Post by Richard Isaac Ceballos on Jun 1, 2021 19:50:30 GMT
I have installed and used Tillerpilot type Autopilots on my earlier boats. They were mounted athwartship (running side to side of the hull) connected to the tiller. Since the WR17 doesn't have a tiller I had to engineer a way to mount a tillerpilot fore and aft (along the side of the hull) and connect it to the existing rudder arms.
First, I had to find out if the tillerpilot would work mounted fore and aft (instead of athwartship)....So I called the tillerpilot company (Simrad) and asked if it was possible....They said NO because the internal compass, bla - bla....
I then took a $500 gamble and bought the Simrad TP22 tillerpilot and installed it fore and aft on my 2014 WR17.
Here are the build instructions and the results.
Shopping list:
Tillerpilot (The Simrad tillerpilots are of adequate dimensions, TP10. TP22 & TP32)
Aluminum diamond plate 24" x 12" x 1/16" (bent for shelf)
Aluminum stock 36" of 1" x 1/8" (brace for shelf)
Aluminum stock 1' of 1" x 1/4" ( tiller arm extension bracket)
Nuts & bolts 6ea SS 8-32 (mounting for shelf)
Nuts & bolts 2ea SS 1/4" (tiller arm extension bracket mounting)
Nut & bolt 1ea SS 3/8" x 1 1/2" (push rod shaft to tiller bracket)
PVC pipe " 6' x 1/2" & 4ea 45 deg. elbows (push rod shaft)
Switch, "on-off" (power to myTP22)
Build instructions:
Operation:
After wired to 12v (and if desired through an on- off switch)
1. When powered up it is in STANDBY....(a light flashes)
2. Press LEFT or RIGHT buttons to steer the boat, to any direction....(or into the wind while raising or
lowering the mainsail).
3. Press the AUTO button to maintain heading....(the light is on steady).
Note: The autopilot works well under sail or engine power.
Note: The autopilot can interface with compatible GPS units. It didn't interface with my Garmin map 78 sc....however:
I can engage the autopilot and maintain any course.
I can steer to a gps heading and engage the autopilot to maintain a course.
I can engage the autopilot and maintain a course under sail power or motor power.
I can engage the autopilot and steer into the wind (under motor power) to raise or lower the sails.
I can engage the autopilot and leave the pilot seat.
I can manually disconnect the autopilot (at any time) by disconnecting the autopilot actuating rod from the rudder push rod shaft (by hand).
4. With compatible GPS units (correctly wired) select and activate a GPS waypoint.
Press the NAV button to automatically head and maintain course to waypoint....(a nav light comes on).
Note: Many operational adjustments can be made following the instruction manual.
Result:
My $500 gamble paid off. It works.
My son Patrick also sails his WR17 with the same autopilot installation. We are both happy.
I believe we are the only WR17 owners that have this autopilot installation.