Tiller pilot positioning - is it crucial

[Amulet]

I found I had this problem when I had to replace the original Autohelm that came with the boat (you know, the one with the compass on the top that you turned) and I was assured by Raymarine that the ST1000 had exactly the same fitting points. WRONG!!

+1 They talk B0LL0CKS.

 

[Behome]

My boat has a canoe stern. Whilst I've seen others fitted with outboard brackets to get the positioning correct, mine has a bracket on the tiller with the pin offset to port and the unit locating just inboard. Works perfectly and I've nothing sticking outside the bulwarks to bash.

 

[lustyd]

A little loop of thin bungee cord to keep the thing on the pin is a good idea even if dropped on from above.

I don't see why this would help - are you sure you're pressing it down properly? Mine takes a fair amount of force to remove when clicked on and will sit happily most of the time when just resting on top!