Best Location for an Autopilot Compass?

[Capt Phil]

+1 Kijit... Capt Phil

[boden36]

Thinking back some years, I remember we got a hand bearing compass and tried to find a place where you could move it up and down and from side to side without too much deflection happening. Least deflection = best position.

Regards,
Richard.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

+1. My auto steers exclusively in heading mode.

I read with interest reports of the autopilot going "haywire.". Mine has never done that but a charter boat I rented did. I found that the clutch on the wheel was no fully engaging, the clutch would slip and then the system would get confused. I let it steer a 360 to see how crazy it would get. Once I figured out the clutch thing it settled down for the next 3 days.

Weird those electrons are...

" Hal?................... Yes, Dave?...............Let me in.............Sorry, I cant do that Dave......."

[Boracay]

I put Boracay's optical compass for the CPT autopilot under the top of the dodger. I do get the occasional hiccup Keeps me from getting complacent. Steel boat though.

I'd look at a temporary mount just under the deck and amidships and try it out for a while.

[Shoalcove]

Thanks! I appreciate the tips and will play around with it a bit. Unlike some of the components, the compass is easily moved if the original spot doesn't pan out. I'm looking forward it getting it operational!

[Capt Phil]

Hey, Boracay... I remember a steel tug I worked on once back in the 60's in Canada that had an autopilot, very rare in those days. I recall they had to hire a guy to set up the big magnetic balls on either side of the fluxgate compass that was incorporated in to the main compass in the wheelhouse. We then had to steer courses back and forth across the harbour aimed at particular range markers called a degauzing range... took about 2 days to get the thing set right but it worked after calibration. Things have changed a bit since then!! We used it running light to pick up black oil barges off the west coast of Vancouver Island in the fog but rarely, if ever, with a tow.
Roberts are fine boats... many in British Columbia. Is that the Sydney Bridge behind you in your avatar? We are headed for Adelaide in a week to visit wife's family... love your country down there. May get in a quick trip to Noosa... cheers, Capt Phil

[Travis McGee]

I'm currently preparing my 48' steel cutter for either a Simrad or a Wilhamm AP. The placement of my fluxgate compass is a lot harder on a big iron boat, obviously! I did a "compass survey" of my boat, and found the top of the radar arch (made of aluminum) is the most neutral spot on the boat. But also obviously, it is very far from the center of roll, pitch and yaw. Anybody else install an AP on a steel boat? Any ideas?