Seems to me that the best way to free the wheel is not to worry about some type
of kill switch just disingage the lever. If that's not possible I recomend the
simple solution of installing the autopilot breaker in the cockpit. I mounted
mine alongside the Yanmar control panel. Having access to the breaker in the
cockpit also allows you to turn the thing off and not leave it in standby
without going below.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"

That will work in some of the wheel mounted autopilots but not
necessarily on a below deck system. Ours doesn't lend itself to
any such solution. Our remote control for the autopilot has an
instant shutdown button. Turning off the autopilot doesn;t release
the wheel though. Just freezes it where it is. Must activate the
hydraulic release to return to cable steering.

Doug
s/v Callista

"SAIL LOCO" wrote in message
...
Seems to me that the best way to free the wheel is not to worry about some
type
of kill switch just disingage the lever. If that's not possible I
recomend the
simple solution of installing the autopilot breaker in the cockpit. I
mounted
mine alongside the Yanmar control panel. Having access to the breaker in
the
cockpit also allows you to turn the thing off and not leave it in standby
without going below.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"

That will work in some of the wheel mounted autopilots but not
necessarily on a below deck system.

Right. I was thinking of the self contained types that have the
engage/disengage lever at the wheel.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"

Those can be disengaged quickly. In addition, I don't think they are
powerful enough to seriously hurt someone. My hydraulic one can swing the
rudder from stop to stop
in 3-5 seconds and probably wouldn't know if you arm was there or not.

Doug
s/v Callista

"SAIL LOCO" wrote in message
...
That will work in some of the wheel mounted autopilots but not
necessarily on a below deck system.

Right. I was thinking of the self contained types that have the
engage/disengage lever at the wheel.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"