On my boat the electronic compass in on the bulkhead between the head and the dinette, in the locker under the seat closest to the door to the head. Locating it there kept it away from ferrous objects.

On mine (1999 MK II), it's under the seat on the starboard side just below the cabinet -- forward of that little table.

On my 2005 model the raymarine fluxgate compass is installed in the bilge under the access panel under the dining table. It's a black plastic assembly mounted close to the centerline of the boat on the stringer.
The control computer is installed at the back of the boat on the starboard side on the forward end of the starboard cockpit locker. You have to put your head in there to find it. I understand that is the standard installation for the later model boats although yours may be different.

The fluxgate compass location depends on the mood and skill of the person who installed it. According to the installation manual, it 'should' be mounted more or less in the center of the boat and away from any magnetic interference. Some people (I, for example) mount them under the U-shaped dinette near the mast step; others elsewhere. On the Mk II check the underseat area near the mast if you have the U-dinette, the bilge forward of the bilge pump, under the floor of the aft cabin closet, under the nav table, under the galley sink, and if you still can't find it post here, as there are a couple hidden locations.

Are you sure the problem is the compass?

Have a look at my article 'Installing a Below-deck Autopilot (C36 Mk II)' available in the Technical - Upgrades library to see what these components look like. The article has photos to show you the U-dinette location I used.

Mine is hiding under the floor panel in the aft Cabin locker.
John Meyer

Have you tried to tracing the wire from the control box to the fluxgate compass? It's got to be at the end of the wire? If all else fails forget about trying to locate the fluxgate wherever it might be. You are going to spend more time trying to locate the unit than it takes to install a new one. Just install a new fluxgate in a location where you won't forget and is easy to acess... Someday in the future, sooner or later, you will stumble on the old fluxgate and can report your discovery to us in a new thread...

Chris

Sounds like you found the compass in the bilge. For the Raymarine Control Unit (autopilot computer) have another look in the starboard cockpit locker.Remove the mesh storage bag if you have one fitted and put your head right in the locker and look forward. It's likely to be on a panel on the starboard side near the manual bilge pump. It's a grey plastic box about one foot square.

Last Toy, apparently you're still not locating a component of your A/P system??? I guess I didn't understand you post fully. Please clarify: 1) that you found the fluxgate compass in the bilge, and 2) that you're still trying to locate the A/P (ie, the Autopilot) Computer. Am I understanding that correctly?

First thing, please click on User CP in the upper left corner of this page and set up an automated signature. It's easy to do. Please use my signature below as a model of the kind of information to include in your automated signature. If we're going to help you, we deserve to know who we're trying to help, the details of your boat, and where you're located.

Second, let's carefully review your problem. Without defining the problem accurately it is difficult to troubleshoot it. So let's begin at the beginning by *assuming* that your fluxgate compass is performing properly. We may still find that it's faulty, but for now let's start from scratch as if we know nothing of the details. To capture the symptoms and the circumstances under which you experience them, please carefully answer the following specific questions. All autopilot questions assume you're under motor, not sailing.

1. With the A/P OFF, the boat sails and motors just fine, with the steering working properly, right?

2. With the A/P engaged, does the boat hold the heading? If not, what does it do?

3. Also with the A/P engaged, whether the boat is tracking straight ahead or turning, if you try to move the steering wheel is there an autopilot torque, or 'muscle', that you can feel being applied to the wheel? Or is the wheel easy to turn?

Let's see how these questions are answered before we go to the next step.