Raymarine plumbed in autopilot - the compass.

[Kukri]

Raymarine want it to go exactly on the CofG of the boat, at the pitching centre, which is just where the forward saloon bulkhead is.

Since lots of people have these, how critical is location?

 

[john_q]

I have a steel boat, (Raymarine St60/S3 course computer) my compass is 6 foot up the mizzen mast to stop deviation (does not like rolling that much), my other fibre glass boat it is mounted just next to the base of the mast inside, low down.

 

[Kukri]

I have a steel boat, (Raymarine St60/S3 course computer) my compass is 6 foot up the mizzen mast to stop deviation (does not like rolling that much), my other fibre boat it is mounted just next to the base of the mast inside, low down.

Thanks. That is exactly where it would be on mine.

 

[Tranona]

The critical thing is to keep it away from big lumps of metal particularly the engine. The factory installations I have seen (and owned) have been in the lazarette on the aft bulkhead, under the chart table and current boat in a locker in the aft cabin. All work well. Where you propose is OK but a long way from the rest of the AP equipment.

I would guess builders put them where they do because they use pre-made wiring looms and those locations have lots of wiring requirements whereas putting it where you propose would mean a dedicated wire through the lower part of the boat. My boat has no wiring except for the batteries, bow thruster and bilge pump below bunk level.

 

[Shuggy]

Mine is by the bulkhead next to the mast but about 24” on the port side.

 

[Kukri]

The critical thing is to keep it away from big lumps of metal particularly the engine. The factory installations I have seen (and owned) have been in the lazarette on the aft bulkhead, under the chart table and current boat in a locker in the aft cabin. All work well. Where you propose is OK but a long way from the rest of the AP equipment.

I would guess builders put them where they do because they use pre-made wiring looms and those locations have lots of wiring requirements whereas putting it where you propose would mean a dedicated wire through the lower part of the boat. My boat has no wiring except for the batteries, bow thruster and bilge pump below bunk level.

I would much, much, rather put it under the chart table. Much shorter wiring, and I have other plans for the saloon bulkhead.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Raymarine want it to go exactly on the CofG of the boat, at the pitching centre, which is just where the forward saloon bulkhead is.

Since lots of people have these, how critical is location?

If this is for a new EVO autopilot, it's less important than it used to be. The forward bulkhead will be fine, provided there is nothing to interfere with the compass. It's also a good idea to avoid lockers, where people might put things that will interfere with the compass. When choosing the site, check around it with a hand held compass to make sure there is nothing around to affect it.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I would much, much, rather put it under the chart table. Much shorter wiring, and I have other plans for the saloon bulkhead.

It should also be fine under your chart table (subject to magnetic interference, as in my last post), try and keep it as low as you can though.