AP12R on a Mako 171?

sblunden · 10-15-2005, 04:38 PM

This is probably a really stupid thing to think about...Does anyone have a Simrad AP12 installed on a Mako 171? Since the mid '70s I have had an AP on every boat I've owned, from the TillerMaster on the 24' sailboat to the Autohelm on the 29' sailboat and now the Simrad AP26 on the Sabreline. I've just gotten used to hitting the "auto" button and going about my business, tending lines, rigging fenders and all that, and I'm thinking if I can get a self contained unit that talks with my Garmin 188 for a grand it might give me something to do over the winter! The AP12 looks like a nice, easy install to me.

Question: does anyone know what steering assembly is in the 2001 Mako 171? I think it's a Teleflex, and it's a little gray casting using a single steering cable.

Question: Is this a dumb idea? I'll probably do it anyway

jtburf · 10-15-2005, 08:45 PM

upgrading is never a bad idea but ??? How long of runs are you making in a 17' boat?

John

bw12 · 10-15-2005, 10:34 PM

Since I also have an AP on my 17 ft boat, I don't think it's a bad idea at all! I have the earlier version of the AP12R, made by Navico, called the PowerWheel (Simrad bought them). I'm very pleased with it. I have it connected to my Garmin 178C. The AP12R has a few improvements which should make it even better. If I were to buy another one today, it would be the AP14R. Th 14R has a digital display and the control can be unplugged and stowed when not in use, both features which are desireable to me and worth the extra $.

sblunden · 10-16-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

jtburf - 10/15/2005 8:45 PM

upgrading is never a bad idea but ??? How long of runs are you making in a 17' boat?

John

Hi John...not really about the length of the runs, just the convenience of turning the helm over to the quartermaster while I check out the chart or take a picture or something

Usually I'll just run over to Long Island, NY (about 20 NM each way) or up the Connecticut River from Westbrook.

I think my real problem is I just don't like driving boats! Everything else is cool, but just sitting there pointing it in a direction is boring as hell to me!

jtburf · 10-16-2005, 09:52 AM

ok i gotch you there ....

john

sblunden · 10-16-2005, 03:54 PM

I can't believe I'm seriously considering this...can anyone identify this steering unit? The boat is a 2001 Mako 171 and I think this is a Teleflex but can't see any markings on it.

jtburf · 10-16-2005, 06:59 PM

Look's just like a Teleflex rotary helm....
But what do I know !!!!!

John

sblunden · 10-16-2005, 08:31 PM

You win the prize, jtburf! Found this on the Teleflex web site...it sure looks like a NFB 4.2 to me!

http://www.teleflexmorse.com/marine/...ils/nfb4-2.jpg