Autopilot-2003 342?

WildboatingWildboating Member Posts: 957 ✭✭✭
in General Boating Discussions
Has anyone installed autopilot on a 342?  What kind of system do we have or need?   I am looking online and I see different types depending on the steering system.  Anyone know?
2003 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee, 350 Mag MPI, Bravo 3 2.20:1 w/ 22p 4 x4 props

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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,028 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @Handymans342 just did.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • SeaHareSeaHare Member Posts: 192 ✭✭✭
    i did on my 310. If its cable steering, (not hydrolic) You need an Octopus Type R drive. Then get the autopilot of your choice. I got the simrad 2401 system along with the Octopus and it works flawless
    01 FV 310, 5.7s carbed, B3s
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  • LaReaLaRea Member, Moderator Posts: 7,763 mod
    Read this thread:

    http://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/6500/autopilot-installation-on-370 

    The installation of the actuator on an '03 342 would be almost identical to my '07 370.  Handy's 342 has the first-gen hull, so he mounted the actuator in a different location. 
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  • WildboatingWildboating Member Posts: 957 ✭✭✭
    Thank you!  @LaRea The Octopus is the drive system and is compatible with raymarine, garmin etc?  I am still reading on this but the Garmin drive is so expensive.  I like this Octopus drive.
    2003 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee, 350 Mag MPI, Bravo 3 2.20:1 w/ 22p 4 x4 props

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  • WildboatingWildboating Member Posts: 957 ✭✭✭
    @LaRea  Do you have Inboard drive?   I have Outboards, I keep reading about the rudder position with the Type R.  
    2003 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee, 350 Mag MPI, Bravo 3 2.20:1 w/ 22p 4 x4 props

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  • LaReaLaRea Member, Moderator Posts: 7,763 mod
    I have Bravo 3 outdrives.  The Octopus Type R is compatible with Raymarine and probably any other autopilot.  Be sure to get the right kit for attaching the drive cable to your outdrive's power steering unit.  And get the right length cable, which for me was 9 feet (probably for you too).  

    For some reason, my Raymarine Evo autopilot wouldn't recognize the optional position sensor on the Octopus.  However, the Evo came with its own rudder sensor, so I used that instead.

    You'll love having a rudder sensor when docking.  

    The Octopus has worked reliably for three seasons, starting a fourth.  It probably has over 100 hours of operation.  (I run 50-60 hours a season, and probably 90% of that is under autopilot.)  It's not exactly pretty, but it works.
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  • JonnyMJonnyM Member Posts: 305 ✭✭✭

    I just installed this model in my boat.  It works great until it looses air.

    Sorry, had to!

    "Mosi on Dahn"  2003 Fiesta Vee 270
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  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sick
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  • WillhoundWillhound Member Posts: 4,208 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Need a very cooperative "First Mate" to maintain that autopilot...... :p
    "Knot Quite Shore" - 2000 FV270 (Sold)
    2018 Cherokee 39RL Land Yacht (Sorry...)
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  • randy56randy56 Member Posts: 4,083 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Be careful captain Deflate does not run aground. he sometimes thinks he's floating on air.
    Boat Name : 

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