autopilots

John,

I used to have an Autohelm 1000, but when that died, I replaced it 
with a Navico Tillerpilot 200CX.  

For mounting, I use a cantilever mount sticking out from the coaming.
This is an Autohelm product and looks something like that pictured at
http://www.westmarine.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrfnbr=2432
(or http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/12005_f.jpg if that URL
doesn't work).  The difference is that the post is about 6" long
and has a number of holes drilled through it sideways at about 1"
intervals.  It's easy to select the appropriate hole.  Navico has
similar product (http://www.westmarine.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrfnbr=2437) but there is no picture there.

Rather than use a bracket on the tiller to get the right height,
I fabricated a plate that fits on the nubbin on the tiller head
and props the tiller up at the right angle.  This also makes it take
less space in the cockpit, because it gets the tiller up above
knee level.

 - George


> John Brugeman said:
> 
> Would like to install an auto tiller on my Mermaid and would like to know
> what kind  and any hints as to the installation.


-- 
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  George Dinwiddie                                  gdinwiddie at min.net
  The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span those hours spent in
  sailing.          http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Alberg30/
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