X-5 auto pilot reviews.

[Marc Bergmueller]

I'm looking to buy an Raymarine x-5 wheel autopilot for a Hunter H310, and found some older posts(most likely when it was released) and reviews that weren't too favorable. Now that its been out for a while, do you think they have improved anything? Anyone have one for more than a few years and satisfied? I'm trying to avoid the cost of a rudder mounted version.

 

[Les]

I guess I fit your description--I've had one on my Hunter 27 since they came out. It mostly has worked well the entire time. A couple of times it sent me a message that it was not calculated (we had calculated it when first installed) but I ignored the message and been using it since. The messages have disappeared.

I go from Bellingham to Friday Harbor (21 nautical miles) and back mostly under power but some sailing and it works fine by aiming the boat and hitting "auto". I haven't hooked it up to the GPS yet--not sure I will.

The computer part is in the navigation locker, the compass somewhere near the rudder. The wheel control works well but only when I remember to engage or disengage the clutch. I'm dumb some days.

It has handled heavy weather as well as light airs. It will be going on it's fourth year this coming summer.

An interesting thing is that when we first started it up and took it out for a spin it yawed from port to starboard--wide swings. But it kept narrowing the scope of those swings and now it hardly deviates from my chosen heading. The manual said it would "learn" the boat. Seems like it has.

Would I buy one again. Probably. I haven't seen a different one on the market at that price that has better features. I like the X-5.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jimm]

I'm looking to buy an Raymarine x-5 wheel autopilot for a Hunter H310, and found some older posts(most likely when it was released) and reviews that weren't too favorable. Now that its been out for a while, do you think they have improved anything? Anyone have one for more than a few years and satisfied? I'm trying to avoid the cost of a rudder mounted version.

In use two years on my Catalina 30 - - no problems, tracks well and under most conditions isn't an energy hog...... I would buy again.

 

[cbsailor]

OK So Far

I installed our X-5 almost 2 years ago. The controller is located on the aft cabin centerline bulkhead and the flux gate is located near centerline in the bottom of the galley cabinet. It is our first autopilot so we don't have much to compare it to. It is working great so far. The wife loves it. It is a great addition for motoring longer distances, especially our last snowbird trip. Seems to handle sailing well in light up to and including moderate winds however I have to take the helm back when the winds increase. One of our best boat improvements.

 

[Terry in Naples]

x5 autopilot Review

I put one on my catalina 34 a couple years ago and it is the best upgrade I have done. It has worked well in all conditions and frees me to go around the boat and adjust sails, work on deck and go below often. I would buy again. the old autohelm 3000 I replaced was always a pain to set up and take down and the belt was always a nusance. I would buy again. Terry

 

[Bad Obsession]

I have the older S1 wheel pilot on my Catalina 30. I think that the big difference is that mine has the rudder sensor and the X-5 doesn't.

I love my autopilot despite the long drawn out story on the installation. I have over 1000 hours on the autopilot in 5 seasons and it has preformed well.

 

[Marc Bergmueller]

Thanks, guys. I have used the S1, and on my Oday, had a simrad wp30. The raymarine worked well, The Simrad would never calibrate. I think I will get the X5 then, thanks for the reviews.