Raymarine ST 1000 AutoPilot for my kicker motor

[Little Crappie]

So I've made some progress. Disconnecting the main steering cable totally made this doable. There's 2 bolt holes where the main steering arm connects to so I lightly bolted the arm for the st2000 and used a hitch pin for the second hole. I do have to undo and redo each time but am hoping the results are worthwhile. One thing I noticed is you only get 10inches of steering. 5inches left and 5inches right. Seems adequate to steer the boat just not lock to lock. Should be done soon! Can't wait to sea trial it. Thanks Gary for the help!


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[garrymny]

Looks good. Yes, the 5 inches seems like not enough, but it does work on my boat. However, with 3 to 5 waves and wind mine will not make a 180 back to go the other direction. I have to crank the big motor and give it an assist. But once on track it works great. Again, that's only in heavy seas with wind. I have both my motors connected together for additional rudder action too. I believe you will find it well worth the connect disconnect. I usually only have to do it once on the AM and them when I'm done got the day. Unless of course you decide to pull up and go full out to a new spot.

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[tinfin]

Looks good L.C. I can't see in the pic how you mounted the Raymarine to your boat, just wondering about reinforcement etc.

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[Little Crappie]

So if you look at the third pic there's four bolts with a bearing sleeve and some stainless washers underneath. I put a square piece of 2x4, drilled the hole out for the bearing sleeve and bolted it to the splash well


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[tinfin]

Ok, I see it now, very nice! I bet your chomping at the bit to give it a try. I just got my bracket done, I will post when completed, I can't wait to get it done. Lol

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[Little Crappie]

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10211305681450449&id=1012568306
Man I can't wait! I'm installing a trollmaster tomorrow and then it's calibration time


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[tinfin]

Sweet! Should workout well, keep us posted. Happy for you

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[garrymny]

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10211305681450449&id=1012568306
Man I can't wait! I'm installing a trollmaster tomorrow and then it's calibration time


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My calibration didn't hold. The autopilot sensed heading does not match my wet compass. One of these days when it is calm o will recalibrate. It does not make a difference on how it holds the selected heading. I just point the boat in the direction I want to go, using the +10 -10 buttons, then press auto to hold that direction. I did change the rudder damping setting to make it less active.

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[tinfin]

Garry, I am not to worried about holding cal, just hope it will hold direction of travel. I will be more than happy with that, what rudder offset did you end up with? I think factory settings is 3.

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[garrymny]

as I recall the only thing I changed was rudder damping #13. I went up two. I think I set it to 5. 

[garrymny]

Did you get a cover for it? I seen some on eBay. Was gonna hardwire but wasn't sure it was weatherproof


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OK Garry, I was gonna ask you that! Thanks for your help.

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I ordered the cover. Thanks for the link.

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[Little Crappie]

I sea trialed today and it seemed to work just fine. Wasn't too windy out today though. I have it hooked up to my hds 9 and it seems to be on close on heading. Wasn't sure I hooked it up right but seems legit, will know more when the waves hit harder


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[garrymny]

Great to hear. It works in 3 to 5 waves for me. Like I said you may need to crank main motor to make a 180 turn though in the rough seas.

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[tinfin]

Good to hear Little Crappie!

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[Little Crappie]

I just have to say this is by far the best 350$ I've ever spent, next to a used fish hawk, this little autopilot steers pretty nice and doesn't skip a beat. Just gotta find a handheld remote and I'm all set


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[Little Crappie]

you can also get this remote for 100-125 off eBay to control it at the helm, seems to only work in auto mode but makes things a little easier if boats are around


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[Little Crappie]

Raymarine auto helm z101 remote


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[garrymny]

Glad you also found it to be good money spent. I was waiting for an update! Mine is still working flawless.

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