Thanks to Andrin and Dirk, I discover we have an ST1000 autopilot at YCC, and I do not have to buy a new one. According to notice of race of Translemanique 2019 , rules 52 is not applied (that forces that everything on board should be human power driven). So I think it is essential to have a proper Autopilot.
Previous YCC Members, did the full regatta only with the tiller-lock rudder blocking system. I am really impressed by that, as I have tested sometimes it and even tried more advanced elastic-based auto-tiller systems, and I have always found that downwind, the probability to have a stable configuration for enough time to raise the spi is a pure gamble.
So I will focus on my first challenge: to Install the ST1000 on Mamma Mia.
This is the Raymarine ST1000 plus as installed on the gibsea, I think they choose the port side configuration just because the electrical system is installed on port. This is sub-optimal when going by engine, as the skipper usually should sit on the port side, to see who is coming on the starboard side... by the way, I have tested it on the gibsea, and it works, so good news!
ST1000 uses a (crazy) connector, it is a round 6 pin. After some research, I discover it is a out of production Bulgin Buccaner 6 pin connector, specifically designed for Raymarine, not directly avaialble from Bulgin, but only via RayMarine parts. D338 is the female I need, D337 is the male that is connected to the tiller-pilot.
Guess what: the most expensive connector ever, only available in UK, luckly should be given with installation screw and gaskets. The cheapest I found, is 33 euros (but I have seen up to 80Euros).
If I had not to keep compatibility with the gibsea, I would have just cut the cable and switched to another connector. I only need the 2 wires for 12v DC , the other ones are for NMEA Raymarine gps integration, that I will not have.
So... let's at least place the order, and next step, do the measurement.
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