Autopilot

[BeenThere]

Just got a great deal on a new Raymarine ST5000+. My question to those of you that installed your own systems. Did you order the hose/hydraulic kit or did you visit your local hydraulic shop for all the parts? With the kit priced at about $80.00, I was wondering if I might be able to save some money here. <br /><br />Also are there any constructive words of advice before I start my big installation adventure. <br /><br />And before anyone asks, I have a 23' Wellcraft W/200 Johnson O/B <br /><br />Thanks in advance <br />Don

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Autopilot

BeenThere... <br /><br />Yep! One word of advice... If you have a vented filler cap on the helm, put an un-vented cap in before you cut into the lines to install the pump and return line... That'll keep "most" of the hydraulic fluid in the lines and helm instead of fluid running all over the place... Less mess is good... You'll still loose a little fluid in the process so put a few rags around and have a empty bottle handy before to cut into anything... And you will have to bleed the system again... That's the part I hate! No getting around it either... <br /><br />As for the $80 for the kit, I dunno... Tuff call... I'd probably just spend the $80 and get the kit to save myself from some running around just incase I got the wrong fittings from the hydraulic shop, ya know?...<br /><br />Good luck...<br /><br />Oh yeah! Be careful where you mount the Fluxgate compass.. It's a rather sensitive little item...