[brackish]

I'll probably be at the boat on Wed.  Will take pics, and I think I have the old invoices with model number for the tiller bracket and push rod extension that work on a 23.   This is for a Raymarine ST-1000.  They also have their installation manual online if you want to look that over.  If you don't have the bronze socket for the coaming mount, which I don't think is an accessory item, you may have to order it as a service part. 

[NateD]

I didn't install mine so I can't give much in terms of details, but here is a picture of how mine is mounted.

[frank]

Thanks guys. Yep...looks like an rod extension and and about a 3 or 4 inch lowering bracket for the tiller. If you could confirm the rod ext length and bracket size it would be a huge bonus. Appreciate it!!!!!  No rush   ;-)

[BobK]

I did not like the lowering bracket under the tiller - it sometimes got in the way.  I mounted the boat side of the tiller pilot on a 4X4 block that is about 5" high that mounts on the combing inside the cleat.  This allowed me to mount the tiller end on top of the tiller.

[newt]

Mine was installed as the picture. It comes as a part that just screws in. Just installed one on a bigger boat, and it was simple. Hardest part was wiring from the panel.

[brackish]

Socket location relative to the stern cleat.  Mine is mounted on a 1/4" thk aluminum pad that is held down by four screws and epoxy:



installed view:



electrical connector.  I put mine just below the starboard cockpit seat, aft part of the locker for ease of wiring.  others have located it in other positions.  If you have the installation screws that raymarine supplied, throw them away and get some machine screws with nuts and washers.  The supplied screws are cheap and will twist off even if you increase the pilot hole size (learned the hard way).



The tiller bracket is a 3" drop, defender number 250071; RM number D011.  The pushrod extension is a 2"; defender number 250064, RM number D004.
BobK's idea of using a block to raise the unit and mount the pin on top will save you some bucks.  The bracket is about $40 and the extension is $22.

One of my best investments in the boat.  As a retiree able to sail when the weather is right and I might not be able to get my working friends to go with me, it opened up mid week single handling for me.  I can do it without it but it is a whole lot easier and more pleasant with it.

[Shawn]

Mine is installed in pretty much the same manor. If you are careful you can get the socket mounted in the wood backing plate for that cleat. I put my electrical connection on the coaming right below and slightly aft of the socket. I didn't want it down in the footwell as it seems to easy to kick if you have multiple people on board.

Very nice having the tillerpilot. It makes single handing much easier.

Shawn

[frank]

Thanks guys!  Great pictures...its a "no brainer" now.