Please share your experiences and suggestions on what auto pilot systems are worth a look on a C36 MK1.
For electronics, assume that I am starting with nothing. For Nav/Charting, I am considering the Garmin 741xs, but nothing has been purchased. I would be interested in your thoughts if the nav/charting and auto pilot should be of the same manufacture or if most just select the best (regardless of the mfr) for their requirements and budget. My budget is I don't need the latest and greatest, just something reliable and easy to use cruising the Chesapeake Bay even during SCA.
For house power, I will upgrade to two 12v batteries (not sure of the group #, but as big as I can get in a C36 without significant modifications (ideas welcomed here as well).
My helm looks to be the original Edson pedestal steerer installed on the C36. The Edison "steering data sheet" that came with my boat mentions the tiller arm is designed to be used with the auto helm liner drive auto pilots, either the type I or type II. Not sure of the pros/cons of this type of system over the pedestal mounted belt driven systems (which my boat had at one time, but is not functioning), such as the Raymarine Evolution EV-100.
Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.
For electronics, assume that I am starting with nothing. For Nav/Charting, I am considering the Garmin 741xs, but nothing has been purchased. I would be interested in your thoughts if the nav/charting and auto pilot should be of the same manufacture or if most just select the best (regardless of the mfr) for their requirements and budget. My budget is I don't need the latest and greatest, just something reliable and easy to use cruising the Chesapeake Bay even during SCA.
For house power, I will upgrade to two 12v batteries (not sure of the group #, but as big as I can get in a C36 without significant modifications (ideas welcomed here as well).
My helm looks to be the original Edson pedestal steerer installed on the C36. The Edison "steering data sheet" that came with my boat mentions the tiller arm is designed to be used with the auto helm liner drive auto pilots, either the type I or type II. Not sure of the pros/cons of this type of system over the pedestal mounted belt driven systems (which my boat had at one time, but is not functioning), such as the Raymarine Evolution EV-100.
Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.