Autopilot installation on 370

LaRea

@YYZRC -- Interesting!  Mine came loose a couple times right after the installation, but not since then.  I'll keep your solution in mind if it happens again.

YYZRC

Pic of the new bolt installed. I added a couple nylon washers as the bolt was a hair long. 

tricountytrail

Question I haven't removed the quick clamp like the one on your water hose is there any tricks? does the metal clip pull all the way out? unsure of how it works?

YYZRC

The clip pulls out about 1/2” or you can fully remove it. Then the joint just pulls apart. 

tricountytrail

Thanks so just pull out on loop 1/2" then locking grove should disengage and hose should separate.

YYZRC

Exactly!

aero3113

I thought I had a pic with the clip still on the fitting, here’s one where I removed it.

tricountytrail

Thanks exactly what I'm looking for!

YYZRC

I ditched the Octopus rudder sensor (didn’t work) for a Simrad unit. Got a bit creative with the install. 

YYZRC

Almost two years to the day and I finally have working autopilot! I fought with the ram for over a year until I finally got aggressive and bolted it right to the steering ram (clamp mount wouldn’t hold). Then I fought with the Octopus rudder sensor and finally gave up on it and installed a Simrad rudder sensor. Then I fought with the Precision 9 compass that just wouldn’t calibrate. 

Was it worth the time and expense? Nope. If I could return it all and get my money back I would do so in a heartbeat! 

Am I going to use it every single time I boat in a desperate attempt to get my time and money’s worth out of it? Definitely. 

LaRea

Wow, I don't know whether to click "Like" or "LOL" ... life shouldn't be that difficult!  When you get used to it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.  But I'm sorry it put up such a fight.  

The Octopus rudder sensor didn't work with my AP either.  I liked the idea of not having a separate sensor, but it was a waste of money.  

YYZRC

If you don’t have something nice to say…





















…LOL it is. 

Liberty44140

It is nice to have. We just did a big trip and whether it was long flat water, or sloppy chop for 30 miles, was nice to set the pilot and watch water and instruments

tricountytrail

YYZRC said:

Almost two years to the day and I finally have working autopilot! I fought with the ram for over a year until I finally got aggressive and bolted it right to the steering ram (clamp mount wouldn’t hold). Then I fought with the Octopus rudder sensor and finally gave up on it and installed a Simrad rudder sensor. Then I fought with the Precision 9 compass that just wouldn’t calibrate. 

Was it worth the time and expense? Nope. If I could return it all and get my money back I would do so in a heartbeat! 

Am I going to use it every single time I boat in a desperate attempt to get my time and money’s worth out of it? Definitely. 

So I'm beginning to research my autopilot/ then radar upgrades.
I have to Simrad go9 now connected to my engines and a NMEA 2000 network with a smartcraft gateway which this forum was a great help setting up everything.
Going to install a Simrad Nss16 Evo3s Chartplotter/Fishfinder Mfd with a bracket
and use it to build my new system with newest hardware.
Will need Auto pilot drive, rudder sensor, heading or precision compass, and eventually a Simrad halo 24 radar. any recommendations.  

tricountytrail