Autopilot recommendations?

[tsheie]

Any recommendations for a tiller autopilot? Links to suppliers or reviews that would be helpful? It's new to me, never used one.. I've got a SanJuan7.7 (26') Thanks!

 

[Mike B1026]

We have a Raymarine ST1000 on our Mac26s. After three years no problems. When installing, I had a question and emailed the factory with a picture. They got right back to me with an answer. (UK)

 

[heart of gold]

A friend of mine has a ST1000 on an Olsen 40 and has used it for years. He has not complaints. I have a wheel pilot and I am very impressed.

 

[Joe]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Simrad TP10 or the Ray ST1000.... Some might recommend the stronger TP22 or ST2000plus... if you do alot of motorsailing i think the extra juice might be beneficial.

Remember the secret to good AP performance is balancing the rig, correct sail trim,. so the unit works less and minimizes the battery draw.

Once you get one... and I wouldn't put it off one minute.... you'll wonder why you waited so long... probably one of the best boat equipment investments you'll ever make..

Here's a damn good price:

Ray ST1000 http://www.boatersland.com/raya12004.html

Simrad TP10 http://www.thehousewaresstore.com/wt-simtp10.html

 

[caguy]

I like the ST1000 also. When installing it I would make it 16" from the pivot point on the tiller so that you get a little more throw. On a tack when you hit the 10* four times I sometimes run out of travel on the pilot and it click until the boat catches up. Other than that its been a great first mate.

 

[bria46]

There was so little differance in price between the ST1000 and ST2000 that I opted for the ST2000. I've had no problems with the unit or Raymarine tech support.

 

[higgs]

I had a Simrad on my irwin 32's tiller and I could never rely on it. Sometimes it would work great and other times it would suddenly go hard over. I sent the unit several times, but Simrad could never find a problem.

 

[Flyboy69]

I have a Raymarine ST1000 on my 23 Oday. Love it! works like a charm... There are usually a few on ebay used and new for half decent prices too.

 

[Stu Jackson]

The ST2000 has a shorter hardover time and a stronger motor. If you're gonna keep the boat for a long time, or sail in more challenging conditions, and if the price is right, get the ST2000.

Don't worry about lengthening the distance, in fact you want to minimize the distance. Set it up so you do not need any extenders on the push rod.

 

[mark_swart]

I have the ST 1000 and love it. Great price on them at www.defender.com. Be very careful with the installation, follow the directions. And don't mount it near a speaker!

 

[kpgraci]

I have the ST 1000 and love it. Great price on them at www.defender.com. Be very careful with the installation, follow the directions. And don't mount it near a speaker!

I moved to boom box to close to it once - It was not happy.

Another vote for the ST1000. I hooked mine up to my laptop chartplottrer (Seaclear) so I could program routes - works great. Consider the ST2000 on anything over 23 feet.