Anyone else find themselves taking on a project that turns out to be rather more challenging than it seemed when you started? I just finished installing a below decks autopilot on Patiently (dockside calibration complete-seatrials to follow) and it was a bugger of a job. Lousy access, finicky measurements and not much space. I had to fiberglass in a platform for the drive unit, drill the rudder shaft to pin the tiller arm (tip- go buy the cobalt bit right away), adjust rudder stops, and wire in a Simnet system. Lots of different caps to wear! I think overall that it was more challenging than replacing the diesel or painting the hull due to the access and space issues. It's hard to check measurements and angles on things you can barely see. Frankly, I have no idea how a professional is able to give a reasonable estimate on a job like that since there are so many places to get hung up. Anyhow, it fired up and calibrated the drive and appears ready to go for a test on my next days off.
For those that offered advice on what system to use, I ended up buying a Simrad AC42 and an NKE hydraulic ram (made by L&S). I got the ram on E-bay last winter at an exceptional price and bought the AC42 locally. Surprisingly the Canadian price was very competitive to the US. I got the tiller arm (custom machined) and a pin from PYI in Washington state and was very impressed with thier service. I have a family cruise to the Bras D'or Lakes planned for July so am hopeful to have everything running well by then.