Remote TillerPilot Location, Redeux

[Michael K]

Quite a while ago I read here about someone who mounted a tillerpilot far from the manufacturer's recommendation of 18" forward of the rudder stock. Instead, he/she ran lines through blocks back to a more convenient location for the tillerpilot.

I failed to follow up later to see the anticipated pictures of that setup and now, for the life of me, cannot find the thread through the search option. I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can direct me to that thread or start afresh here.

[sailingdog]

The reason for the 18" mounting point has a lot to do with leverage and range of motion. Closer to the rudderpost, the autopilot loses a lot of leverage. Further away, it loses range of motion.

[xsboats]

I've mounted many tillerpilots in remote locations utilizing a Morse cable to make the connection to the tiller. As SD points out, the distance that the connection at the tiller is relative to the rudderpost is important to maintain. It is also important that the pilot be mounted perpendicular to the centerline of the boat. You can change the orientation of the pilot to port or starboard control in it's menu. I may have pics of one I mounted recently on a Dreadnaught 32 . I use one on my 50' Seabreeze to actuate a trimtab for self-steering.

[Michael K]

I guess I was a bit unclear. According to what I read, the lines lead to the optimal point of 18" forward of the rudder stock. The other end of the lines lead to a remote point of choice and connect to the tillerpilot. This arrangement permitted someone to put their tillerpilot within easier reach than, say, the aft corner of a catamaran. I was simply hoping to see an example. The morse cable certainly is a good idea.