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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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autotiller st1000+

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KYD516
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/04/2005 : 09:55:42

i am in the process of mounting a raymarine ST1000+ autotiller.

the instructions state that mounting the tiller 18" from the rudder stock's centerline is "critical."

Yet, i have noticed in the archives that some have mounted their's a bit further aft(less than 18").

has anyone, who has mounted a st1000+ less than 18 inches from the rudder, noticed any problems with the performance of the ST1000+?

also, does anyone have any comments regarding mounting the unit on the combing vs. using a cantilever bracket on cockpit wall?

thanks

Aquila, rhymes w/ Tequila

Edited by - on

PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2005 : 13:24:02

In order to mount mine the recommended distance from the rudder stock, I had to go to the cantalever mount on the bulkhead. I made my own and it works fine. However, it does restrict
the access to the little seat storage locker some. I didn't want to put more junk on the tiller to mount it off the top of the combing. Jim on 'Hey Jude' mounted his off the combing, but to get it level as recommended without adding accessories to the tiller I believe he connected it some distance other than 18 inches from the rudder stock. Also, personally I didn't really want mine mounted so high where there is more possibility of it being snagged by the main sheet and tossed overboard.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2005 : 13:56:39

Keith,

I installed the ST1000+ tiller pilot also and I adhered to the instructions especially when those instructions say numerous times that it is "Critical" that the autopilot be installed using the supplied dimensions. Would mounting it further aft cause any issues?...Maybe, maybe not, who knows?...but if those who did the engineering say its critical, then I take their word for it.

As for mounting locations, I chose the cantilever mount on the seatback. The reasons I made this choice were...

1. I wanted to put the least amount of hardware on the tiller to prevent line snags and knee knockers. The small 1/2" pin is the least obtrusive tiller mount.

2. In conjunction with the small tiller pin, the seatback cantilever mount allows the unit to be mounted horizontally which is specified, in bold, in the instructions.

3. The seatback location also allows me to use my full length cockpit cushions with the autopilot engaged.

Some other helpful hints...

Mount the autopilot on the opposite side of the cockpit as your outboard so you can use the autopilot and still get to the outboard.

Mount the connector in the aft wall of the coaming compartment (if you have one). This will keep the connector out of the weather and allows for a cleaner installation.

Good luck.

Edited by - on

KYD516
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2005 : 14:13:17

Don, thanks for your feedback. the plugs are already in the aft wall of the coaming compartment on the opposite side of engine. thanks.

question: did you purchase the raymarine cantilever mount or did you make one yourself?

also: i bought my unit used and it did not come with a tiller pin. think i can just use a round headed screw that fits?

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2005 : 14:38:31

Keith,
E-mail me your address and I'll send you one.
They come in 5 pack so I have a few spares.
paulj #719

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2005 : 14:57:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by KYD516
 ...question: did you purchase the raymarine cantilever mount or did you make one yourself?

also: i bought my unit used and it did not come with a tiller pin. think i can just use a round headed screw that fits?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I purchased the Raymarine cantilever kit ($55.00?).

Paul,

That sure was good of you to offer that spare tiller pin!

Edited by - dlucier on 04/04/2005 14:59:50

PZell
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 04/06/2005 : 10:43:00

Here's another tip. I had the problem where the male plug fit into the female receptacle, but would not meet the threads so it could be screwed on. There is a little o-ring bushing seal on the male side that you can remove and then it screws on just fine.

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2005 : 19:49:56

KYD516..............
CODED message.......
IT'S in the mail....
paulj 3719

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2005 : 13:25:26

Not to over kill this topic, however maybe somebody can give me a solution to the problem of a combing mounted autohelm. Yesterday as I was heading downwind in very light conditions, wing on wing, the main jibed on it's own and the main sheet caught the autohelm and lifted it off of the tiller pin. This has happened many times in the past. Other then changing my setup to somehow mount the two with the pin on the underside of the tiller where it is protected, does anybody have a solution? This is most frustrating when I am at the bow setting the spinaker and 'Scotty' (the ST1000) comes apart.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2005 : 13:42:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ed Montague
 Not to over kill this topic, however maybe somebody can give me a solution to the problem of a combing mounted autohelm. Yesterday as I was heading downwind in very light conditions, wing on wing, the main jibed on it's own and the main sheet caught the autohelm and lifted it off of the tiller pin. This has happened many times in the past. Other then changing my setup to somehow mount the two with the pin on the underside of the tiller where it is protected, does anybody have a solution? This is most frustrating when I am at the bow setting the spinaker and 'Scotty' (the ST1000) comes apart.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The mainsheet snagging the autopilot has happened to me a few times and it probably contributed to a warranty repair.

Unless your autopilot is getting real time wind vane data, I think it would be asking too much of your autopilot to hold a delicate wing-and-wing course. It's somewhat tricky for me to keep the main on one side while manning the tiller.

When going forward in questionable conditions, I will occasionally take a bungee cord and quickly hook it between the boom and a stanchion just to prevent an accidental gybe.

Another option would be to not sail directly downwind when setting the spinnaker, but instead come over a few degrees to keep the sails on one side of the boat.

Edited by - dlucier on 04/11/2005 13:44:55

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2005 : 14:46:49

Tell him Jim. Explain what you have discovered about launching a chute from the companionway.

Edited by - on

KYD516
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2005 : 08:53:48

paulj, i got the pin! thanks for sending it to me. that's really nice of you. you give Catalina owners a great name! thanks again.

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2005 : 18:01:26

Don, Unfortunately the lake I sail on is a canyon lake, very long with larger areas connected by narrow sections. Directly downwind is a reality. Generally I whiskerpole the head sail out and keep the main filled with the wind over the rear quarter. This works well when jibing back an forth isn't an option. The autohelm actually does a fairly good job downwind. Of course this is only in very light conditions.

I have been thinking of trying holding the main sheet above the tiller/autohelm with a length of bungee tied to each side of the stern pulpit.

Edited by - on

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