I'm thinking about adding a tiller pilot to my '72 for next season. I was leaning toward a Raymarine ST1000+, but then I read Chip Ford's articles on all of the issues he had with them which made me think about going with a Simrad T10 instead. I've also heard people say to go with the Raymarine ST200, because it's constructed more robustly than the ST1000.
My main use will be single-handed lake sailing. I have an old main sail with the bolt-rope instead of slugs, so I can drop it from the cockpit but have to be at the mast to raise it. It's in excellent condition, so I'm not ready to switch it out for one with sail slugs yet. Would also be nice to have something to maintain course while I adjust the sails, run below to grab a drink, etc. I have a small chart plotter (openCPN) but don't really ever see myself trying to input a course and have the tiller pilot follow it. More of a 'hold this course for a couple of minutes while I do this quick sort of thing.
Wondering what others are using and how they like it.
My main use will be single-handed lake sailing. I have an old main sail with the bolt-rope instead of slugs, so I can drop it from the cockpit but have to be at the mast to raise it. It's in excellent condition, so I'm not ready to switch it out for one with sail slugs yet. Would also be nice to have something to maintain course while I adjust the sails, run below to grab a drink, etc. I have a small chart plotter (openCPN) but don't really ever see myself trying to input a course and have the tiller pilot follow it. More of a 'hold this course for a couple of minutes while I do this quick sort of thing.
Wondering what others are using and how they like it.