I'm contemplating upgrading my old Navico tiller pilot to a Simrad TP32 and I have a couple questions for those that have installed the Simrad;

Simrad 'recommends' their waterproof bulkhead socket (SKT 22/32).  I cannot find this accessory anywhere.  I presume it is a 4 wire plug/socket to accommodate both power and NMEA.  What type of bulkhead connector did you use?

Anyone have any pics of their installation handy?

Mike,

My TP 32 landed on the door step today. The deck socket plug is included with the TP32. It's a pretty standard wiring setup, a set of power wires, a set of nmea 0183 wires and about a 6' Simnet cable. I will be installing this weekend. I already have a Simnet network multiplexed with the nmea 0183 data, so the install should be pretty straight forward. Probably the most difficult part will be running the wires and configuring the multiplexer ports so both systems talk to each other nicely.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes and try to get some photo's.

Todd 

Take a look at Bud's service manual on tiller pilots:  http://www.westsailparts.com/ServiceManual/ 

http://www.westsailparts.com/ServiceManual/index.php?chapter=D#D-13

Moving the tiller pilot forward gets more leverage on the rudder, you will need a 6" extension the simrad pre 150 (available from Defender).

An excerpt from Bud: "...Since the rudder on the Westsail 32 is tilted aft, then use the waterline location where the rudder leaves the water as the starting point for measuring the 18", and not where the tiller is attached to the rudder..."

Most of the installs right to the cap rail use a tiller attachment bracket to lower the attachment point on the tiller, as seen here:

I am most likely going to install a install a 1" SS tube on the boom gallows to get the correct height. similar to what is shown in the service manual.

Hope this helps.

Todd

If you look at the left hand pic on buds site the TP32 is not using the tiller adjustment bracket. I mocked an installation on the caprail (using a long stick) and it appears such an installation would cause the tillerpilot to be angled upward a tad. Not much though.

Keep that in mind if you ever switch boats and want to take the TP32 with you.

I have the Raymarine SPX 5 Grand Prix tiller pilot mounted on our boat.  We chose to mount the drive arm socket on the cap rail which placed our tiller pin several inches forward of the location suggested in the manual, but it works fine and gives more power.  We have likely given up some of our maximum turning ability, but in actual use underway the drive arm never has to move more than an inch or two to maintain course.  We added a 2 or 3 inch extension to the drive arm.  With this installation the drive arm mounting socket is easily accessible and not hanging partially overboard.

 We added a 3" riser block to the top of the caprail for the drive arm mounting socket and mounted the tiller pin on the top of the tiller.  Using a riser block on the cap rail placed the tiller arm level with the tiller pin so we don't have a bracket handing down off the bottom of the tiller interfering with access to the lazzerett.  We have used the tiller bracket on other boats, but we find it is much easier to use the autopilot without the bracket.  Putting the drive arm down on the pin on top of the tiller is quick and easy, fitting the drive arm under the tiller, into the bracket and on to the pin was sometimes awkward.

Kevin