Simrad AP24 Installation

[CaptDave]

With the Simrad AP24 AP how hard was it to intall, looks a little complicated on line. I I was able to find the link for installation or users manual. Any one have any pictures of an install. Seriously need to get this done this spring weather I install or have a professional marine electronic install completed.

Dave

 

[CEShawn]

Dave is it similar to the AP14's? How is it tying into your steering system? That is usually the most pain in the ass part. The rest of it is pretty simple and I have had to repair a few.

I can tell you this, think about it for a second too. Every autopilot I have ever had, whether it was new or previously installed has required some work to it. Saying that I mean that it wasnt tweaked 100%, that it functioned but not to the best of the ability. It also seemed like after a season or changes in weight or anything different it was good to know how to be able to change or adjust the parameters. If you take the time to install it yourself, hit up a friend for a bit of help here or there, you'll be better off.

 

[tunaorlater]

What type of steering system do you have?

 

[tunafishhkg]

What Shawn said! Just do it step by step. When installing the compass, mount it temporaily just to make sure it will work with no interference. You can mount it on Port or starboard side but do try to get it as close to the center of length as possible especially on a DE. The auto settings can make up for less than ideal locations then you can tweak from there. I have mounted them in the bow, next to engines, and close to electrical panels and they worked just fine. In short try the best location first then move if there is interference. Many times directions scare people since they will always instruct the best case methods that are not possible in many cases and this is when experience come to play where you know what you can get away with. You can at least do most of the time consuming work of mounting the rudder feedback and hydraulic connections then call in someone to fine tune if you can not make it work.

 

[CEShawn]

Well tunafishhkg, I've had a good teacher and support! By the way that autopilot on my boat has worked 50 hrs without major issues. Probably redo those electrical connections.

My compass is mounted in the back overhead of my cabin, pretty neat, didnt think of that...

 

[tunafishhkg]

Good news! One less thing to spend $$ on or (Don't tell the wife,) one more other thing to spend $$ on.

 

[cb34]

install

Capt Dave, just installed a Raymarine AP. Like the guys said take it one step at a time. The rudder reference install takes some time due to having to build a custom bracket. The compass should be centered, mid ship at the height of the water line. Mount the pump, run the 3 lines and you are almost home. I would not let the directions scare you. After all the work you have done to your boat this should be a easy

 

[CEShawn]

Of course it would have been easier to run the cables/hoses last year!!! But thats the boating part of it...

 

[Wharf Rat]

Sorry I've been away from the Forum with the holidays, but the installation really isn't that daunting, and Simrad's system I feel is the easiest to install AND configure. The biggest question revolves around the hydraulic steering system. Are you using a reversible pump, or do you have a solenoid constant running power-assist steering system onboard already? The RF300 and RC42 are straight forward, along with the ACx2 course computer, and the Simnet setup is a little confusing when understanding the rules for drop lengths and termination. Which AP24 system do you have, which computer, and most of all, what's the steering situation?

 

[Crabman]

Give yourself a couple of days and jump in and do it. As everyone said, it's not that hard and questions can be answered here. Tying into the steering and rudder feedback mounting bracket are the most time consuming. I bought plenty of bulk hydraulic hose and reusable fittings. I also made the rudder feedback unit mounting bracket before I even thought about cutting into the hydraulic system. This way the boat was usable while I got the necessary parts, made the necessary bends, recovered the tools tossed overboard......

The type of steering system also makes the difference. During my install, I had the wrong autopilot computer for my engine powered steering system. I needed the solenoid operated hydraulic control AC. That took a couple of days and my boat was down for that time although I could have capped the tee fittings. Adjustment after the install is confusing but again, leave yourself some time and don't be in a rush and you will get through it.

As others asked, do you have a reversible pump or engine powered steering? It does make a difference with the install.

 

[Raider Ronnie]

I'm pretty sure Dave's 31 Eastern steering is the same as my BHM
Seastar helm 1.7 , not a Capilano or power steering.
Not sure the ram volume off the top of my head but his most likely the same single ram out back like mine.
You need to know the steering system volume to match the pump & computer size (as was to to me when I did mine 2 years ago, the bigger the better)
The compass needs to be mounted as close to center line and low in the hull as possible, but needs to be far enough way from metal objects (engine/trans)
Dave, you most likely want a 2404 system as thats what I installed.
I spent a few days ahead of time making custom mounts for my rudder feedback, pump & compass, then I glassed in the rudder feedback & the pump & compass mounts were bolted in place.
You need to have 3 hoses made up to tie into your helm and will need t fittings to make the connections. (used my guy who makes up hydraulic plow hoses for me)
Took me about a day or less to complete the install.
Wiring was pretty simple as most was plug & play connections to the computer.
I remember the only wires that weren't clear in instructions were the 2 off the pump. Wasn't sure which was + or - and of the 2 ports in the computer to be connected. Didn't make a difference as in the system configuration setup that was done with a setting as pump runs on forward or reverse polarity.
Once in the water you need to do some seatrial maneuvers to complete the setup.

 

[cb34]

compass

Compass mount should be center line and at the hight of the water line. Good luck

 

[CaptDave]

Thank you everyone, still on the big decison list right now, need to look at space to mount and where to put the pump and everything else in dry locations.

Dave