Autopilot Control Mount

sadie14 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2004

We are installing a new autopilot and are trying to decide the best place to mount the control. We have never used one, so we are unsure what will be best. Does it have to be at the wheel?

ikent · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2004

The AP doesn''t have to be mounted at the wheel but somewhere nearby that is within easy reach of the helm makes the most sense for us.

PaulBl · #3 (**permalink**) 05-20-2004

Mine was mounted on the starbord side of the cockpit. It''s a PITA to hit the buttons and my wife leans on them. I would go for a location like in a pod on the pedestal. You want it visible, reachable, and not oin the way.

Tomorrow mine is being moved. At the wheel is the best place if you ask me.

carib99 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2004

I''m wondering if the fluxgate compass in the control head would affect the main compass?

lgsailor19 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004

Do the installation instructions mention the best place for mounting? Is it in fact OK to mount near the compass ?

hamiam · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004

the fluxgate wud certainly effect your binancle compass. What kind of autopilot is it? My autohelm had a fluxgate that we mounted amidships near the v-berth. far away from anything it might come into conflict with. I think some of the Simram? units are self-contained so this may not be possible if you have that particular brand.