[edmundsteele]

I have decided to add an autopilot to my 2005 model 3200 Open. Whether I choose the Raymarine route or the Simrad route, I need to install a powered hydraulic pump in the existing steering system. The Tiara helm is a SeaStar model HH5273 and has two hydraulic hoses coming out of it. The steering ram is a SeaStar BA150-7ATM that has the same two hydraulic hoses connected to it. Both the Raymarine pump and the Simrad pump have three ports each. Two ports to tee into the SeaStar setup, as you would expect and an additional third port to connect to a “reservoir” port at the helm. I see no such reservoir port on either the helm pump or indicated in the SeaStar manual. The autopilot installation guide insists that in this event, I need to add an additional hydraulic reservoir that is to be placed above the level of the helm – not an easy task if the autopilot pump is installed next to the steering ram in the stern. Has anyone installed an autopilot and if so, how did you handle the “third” hose? 
Ed