J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Tiller pilot

I recently purchased a Simrad tillerpilot for installation on my 1984 J-30 (you know, the version with cockpit coamings), and am about to install. Does anybody have any special advice on tillerpilot installation in general, or about the Simrad in particular? Will I need any special parts/extenders for installation? Any wisdom would be much appreciated.

I installed an Autohelm 4000. They say the mount should be 18" forward of the pintles. If I did it again, I'd be tempted to mount it further forward so the load on the motor would be less. The J30 with its unbalanced rudder loads up in a hurry. I might be tempted to call their tech support for their opinion.

Mine is 36" up the tiller. Works fine, unless there is significant helm; then there's not enough throw in the mechanism.

I just installed a navigo tp300(this is the autopilots 3rd boat) on Jezabelle and navigo I thought recommended 12 inches from the pintles. On my 1979 J-30 the lazarette on the starboard side limits positioning the pin more than about eight inches from the pintles.(I thought simrad bought out navigo a few years ago).
I have only tried it out up to 11 knots of apparent wind and it worked flawlessly. I even tried the tack button which is "interesting". Having the pilot this close to the pintle allows the pilot to be very effective at 'hard to lee" and allows me to open the lazarette to start the engine.

I'm contemplating getting a RayMarine ST4000+ Is this the same as the Autohelm 4000? Should it be mounted higher up on the tiller? Is it strong enough, or should I shell out the $$$ for their Grand Prix version?

Thanks,

Ryan Pierce, #337
rdpierce@pobox.com

I have a new cockpit version (1985) and an autohelm 2000. The pin is about 10 inches from the pintles. The butt end of the pilot mounts on a teak block bolted to the top of the transom on the port side just about 3-4" outboard of the port scupper vent, so the autopilot shaft works the tiller at a slight angle when the rudder is centered. Access was easy to the wiring through the big locker in the cockpit. The pilot power outlet and electronic compass mount aft and below the locker compartment hatch - keeping it from being kicked accidentally as much as possible.

I've never tried it out in in real heavy stuff, but had it going close-hauled under power and mainsail in 15-20 knots and some chop and it worked just fine.

FYI, I didn't install it, it came this way with the boat.

I just installed a Raymarine ST2000 autopilot on my boat, hull # 352. I would be happy to send along digital photos if anyone is considering mounting this unit.

Bob Rude
Mmmmm
3352

I would like to see the photos

I installed a tp30 on my 1984, and put it at the recommended distance from the pintles. I needed a 1" push rod extension, and the big tiller bracket. It does get loaded up fast, so moving it a few inches further out might be a good idea.

LChristy:

Send me your e-mail address and I'll shoot you the photos.

Bob Rude
"goodreader@cox.net