Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: stevewitt1 on April 10, 2015, 06:22:07 PM

Title: below deck autopilot
Post by: stevewitt1 on April 10, 2015, 06:22:07 PM
Help-Help-Help

I've been struggling with the age old decision, keep my boat (1989 C34 hull 854) or sell and move up to a 36 (I'd love a 350 but budget won't go along)

Keeping my 34, I've decided to upgrade the electronics; new depth, speed, wind, autopilot, radar and GPS.  I've been leaning to B&G because I like the wifi module and really like the 4G broadband radar.  The problem is autopilot.  I have an Autohelm original 1989 era vintage wheel autohelm.  It works good (except rear quarterly seas) but it has the old interface NEMA box and that works poor.  It seems that other than the Raymarine EV100 there aren't any wheel mounted choices.  Ok, that brings us to a below deck drive. 

Is it a huge job to install one?  Will I end up butchering things below deck to get one installed? What is the best choice of a drive, controller, etc?

I've seen a few threads dealing with horror stories of autopilots, strip gears, failed heads, repetitive failures if not precisely installed.

I'm not a mechanic, but I've installed a tiller autohelm (easy install on my 27' Catalina tiller steering years ago) and two hydraulic units on boats.  One on my 30' Sea Ray Sedan Bridge and on on my 3270 MotorYacht.

Any suggestions, comments, recommendations would be deeply appreciated.
Thank You all in Advance!!

Steve

visit us at www.ocontoyachtclub.com (http://www.ocontoyachtclub.com) and www.warbirdsix.com (http://www.warbirdsix.com)
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Noah on April 10, 2015, 06:51:30 PM
On my boat, probably the most expensive, and totally squared-away, 1990 C34 in the world :shock:  8) I have a B&G Zeus electronics system and a Simrad hydraulic below deck autopilot. I like it all. Yes, the autopilot was a pain in the ass to install, requiring a custom glassed-in mount to support the ram and buying a new Edson tiller arm and drilling the rudder post to mount it. However, it all works well together, and fortunately, I was able to spend the dough to get good "boat worker" assistance to help me fumble through the job. I believe I posted some photos of the install last year. But if you are interested in more info email me.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Roc on April 10, 2015, 07:38:18 PM
Have you looked at Garmin electronics. ...   I haven't done research but all the ads I see are impressive.   
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Scott Hibbs on April 11, 2015, 12:03:54 PM
OK, it's time to get out of the shadows and participate in the forum!  For the past 17-months of C34 ownership I have been "behind the scenes" reading, and learning, from this forum.  Thanks to everyone who contributes - the discussions and expertise are second to no other site.  Like many others have expressed, the "community" of C34 owners was the tipping point for my decision to purchase. 

A below-deck autopilot is my 2015 project.  Partly because the PO was meticulous in his attention to detail and upkeep (thanks, Tom!) and partly because a more robust autopilot will be a benefit for solo sailing - which includes time on the water with my better half, who is "challenged" to maintain a heading even if it's into the wind  :wink:

Steve, you are correct...many "horror stories" exist.  I called Gerry Douglas at Catalina, and Gerry explained the C34 was not designed with a below-deck autopilot in mind.  The C36 is evidently the first for this consideration.  The C36/375 site has useful information from the owner of Windfall, which as it turns out is based in the same marina I use (it really is a small world).  We have exchanged emails and phone conversations, which helped convince me to move forward with the installation.

Noah, I will email you for additional information on your successful installation.  The pics were extremely helpful; hopefully, you have more that I can share with my installer - along with your "lessons learned."  I will document my journey and post as appropriate.

Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: abelovarac on April 17, 2015, 08:30:14 PM
I was thrilled to finally find some fellow Mk1 C34 owners struggling with the drive installation for an under deck auto pilot that I can commiserate with.  This spring I'm installing a Raymarine EV-200 linear drive system on my 1993 C34, hull #1263.  Not thinking there would be an issue down below, I discovered one as soon as I got the dimensions of the tiller arm I need from Edson.  The arm is 1 5/8" thick, requiring at least 1 3/4 inches of unobstructed rudder post on which to attach the arm. However, on my boat, there's only 1 1/8" of post between the radial drive and the rudder post stuffing box. I don't want to go back to the wheel pilot as I found that it gets overpowered too often when conditions pipe up.  I do a lot of long distance solo challenges on the Great Lakes so I need a more reliable and heavy duty system.  So, here's my solution I'd like to run by folks who might have encountered the same issue:  I'm thinking of cutting the top inch off the fiberglass sleeve that encases the rudder post, re-attach the stuffing box,  thus giving me the clearance I need for the tiller arm.  I'm waiting to hear back from Catalina whether I might be compromising the structure of the rudder assembly in any way ( I majored in history rather than engineering).  I did call Catalina but the fellow I spoke with wasn't sure what to tell me so he's going to get back to me. In the meantime, I'm hoping that some other C34 owners faced a similar problem and I'm interested in how they solved it.  I hate to reinvent the wheel if I can benefit from someone else's experience!
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: KWKloeber on April 18, 2015, 12:03:47 AM
Quote from: abelovarac on April 17, 2015, 08:30:14 PM
whether I might be compromising the structure of the rudder assembly in any way ( I majored in history rather than engineering). 

