I did it !

[gyroplanes]

I forgot to add that this forum, and it's helpful members, weighed heavily in my decision to buy a

[Terry]

I do have Raymarine Sportpilot (not plus) and it is not installed yet. Have to wait until it's warm out.

I will search for remote compass info.

Perhaps a search on fluxgate compass may provide more hits. I do not know what a remote compass is or how it works but the Raymarine fluxgate compass I have is hardwired to the control box.
The waterline is just over 23' if you mount the compass between 1/3 and 1/2 the water line from the transom it would land somewhere between 8' and 12' forward of the transom. You should get it as low to the cabin floor as possible and mid abeam. It is entirely possible to mount it facing aft or forward but if aft you must correct for 180 degrees of deviation. It worked for me when I did the sea trial and swung the compass, I corrected for 180 degrees because mine faces aft.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Sounds like a SportPilot. Here is my Sportpilot + on my X.

It is a very good choice for a Mac and much less intrusive than the ones that require mounting the big ring on the wheel. It looks like it was designed for the X steering setup.

Slaved to the GPS it does a great job of driving the boat. Be sure and hook up the NMEA connection. You will get better results than just using the compass alone, particularly when you are in areas with currents.



I mounted my Fluxgate compass here (Right behind the yellow triangle warning sticker). This is a very stable place that meets all the requirements. Wiring is very easy under the aft berth and head. Access is easy under the cooler area.



You can check out all my X mods at http://home.comcast.net/~duane.dunn/Mods.htm

[gyroplanes]

Thanks for the reply Duane,
That is the model Autohelm I have.
Your web site is one of several that made me fall in love with the

Your flux gate compass mounting area looks good. I guess no matter where you locate it, you have to be cautious about setting a tool box down near it or putting steel cans in the cooler.

It is very frustrating to have to wait 4 months to "mess about with boats" up here in the Chicago area.

Now all I have to do is sell my M25 "classic". Anyone need a Winter project?

[gyroplanes]

I thought I'd try posting a picture. It's one I have up on my website and is my other hobby and source for my screen name we'll see if this works. Tom

[richandlori]

Way to Go!!! Having owned the M, I always like some of the X's features.

Infact, I may have an X in my rental fleet when I return to Port San Luis.

Enjoy every second you are out on the water and make the most of it!

Regards

Rich
THIRD DAY Charters Inc...coming soon to Port San Luis, just as soon as we get back from Cruising.
www.svthirdday.com

[gyroplanes]

Is there still a : Havencraft of Sudbury, MA. ?

I found an pdf file of their MAC parts catalog on my old computer. Looks like they were quite committed.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Art Reiders ran Havencraft of MA (in Sudbury) but he passed away in 2003.

A fine gentlemen both in business and person, I might add from personal experience.

I bought his last boat in 2002 after which he sold the business to Otho who is in Florida I believe. Should be able to find him on the dealer links.

No dealer in Mass, but you can drive up to Maine or come west to us in Albany NY


- KHE

[NiceAft]

Gyro,

Here is an e-mail address that I have used to contact Otho Campbell. newmillennium@staffnet.com It has been awhile since I last contacted him, so I can't vouch for its accuracy,but give it a try. What do you have to loose

Ray

ON EDIT: I just remembered that one of my last conversations with him was about parts. At that time he directed people to Blue Water Yachts for assistance in that area. Try and contact him anyway. Maybe things in that department have changed.

[Kelly Hanson East]

The anchor is a Bullwaga as described.

Product of my home state of NY, from Utica

Utica is famous enough to be parodied on the Simpsons continually btw.

Back to business - there was a recall on some models of the 'Bull' for corrosion of the split pin that holds the anchor onto the shank. If you are a fresh water sailor this wont be an issue though. You can just look at the pin and see if it is in good shape of course.

In sand, mud, and grass bottoms I have been very happy with my Bull....I have it on a roller on the bow of course. If you get 25 feet of 3/8 chain that anchor will really do well

Set it with 15 seconds at 3000 rpm in reverse and you wont move for the rest of the night.

I did rush the set one night on Cuttyhunk, and sure enough, next morning when the wind kicked up, was awakened by someone sounding danger on the horns....several short blasts....and that was me, blowing down the mooring field....