21-EC auto pilot

[baz]

Ray: Can you disclose the total cost for this Auto installation and what difficulties, if any, you had with electrical connects. Thanks. 🙂

I was able to secure a brand new Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R on eBay last year. It was a complete unit that was originally purchased in 2012 and never installed. I picked it up for $1,625 which included the p70R control unit with the rotary knob. This was a great deal IMO. Since my 2016 R-21EC was in the process of being built I opted for the factory to install the complete AP for me. They did a wonderful job and at a very reasonable labor price. The stock placement for the search light controller was moved over to the port side shelf and the p70R placed where the search light controller was originally. Having the p70R above the helm and next to right of the VHF radio was ideal for me. A very clean looking installation for sure.

I've used this AP many times now and have not had any issues whatsoever. 🙂

 

[rayzickrick]

@ Bob-Thanks. Be quick if you want my help or advice. I get laid-off at the end of October and will most likely be without computer for a spell.

@ baz- Most all of the Simrad AP's I looked at were $2,000. I somehow managed to secure one for about $1,600. I did purchase some extra Simrad cables but in hindsight I did not need them. Everything except the 20 degree bezel came in the box. Because my boat is laid up in cold NE Minnesota I will be taking out the computer this fall and store it in my warm shop. Andrew Appleton was a wealth of knowledge as he also went with the Simrad. He e-mailed me how the drive wires hooked up to the computer. No directions for that came with the helm drive. Kind of an important item.
The virtual rudder feedback is a neat feature as you do not need a rudder feedback mechanism added at the transom.

 

[mrrlc]

Ray - October sounds like a good time to start a new project. I happen to be in Eden Prairie, MN on business. Too bad I'm not further North. Enjoy the AP. Bob

 

[rayzickrick]

Bob, Take the company rental car and head North.
Grand Marais is beautiful this time of year.
If I were not working these night shifts we could
go fishing on Lake Superior. Salmon are in.

 

[rayzickrick]

Oops double post.

 

[rayzickrick]

Please view my photo album. In it are some fresh photos of the install and sea trial. Auto pilot is everything and more than I hoped it would be. I absolutely love it!

Keep checking my album. I have added a few more comments to the install photos.