I'll give you one Engineer's perspective -- I usually overkill slightly when in doubt.  So, though i wouldn't be concerned about cutting off the minimum needed to accommodate the arm, I would beef it up a little simply on general principle.

Again, just because I tend to overkill when in question, and because I love epoxy work, I'd lay up a few layers of bi-axial cloth or carbon fiber, with resin / 403 microfibers.  Again just to beef up a little for my peace of mind.

I like Mas Epoxy over West Systems, but either would be fine.

Ken
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Noah on April 18, 2015, 10:30:14 AM
I must have just gotten lucky (?) on my 1990 as you can see from my photos posted earlier, that I had enough clearance between the rudder stuffing box collar and the quadrant to mount the Edson tiller arm. Not sure why you would have less clearance? Different Edson part, or??? Good luck.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: KWKloeber on April 18, 2015, 07:16:40 PM
Quote from: Noah on April 18, 2015, 10:30:14 AM
I must have just gotten lucky (?) on my 1990 as you can see from my photos posted earlier, that I had enough clearance between the rudder stuffing box collar and the quadrant to mount the Edson tiller arm. Not sure why you would have less clearance? Different Edson part, or??? Good luck.

I wonder if your radial wheel is higher on the stock?

KK
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: abelovarac on April 18, 2015, 09:50:49 PM
Thanks for the suggestion, Ken - I hadn't thought of that but it sounds like a winner.  Interestingly, I have a brother named Ken and he's an engineer too.   Not sure why  my clearance is less - from the picture Noah posted it looks like his radial wheel is positioned higher than mine.  I have about equal clearance above and below the radial.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: KWKloeber on April 18, 2015, 10:45:09 PM
Quote from: abelovarac on April 18, 2015, 09:50:49 PM
 Not sure why  my clearance is less - from the picture Noah posted it looks like his radial wheel is positioned higher than mine.  I have about equal clearance above and below the radial.

