Raymarine SPX-5 Wheel Pilot compatible with IP 27 Rack & Pinion Steering?

Does anyone know if the Raymarine SPX-5 Sailboat Wheel Pilot will work with the IP 27 "between the legs" Rack & Pinion steering system? I have a '88 IP 27 that needs alot of work...Planning a complete new instrument install and looking at a Raymarine Chartplotter, i70 multifunction display and autopilot. I want to keep all instruments in the same manufacturer, but haven't been able to get a definitive answer on if the Raymarine Wheel Pilot will work. Some local shops just say "yea, sure, It'll work...don't worry about it" but they can't answer my questions about the specifics of the install. At the Boat Show (Annapolis) last weekend, the Raymarine sales reps said "no way...won't work." I'm just not getting a good feel from anyone I talk to. As I look at the install manual, it looks like it should work...except for the distance between the wheel and the pedestal. Can anyone share some direct, first hand knowledge? Many Thanks!

Dave

Peregrine's Nest

Melbourne, FL

IP 27-175

We had IP27 #058 for 10 years and we had a wheel pilot by Autohelm like this Raymarine unit. It worked well with no issues. This one that you are looking at says it will handle boats up 16,500 lbs, so it should do your 27 easily. I see no issue with it driving the rack and pinion on the IP27.
Hayden

Dave, Hayden's correct. It's works fine. I have the same x-5 unit on my 26 MkII. Virtually identical to your 27. Chris