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Have just purchased a 2006 vista 348 and wondering where the factory installed ray marine DSM30 (the interface between the transducer and C80 display) is located. It isnt in behind the dash because I have had a good look (and its quite large). So anyone know
Cheers
Steve

i have a 2008 358 Vista and it is in the dash, take out the C80 and it is to the right at the back

Cheers

Sean

I don't have the DSM on our 348. But I do know there's a lot of electronic stuff located down inside the cabinet next to the stairs. You have to remove the panel covering the AC grill (and the vacuum if you have one). On our 348 the weather module is in there along with the sirius radio module and the autopilot.

You can slide the grill out of the panel first and try to get a look up inside first. But it won't be easy. It's less hassle to remove the vacuum and then remove the wood panel. This gains access to the whole area behind the cabinet.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks, a thorough look has found it was most likely removed along with the head unit prior to sale...hence I cant find it. The transducer cable has actually got the end pin connector cut off so it gets worse as that will need to be replaced as well. Thanks both of you and SJ you have helped on where to locate it when I put it in. Cheers

Hi

I have a 2006 348 Vista and upon summerizing the autopilot and GPS do not work. Been told by Raymarine prob a fuse on the autopilot course computer but cant find it. looked behind C80 and all over engine compartment. saw your post re near the AC. Can you be more specific about how to get back there? any pics? your help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Eric
"Cruisin Home"

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2006 348 Vista
"Cruisin Home"
Hampton NH

See what I can do. But from what I know (and have done) the access is gained by removing the lower panel beside the stairs. This gives some access to the electronincs sirius stuff but one still has to be a contortionist. I all still coming to grips with the whole electronics thing and dont think I have auto pilot.

There are several components to an autopilot setup. One being a hydraulic actuator back near the rudders. At least that's how it works with inboard engines. I'm sure outdrives have a different setup. The actuator for the inboards is back in the far aft starboard area of the engine room. It's in-line with the other hydraulic lines already going to the rudder strut. It has a motor in it and essentially behaves just like the steering wheel. There's a rudder position indicator mounted to the top of one of the rudders (can't recall which).

Then there's an electronic compass located down inside the cabin in the mid-cabin port side floor locker (under the couch). Looks like a 3" square 'puck'. It's very important to keep all metal away from this widget. So don't stow any ferrous metal items near it as that will screw up it's readings. Mine's never really been terribly reliable

Tucked up inside the port side cabinet with the AC gear is the autopilot computer. It's mounted up on the aft bulkhead part of that cabinet.

And then, finally, there's usually a control panel for it mounted up on the helm.

Truth be told I don't find it necessary or safe to bother using the autopilot. On long stretches in open ocean, maybe. But in the Chesapeake where there's a lot of other boat traffic I find it's not that helpful. You end up having to kill it all the time as other boat traffic comes into play. That and crab pots. Were anyone to ask me about adding it I'd tell them not to waste their money if all they're doing is inland water travel.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks guys. I found my autopilot course computer behind the panel below the stairs (also found a very dirty A/C filter which I cleaned)! Was eventually able to troublehoot my problem to a bad connection and now have autopilot/gps back again! i love my autopilot as we do a lot of long range cruising across open ocean, there is no substitute for maintaining course, saving fuel, preventing fatigue, etc. You still have to be diligent to watch for obstacles!

Eric
348 Vista
"Crusin Home"
Hampton NH

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2006 348 Vista
"Cruisin Home"
Hampton NH