Look up "Standard" in Merriam-Webster and you will never see any boat manufacture's picture next to it.   :donno:
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Noah on April 19, 2015, 07:55:52 AM
Another pic: there is little leeway for placement of the radial drive wheel/quadrant on the exposed rudder stock due to location of idler wheels/pulleys and the need to keep steering cables horizontal and all in proper alignment. It is possible each boat could vary as to how much rudder stock is exposed verses buried in the fiberglass rudder tube but I wouldn't think there would be much leeway for adusting the height of radial drive wheel/quadrant a still have steering line up.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 08, 2017, 09:42:26 PM
Hello and my apologies for replying to an old thread, but the pics of Noah's install are relevant.  I am looking to install a below deck pilot.  I have the new ev-100 and after a year of using it I'd like something stronger.  I have confirmed I have the same clearance on my rudder post below my quadrant as Noah, and I am looking to install the Simrad HLD350 which I believe Noah has.  I already have all B&G triton instruments and a Zeus MFD/AP control head so the cost to do the Raymarine Linear drive and be able to use parts of my existing system is similar, but i prefer the simrad (keeping the ev-100 as a backup).   My question is specifically regarding the mounting shelf.  I have a shelf glassed in on the port side, mostly just used as storage but its pretty strong and lines up with the rudder post.  My idea is to reinforce that shelf and install the hydraulic arm there.  Does that sound feasible?  Does anyone else have that shelf?  I was also thinking I could use some of the stainless chainplate material I have on hand from another boat to tie it into the 4x4's under the deck (i have through bolted 6x2's coming aft of the 4x4's).  Many thanks for any help.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Noah on March 08, 2017, 10:10:46 PM
Chris: My mount is made out of marine plywood and West epoxy. It took some messing around to get it in the right position/angle/ throw distance for the ram, etc. I confess it got "stuck down" in the wrong place the first time (due to poor planning brain fade) and had to be cut off the hull and moved a few inches. I am not familiar with the shelf you are talking about, and whether it is OEM on older boats or a some PO's modification. Alignment and angle of the unit is pretty important so it may work mounting it there with some fiddling around or may be worth removing the shelf and starting from scratch. Photo of your set up may help understand your situation better. Your signature doesn't say where your boat is located. If close to San Diego you are welcome to by come by and poke around my boat and check it out. BTW-the other little "shelf" attached on my rudder post housing tube, supports the rudder angle indicator.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 08, 2017, 10:40:24 PM
Thanks for coming back Noah, i hoped your west coast time would work.  I am currently in New York but we are sailing for the Bahamas later this year.  i have photos but I am not sure how to load them or how helpful they'd be.  If the shelf on the port side isn't stock i don't think i can trust it anyway, there is a ton of torque on that unit.  My aft water tank shelf is sagging and some of the other carpentry back there is suspect so I think I want to take the tank out and re-do it all, and while i am at it glassing a shelf in will be a must have.  My wife and I are moving aboard and leaving our jobs here in NYC because, honestly, its not as great as people say.  The whole thing started when i saw my aft water tank sitting on the fiberglass tab behind the aft cabin wall, and then the back of the tak was sitting on a wood shelf that extended all the way to the front of the tank, leaving a 2" gap between the tank and the shelf.  upon poking/prodding, the shelf is suspect as is some of the other aft tank wood.  Your tank 'pan' looks fiberglass.  did you do that yourself?
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 08, 2017, 11:21:36 PM
Here are a few of them, mostly trying to show the 2 issues, the shelf on the Starboard side (i accidentally said port earlier).  #2 issue is the water tank not sitting on its shelf (it slid forward and hit the fake wall pretty hard last year making some bad noises).
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 08, 2017, 11:22:35 PM
the last couple, thanks again.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Jon W on March 09, 2017, 08:31:56 AM
If the shelf is bonded to the starboard hull in the aft locker, I don't have that shelf in my 1987. Looks like a diesel can sitting there. Could be a PO used it to store extra fuel? As an FYI I am bonding a support structure for a new dual tank propane locker slightly inboard of that spot.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Stu Jackson on March 09, 2017, 09:11:21 AM
That shelf on the starboard side on our boat is used to hold the compressor for the refrigerator.  Do you have a fridge?
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Noah on March 09, 2017, 09:40:48 AM
Chris— The folks with older boats then mine (1990) may have a better read on what was OEM for your hull number. My Water tank sits on a factory molded gelcoat shelf/notch which is part of the hull liner. My Reefer compressor is mounted on a wood shelf on the starboard side.  The aft lazarette has a full width, two part, removable shelf that covers it all, upon which sits my propane box, manual bilge pump and a large Halotron fire extinguisher.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Sundance on March 09, 2017, 01:03:08 PM
Unrelated to the auto pilot, but how did you get the aft water tank out?  Last year I replaced my refrigeration compressor and wanted to access through the aft birth, but after struggling to get the water tank out for over an hour I said forget it.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Noah on March 09, 2017, 01:18:28 PM
Revised Steps: (deleted "easy-peasy" and added some steps)!
1. Drain tank
2. Remove aft bulkhead
3. Unhook water hoses
4. Move throttle and gearshift cables out of the way
5. If wires in the way disconnect. I rerouted mine so not an issue.
5. Pull it up and forward (being careful not damage hose barbs still on tank)
...And out it comes. This worked for me, but as they say "your mileage may vary"
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 09, 2017, 07:42:08 PM
