Simrad Autopilot for EC21

[RSC]

It was discussed in a previous thread that the Simrad AP24 with Cable Steer Kit and S type Drive - 000-10908-001 might be a suitable auto pilot for the EC21. I am about to possibly purchase this setup as the RayMarine unit that has worked on the 21 in the past is no longer available. I would like to know if anyone else has used this setup on the EC21? Will it all fit behind the dash (clearance wise) The Type S Drive unit is an Octopus unit that requires about a 10 inch depth and 6 inch width behind the dash. It states that it can be spaced out but there isn't too much leg room on the 21 already. I am nowhere near my boat at this point and won't be for some time so I can't do the measuring. It is on a good sale for another week at Anchor Express and I would like to purchase if applicable to the boat. I assume that the steering cables are compatible and the electronics are compatible with my Garmin 741xs and radar.

Has anyone adapted this system to the EC21 and how well does it work?
Thank you,
Bob

 

[SGIDAVE]

It was discussed in a previous thread that the Simrad AP24 with Cable Steer Kit and S type Drive - 000-10908-001 might be a suitable auto pilot for the EC21. I am about to possibly purchase this setup as the RayMarine unit that has worked on the 21 in the past is no longer available. I would like to know if anyone else has used this setup on the EC21? Will it all fit behind the dash (clearance wise) The Type S Drive unit is an Octopus unit that requires about a 10 inch depth and 6 inch width behind the dash. It states that it can be spaced out but there isn't too much leg room on the 21 already. I am nowhere near my boat at this point and won't be for some time so I can't do the measuring. It is on a good sale for another week at Anchor Express and I would like to purchase if applicable to the boat. I assume that the steering cables are compatible and the electronics are compatible with my Garmin 741xs and radar.

Has anyone adapted this system to the EC21 and how well does it work?
Thank you,
Bob

Hello Bob,

I don't know of anyone with the Simrad/Type S drive on their 21EC...but on this forum "Andrew" (andrew appleton) posted on Barry's thread about his new 2016 21EC that he (andrew) was going to install one.

We anxiously await Andrew's update on the installation. I'm optimistic that it will, or can be made, to work.

The Simrad AP is NMEA 2000 compliant, so there should be no problem creating an N2K network which incorporates both the AP and the GArmin 741...this last point SHOULD be true of any N2K compliant AP and a similarly compliant mfd.

dave

 

[Pearl]

Check with Richard in parts at Ranger Tugs. Richard sent me this information this past spring. "The kit # spx-5 p70r autopilot is a special order item from Raymarine. Your cost. $2,074.89."

 

[baz]

(Pearl): Ranger Tugs is not able to obtain the SmartPilot SPX5-R kit from Raymarine any longer. I just went through this issue for my new 2016 R-21EC order this past few weeks. Ranger Tugs checked with Raymarine for any of these APs they may have left in stock but were told they aren't available anymore. The p70R Control Head is available though.

The typical SmartPilot SPX5-R kit normally comes with just the Steering wheel drive, Fluxgate Compass and the Course Computer. The Control Head has to be purchased separately and can cost around $530. The $2,074.89 quoted to you by Richard was probably for the basic SmartPilot SPX5-R kit without the p70R Control Head.

I have managed to find the basic Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R kit along with a p70R Control head on eBay for $1625. It's brand new and still in its original box. I will be taking it to my local Raymarine shop to have its software updated since this kit (even though new) was likely purchased 1 or 2 years ago.

Since Ranger Tugs used to install this Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R as an option for the R-21EC I feel comfortable it will install easily. Andrew has already told me he's ready to give me installation advice/help... so that is also comforting to know.

The Simrad AP24 will likely work but will need some modification as its S-Drive is some 10" long and sits behind the console. There's little room for this 10" long S-Drive and from Andrew's (Appleton's posting) elsewhere here will require a 20º bezel to angle the S-Drive down to clear the wiper blade motor behind the console. We await Andrew's posting on how well his AP24 installation went this week. BTW, I had placed an order for the AP24 but Andrew Custis told me (advise me) to cancel the order as in his opinion the AP24's S-Drive was not compatible with the R-21EC. I promptly cancelled my AP24 order... and now am proceeding with the Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R installation instead. I will have the Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R in my hot little hands next Monday. 😀

The Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R steering wheel drive unit simply attaches to the existing R-21EC's steering wheel shaft and then the wheel is replaced back onto ints shaft. It does mean the wheel is moved out some 2 to 3" so making the distance between the wheel and the helm seat less. There's no other real mods to make other than placing the p70R Control Head display next to the Garmin MFD, and there's no issue with there being insufficient room behind the console for this Raymarine SmartPilot SPX5-R kit.