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At the end of the autopilot ram, there is a hole made for connecting a vertical pin on
the tiller. Turn the ram ¼ turn, drill this hole all the way through with a ¼ in. drill, and
insert the L-shaped rod through this hole. Insert the dovetail-shaped plastic connector
at the other end of this rod into the corresponding piece, at the end of the horizontal
control axle.
The autopilot can be connected with equal effectiveness above or below the
horizontal axle, or placed to port or to starboard. If the correction of the autopilot is on
the wrong side, flip the changeover switch on the unit. (The 1/4" rod is held by friction
inside the dovetail-shaped plastic piece; it can be pulled out and inserted from the
other end.)
A tiller autopilot that is designed to be mounted to
port
will also go to port if it is placed
below
the control
axle. It can also be placed above and be mounted to
starboard.
The amplitude of the correction given by the autopilot
is varied by adjusting the length of the rod.
It is possible to mount the autopilot elsewhere and link it to the steering mechanism
with light control lines.
Note: rigging steering lines to the control rod also renders remote power
steering possible
Stowage
For short periods, the steering oar can be swung 180° to rest along the
windvane tower.
For longer periods, the steering oar and windvane (with crescent) are easily
removed and stowed below.
Maintenance
After the gear has steered half way around the world, or after two or three
seasons, it is prudent to make sure there is some waterproof grease left in the slot in
the pendulum stock, to prevent wear of the bent rod passing through it. Remove the
cap at top of the tube and insert grease through the hollow top part of the stock, using
a stick or a piece of wire.
Do not use grease or WD40 (or equivalent) to lubricate the plastic bushings.
The Teflon bushings need no lubrication, however, an occasional squirt of silicone
spray on the Teflon bushings of the windvane, connecting rod and steering oar will
contribute to maintain top performance in light air.
As with other stainless steel equipment, a regular polish will maintain its bright
finish.