I believe I am #247, and I think that makes me and 86 and a half.  My regi says 86 but the hand carved serial# on the stern ends in 87.  I also have all 3 water tanks which i think is rare (bow, starboard and aft).  My shelf is a rudimentary version of yours, it is some type of ply with a little glass around it.  It is totally sagged and unsupported in the middle, and the tank would have crumbled it had the front of the tank not been resting on the fiberglass tab.  the shelf looks as if it may have at some point lined up with the glass tab but now it is 2" below.  i should have taken a better photo but my buddy really wanted to photo op it and we had to get home to the wives.   in other news, i found that getting the raymarine type1 linear drive and upgrading to the ACU-200 can save me money.  $2150 on sale from one of the websites.  (including the rudder sensor, still need the edson tiller arm).  My hope is to build up the existing shelf and maybe tie it into the 4x4's under the sole with some stainless chainplate.  i think i'll have to rebuild the whole water tank shelf.  thanks again for your input.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 09, 2017, 07:51:36 PM
Stu- I have a fridge, it is located in front of the starboard water tank.  It has some louvered vents cut and works well in the NY climate, i am a little worried about the islands.   I also have no idea how old it is.  It doesnt have the computer circuit board with the lights (it an alder barbour).  It makes ice easily.  wondering if getting the new supercold would draw less amps and work better.  Not sure if i have to change out the evaporator to do that.  My boat was originally ANDROMEDA, NY - then - FROG PRINCE, CT (i think he has a bigger catalina now), then DRIFTWOOD, CT.  I have returned her to ANDROMEDA.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 09, 2017, 08:03:29 PM
Also please excuse my friend, here is my wife and I enjoying this amazing boat.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 09, 2017, 08:06:11 PM
Jeff- Once I disconnected and labeled all the electronics i found it easier to disconnect the throttle and shift cables from the engine rather than from the pedestal, and just pull them through enough to give you slack to slide the tank out.  Heat gun is your only friend on the water tank fittings (3).
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 09, 2017, 08:14:03 PM
So it sounds like the shelf I have in the aft lazarette that lines up with the post (or would line up with the edson tiller that sticks aft), is the shelf others have the reefer on.  Long story short is i want to beef shelf that up and put a Raymarine Type 1 Linear drive upside down on the underside of it.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: lazybone on March 10, 2017, 05:19:40 AM
I couldn't help but notice that you stopped using your hair.  Would you mind sending it along to me?
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: Sundance on March 10, 2017, 09:36:43 AM
Thanks for the reply.  All that disconnecting and reconnecting went through my head, but I also have the electronics cables to worry about.  It seemed as though that would take as long as my original project, installing the refrigeration.  At least I know I'm not crazy or missing something on the "easy" removal of the aft water tank.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 10, 2017, 09:36:20 PM
Spoke to a few folks who said the Ray mechanical is good.  Ordered on sale (see pic if you want website info PM me).  I will post pics in a couple weeks after install.  Thanks everyone for your input, happy sailing.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 10, 2017, 09:40:13 PM
Sorry the photo was poor.  ACU-200 including rudder sensor, and Ray type 1 was $2,150 total.  Edson tiller arm is the next order.
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on March 10, 2017, 10:01:39 PM
Jeff-I have a ton of Nmea cables and power cables for the AP, and a whole separate Nmea 0183 for my AIS.  At least 9 cables.  It took me 30 minutes to label them, disconnect, put the heat gun on the water hoses and rip the tank out.  I am so happy i did it because the shelf for the tank is not built well on my '86 and now i have a ton of access to everything.  I have seen 2 people mention the aft water tank recently and I am confused why folks think it is such a mystery, dont just put the wall back up and hide it. You will be happy to dig in there and inspect your steering quadrant etc, anyways.  good luck and happy sailing!
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: svviolethour on April 24, 2019, 09:39:05 AM
Quote from: Noah on April 10, 2015, 06:51:30 PM
On my boat, probably the most expensive, and totally squared-away, 1990 C34 in the world :shock:  8) I have a B&G Zeus electronics system and a Simrad hydraulic below deck autopilot. I like it all. Yes, the autopilot was a pain in the ass to install, requiring a custom glassed-in mount to support the ram and buying a new Edson tiller arm and drilling the rudder post to mount it. However, it all works well together, and fortunately, I was able to spend the dough to get good "boat worker" assistance to help me fumble through the job. I believe I posted some photos of the install last year. But if you are interested in more info email me.

Noah - I found this thread through CruisersForum, and am wondering if you could share more details on the plywood / fiberglass shelf you made for the mount? It looks like it extends upwards at least a foot, so there must be tremendous forces pushing against it - so it is impressive that it has held up. Is it 3/4" plywood and fiberglass? I see the buttress joints (not sure what to call these, but like an I-beam) which obviously add strength. But how is it attached securely to the hull floor? Can you recall how many layers of fiberglass and what weight? Thanks!
Title: Re: below deck autopilot
Post by: ChrisOB on April 26, 2019, 10:40:35 PM
Hi- I think Noah and I and one other are the only ones to tackle the below deck.  It's a huge job, I will not sugar coat it.  For me it was worth it as the boat performs very well in hard weather 10 foot seas with 25knts. I fiberglassed a large shelf on the port side behind the fuel tank.  The tiller arm for the AP can be at whatever angle you want so long as it's in a flat plane. Mine is probably 30 degrees.  Drilling the rudder post for the tiller arm is not for the faint of heart. They do not advise using the quadrant.  It's a big $ project.  Are you plannng multi hundred mile passages?