Has anyone put a below-deck autopilot in a NS26C? Is there sufficient room for the linear actuator mounted close to the transom?
No, I don’t really know what I’m talking about, just wondering if it’s possible or acceptable. The boat’s a 2 hour drive to get to, so eye-balling the space below is not a quick/simple job.
We do like to remove the wheel when moored at a dock for a while; it makes getting around the pedestal quite easy, which makes the whole boat “easier”. Having a wheel mounted autopilot would add more stuff in the cockpit, when I’d rather just have less.
Thoughts and/or experiences for this autopilot novice more than welcome.
John A. Stewart
NS26C 046 Cat’s Whiskers
Kingston ON.
Hi John,
I installed a Raymarine Type 2 linear drive in our Niagara 35 last year, we also have a 26C so I am familiar with the space available. You would have no problem finding room for it - it can be mounted athwartship or parallel to centreline. This drive is rated for a 20,000 lb boat so it may be overkill for your boat at about half that weight. Also this unit is significantly more expensive than a wheel pilot. One of the cost surprises for me was the bronze tiller-arm from Edson to fit on the rudder post - after shipping, duty and currency exchange it was about $750 Cdn. With the EV-1 brain and ACU-200 actuator control I am totally delighted with how well this works after our second summer using it.
Greg Silver
Misty Cat 26C #121
St. Peter’s, Cape Breton