Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Electrics for ‘Minnow’ – Part 3






I finished mounting and wiring the cigarette lighter socket for the GPS units etc.

I was very pleased with the result.

All I need to do is varnish the mount.

My next job will be fitting and wiring the Autohelm 800. The tricky part will be linking it to the steering line. When I had ‘Faith’, I linked the end of Autohelm’s rod to the steering line with two pieces of cord. They were attached with rolling hitches, one forward, and the other aft. As far as I remember, the Autohelm was mounted fore and aft on the port side with the rod towards the bow.

 That worked OK, but I would like a quicker method of linking and unlinking the Autohelm. The ability to release the linkage quickly is crucial: for example, if there is a risk of collision with a nearby object.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I will be anxious to watch your autopilot install ...I am wishing to do the same thing...and also working in electrics on Scout right now.

:-)

Sean

Steve Carey said...

Looking like the flight-deck of Star Ship Enterprise! I fitted 2 12V Cigar lighter sockets on the fuse/switch panel I made for Molly. I reality I needed at least six!

Bill, is this type of cloth OK for covering the surface with epoxy on my boat?


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Premium-Grade-Ahlstrom-Full-Roll-50m-x-600gsm-Woven-Roving-Fibreglass-Mat-/310707890933

Steve

Steve Carey said...

Should have posted this link for 300gsm Glass Cloth (half the weight).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310707883623

William Serjeant said...

Yes, Steve,

That's the stuff I had for sheathing 'Faith' - excellent for taking biffs - the heavier layup for parts coming into contact with the ground when beaching, and the lighter stuff elsewhere.

Paradox had 3 x 24oz woven roving on the bottom, but she was designed as a beach cruiser.

Cheers,
Bill.