autopilot for 21EC

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donnevin

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Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C SE
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Where Going
Can us suggest an autopilot/chart plotter combo for 21EC and whether it would fit in the space available.
 
Donnevin
I have a Raymarine S1G system installed in my R21EC. However, by adding it I so had to replace the factory mechanical steering with a hydraulic system. I had orignally planned on installing the new Sportpilot but therein lies the decison to go S1G. The sport pilot added about 3 inches outward from the steering hub. This made sitting at the pilot seat very difficult in terms of the wheel coming in contact with your knees. We looked at different tilt options but they compounded the problem.
The conversion to hydraulic gave back an extra half inch off the stock helm and the S1G is a more capable system. I installed the 6001 control head and also the s100 remote. The system is linked to the Garmin 540s that came with boat, which is a good compact unit.

Gregg
 
Thank you Gregg. I will explore ur suggestion. I really appreciate it.
 
This system is pretty spiffy and simple . Will work with any plotter I believe .
Marc
 
donnevin":23dnrrpj said:
Can us suggest an autopilot/chart plotter combo for 21EC and whether it would fit in the space available.
Click to expand...
Dolf Hofmeyer Never Too Late
I have a 2008 21EC. had a Raymarine ST 6002 with remoteS100 installed with an Octopus el. drive motor. Everything stayed original and brougt the helm only 1/2' ou toward the rear. Works perfect after some warranty work on the Raymarine computer.
 
I have never installed the autopilot for cable driven steering but I heard the same thing as it takes away from the room where you are sitting. I have pulled out the cable driven system and installed hydraulic and an autopilot on a R21ec. Wasn't a huge deal to do and took me about 6 hours total with all of the correct tools.

My personal opinion would be to stay with the cable driven system and work with Raymarine on their system.
 
I am planning on installing an autopilot on my 2010 21ec. I am curious what other autopilots people have installed on their 21's. I am looking at a Si-Tex SP-100 (RF-9) which has the Octopus drive. Everything will stay original and should bring the helm out 1/2'' towards the rear. Si-Tex said their system will work just fine with the Garmin chartplotter. Yours input is greatly appreciated.
 
The factory now offers an autopilot as an option for nee ordered R21's. The sport pilot from Raymarine has been great. When we install the autopilot package, the helm seat has a new slider seat option. Being 6' tall, my legs have PLENTY of room even with the pilot installed on the wheel. Raymarines new color pilot display with a rotary knob to steer works really well. I've installed 3 now and all have worked perfect. Not to mention, that system uses a flux gate compass just like the Garmin systems!
 
I've tried a few of the octopus drive units and one specifically made by comnav. Take my advice, don't install one. They work but if you ever need support when the product doesn't work, consider it non existent. Go with a big name like Garmin or Raymarine. Raymarine seems to be the one that works best with the cable steering. Garmin, you'd have to swap out the steering to hydraulic like mentioned earlier.

Best of luck.

Andrew
 
I have the Raymarine system in my '13 21EC, steering is moved some however isn't an issue with the slider seat Andrew mentioned. The system works great and adds even more enjoyment to boating.
 
Thanks for the information. Does your Raymarine have the optional rudder feedback? Tech support at Raymarine thought the rudder feedback wasn't needed since the unit comes with a flux gate compass. Any thoughts?
 
My system does not have rudder feedback, not sure what it adds.
It does work very well however, whether on a slow cruise in calm weather or an exciting passage during a small craft advisory I am happy having it.
 
I've installed two Comnav units on R-21's. Without getting into to much detail I will never let another customer purchase/ install that autopilot!!!!! Andrew is right, go with one of the big guys.

Thanks,
-Kenny
 
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