Mike,

My tiller pilot connection socket is also in the starboard coaming pocket, and that has worked out well as it is well protected there.  I often don't bother to put the cover flap in place after disconnecting, and that has never caused an issue.

I'm curious about the need for a 12 volt socket there as well.  I have one of these in the cabin, but never use it.  Everything is either hard-wired or uses a USB plug for power. I'm up to 8 USB outlets in the cabin.

I don't have a clear recollection of the wiring process, but I'm sure I use a fish tape.

I find it pretty easy to get into and work in the lazarette.  To fasten the wood block reinforcement to the underside of the gunnel, I used a quick setting epoxy syringe from Home Depot, lay on my back in the lazarette, and just held the block in place over my head for 5 minutes.  This did fail on me once, so the technique could probably be improved on.

--Peter

> On 2022-02-02, at 14:01:54 EST, Michael McKay wrote:
>
> Hi Peter,
> 
> I do have Bill's writeup, as well as Roger's email describing his Tiller Pilot 
> installation.  My boat has speed and depth transducers in the lazarette, so the 
> pathway into the coaming is already present. 
> 
> Since I will be drilling holes in my boat for the first time, I want to make 
> sure my plan sounds reasonable based on your experience.  I intend to install 
> the electrical socket for the Tiller Pilot in the starboard coaming pocket.  I 
> will also install a 12V socket there as well.  Since these will be relatively 
> small holes I am guessing that I will need to use a fish tape or something like 
> that to get the wiring from the electric panel connection to that hole.  Is that 
> how you did it? 
> 
> I'm also hoping that my gunnel is thick enough so I don't have to reinforce the 
> Tiller Pilot mounting socket from underneath.  If that is not the case, I 
> believe I can reach that point from inside the lazarette.  Is that what you did 
> to put the hardwood backing block in Silverheels? 
> 
> Thanks for all you help and for the amazing library of videos you have shared 
> with our community. 
> 
> 
> Mike McKay
> s/v Liber (2006/2018)
> Allatoona Lake
> Acworth, GA
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>