Raymarine S1 Wheel Pilot installation photos *many photos*

[kmclemore]

Have to ask this - don't we usually just post a link to an album in cases like this? We do it all the time here. Seems to work fine.

Yes, that's often done and is a very effective way of handling threads where a lot of photos are useful to tell a story.

[Currie]

At any rate Leon, I was studying your photos before they dissapeared too - I hope you get them back in one form or another. I'm dreaming of an autopilot for someday.

~Bob

[delevi]

See the first post of this thread to download a PDF file with all photos and comments.

Kevin, no apology necessary.

fair winds,
Leon

[DaveB]

The S1 may work well for a M , but for my X it doesn't for four major complications. #1 ,I need a 20 inch wheel,(hard to get around) #2 the stud that attaches to pedistal is fit for a round pedistal (have to order a retro fit) and it is located dead center of my RPM gauge that I have to relocate and no place I can see.
The Rudder vane has to be installed backwards in my boat and is a big trip over and it just won't work . Oooya..I can make it work but the system is not for a Mac.X.
I just returned mine and now looking into the Powerboat X model.
Actually the Tiller design (have used in 2 boats) will work for my purpose.

[efalstrem]

I received my S1 autopilot yesterday and now read DaveB'c comments about the AP not beibg suitable for an Are there any other owners out there who have successfully installed the S1? Do you really need a 20" wheel? Also, does the rudder indicator have to be installed to make the AP work?

[atzserv]

When I bought my autopilot Raymarine offered 2 packages, one without, one with the rudder position sensor. I got mine from ebay and found the difference in priceing basically by accident. I went with the one with the rudder sensor. As for the wheel I went with an 18 inch wheel and it serves me well (not too much effort to get around and just enough of a difference to use the wheel as intended). I got that info from this site as well as seeing how others installed the rudder sensor.

I have a 2006 Mac and my pedistal is fiberglass that goes all the way to the floor of the cockpit. I did alot of what others did making the install along with some differences. The pedistal I have made the install different than for those with the pole type pedistal.

I will post pics now that I see a new group of interested autopilot members. I was on my own basically with the newer pedistal.


Gary

[Boblee]

Crikey
The pilot doesn't fit perfectly to an either but it's not a major drama, just turn the rudder sensor over and change the wires as per the instructions and make up a bracket for the pedastal and you don't need a bigger wheel.



Bob

[delevi]

One must consider that these units are not produced for any particular boat. It's more of a one-size-fits-all. Of course, every boat is different so some tweaks may be required. Before I bought the S1, the prior model had an optional rudder sensor. Then they made it part of the package (S1.) If the unit is not connected, you'll get an error message. Not sure if it will keep the AP from working or not since I never considered not installing it. In my original install I used epoxy to hold the rudder's hitch-ball attachment for the rod on the rudder bracket. In a couple of weeks, the epoxy broke and I got the error message. Had to bite the bullet, remove the rudder bracket and visit my dad's workplace where I could use his drill press. Anyone getting the most current model (the one that replaced the S1) doesn't have to worry about the sensor.

As for the wheel-drive bracket, Bob's solution looks like a good one. The stock bracket can also be flattened to mount to a flat surface rather than curved surface. I didn't need to do this with my ped, but it shouldn't be too hard with a hammer or long crescent wrench since the thing is aluminum. May need to spray paint it afterwards.

Leon

[Retcoastie]

I put an S1 on my 02 X and it works GREAT.

I had to make another bracket for the rudder sensor. I inverted it and centered it directly over the starboard rudder pivot point, out of the way and fairly protected.

[Québec 1]

In my original install I used epoxy to hold the rudder's hitch-ball attachment for the rod on the rudder bracket. In a couple of weeks, the epoxy broke and I got the error message. Had to bite the bullet, remove the rudder bracket and visit my dad's workplace where I could use his drill press.
Leon

Made my wood block and now must attach it to the M. Will 5200 be sufficient or do I need to screw it in to the bulkhead?
Thanks,
Q1

[c130king]

Bertrand,

Pictures please. I am also considering a wood block and 5200. Great minds must think alike...

Jim

[Divecoz]

5200 is very strong under limited situations only. I would suggest screwing and at the very least Marine Tex ...

[Québec 1]

5200 is very strong under limited situations only. I would suggest screwing and at the very least Marine Tex ...

Is marine tex stronger than 5200?

Marine-Tex is a heavy-duty structural epoxy

3M™ Marine 5200 High-performance polyurethane adhesive sealant that stays flexible and waterproof, yet resists weathering and salt water. Bonds and seals woods and fiberglass of boat hulls.

Sikaflex 291LOT (240) sealant Multi-purpose polyurethane sealant with a relatively fast drying time, forming a waterproof and flexible seal above or under the waterline.


Q1

[delevi]

Based on what I went through, I wouldn't rely solely on adhesives of any sort. Mechanical attachment. It's more work but you won't have to do the job twice (like I did.)

[Québec 1]

Well it seems to me 5200 is made for wood to fibreglass so thats what I will use with 4 screws!
Q1