For those who might have a Raymarine EV100 autohelm installed, I would like to know if the wheel is still easily removable.
I like to remove the wheel when at anchor or a the dock to make it easier to move about the cockpit.
Tom and Jill
26C #28 North Star
Penetang
only 60 days until splash
Sorry, Tom, the answer’s no.
As this picture from the Defender website illustrates, the wheel pilot operates by clamping a ring to the spokes of the wheel, with that ring in turn connected to a motor attached to the pedestal that controls the wheel’s rotation.
https://defender.com/en_us/raymarine-evolution-ev-100-wheel-autopilot-pack
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Tom, I do not own this model but just checked the install manual. It looks to me like this model wheelpilot attaches the same way that preceding models do. The complete motor drive and clutched assembly is all on the wheel. The drive assembly is held stationary by the pedestal bracket pin when the steering wheel turns. The assembly slips on and off that pin when the wheel is removed from its drive shaft. So it looks like all you need to do is disconnect the power supply (a quick coupling), remove the nut from the wheel drive shaft, and pull off the wheel. Easy peazy.
The rudder sensor here also appears the same as preceding models and notably its maximum turning angle is 60 degrees either side of centre. This may be an issue for you if, like mine, the rudder will turn more than 60 degrees. In this case you will have to relocate your quadrant rudder stops to limit turning angle to <60 degrees.
Greg Silver
Misty Cat 26C #121
St Peter’s, Cape Breton
Nova Scotia
I installed one about 3 years ago. You need to disconnect the wiring plug and undo your wheel nut. It will slide right out. When you replace it, you must line up the peg on the pedestal to the hole in the wheelpilot. It is not difficult, nor is it time consuming.
My only worry would be the wear and tear on the wiring plug. I have had them pull apart from the wire end of the plug instead of the contact side. It takes a few minutes to get it back together.
Chuck Garbarino
N30U As You Wish
Sodus Point, NY
Thank you Charles and Greg
That makes sense now and looks like the manual. What I missed was the cable also has to be disconnected. Good point.
Tom
