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Hello, I am mounting a st 2000 auto tiller on a 28' boat. I think I would like to have the on off switch mounted off to the side of ignition switch in the cockpit. If anyone has specific recommendations on the type of switch or if there is a specific switch for this application I would appreciate the input. It is exposed to the weather, Thanks
I have a Simrad now and have never seen any use for a switch on a tiller pilot, It's either in use or unplugged. You don't leave those linear drive units on the tiller when not in use. Would lock the tiller in place and you couldn't steer! There is no "clutch".
The standby current draw is minimal if you do pop it off the tiller and leave it plugged in. Just enough to run the electronics. The raymarine standby current draw in only 40 mah. A switch is just another failure point that is completely unneeded.
I use mine a lot, sail solo most of the time.
I just flip the switch on the panel like Tanski suggested. However, if I were to make an argument for having a switch in the cockpit, it would be that if sailing solo, and the stuff is hitting the fan in a busy shipping channel, it would be nice to avoid climbing into the cabin to turn the auto-tiller on. When I am solo, I always at least get the auto-tiller out and plug it in before casting off.
Good point, I always turn mine on at the panel regardless, part of the routine when I turn on the electronics. I have an older boat so I added a small pony panel for the modern electronics. All those switches get flipped before I leave dock as soon as I turn the battery switch. Original main panel is now mostly the optional stuff.
Second for Tanski: I run a similar setup with a Navico (ya, it's a dinosaur) on a 26'. It's plugged in while mounted wether I'm using it or not. If I wanted to conserve amps I suppose I'd just unplug it. Never had to worry.
Installing a switch is extra work, another thing to break, and absolutely nothing gained (unless you like switches).
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