260 Auto pilot recommendations?

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soling42

soling42

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Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
Upgraded from our well equipped 24' coastal cruiser to a 260 w/o an auto pilot. Any positive/negative feedback on available wheel pilots for a 260 app? Is there such a thing as economical cost(there's other upgrades still needed like a chute), easy interface to my Garmin 276c GPS and reasonable install? The Raymarine S1 at $1100+ seems like the main choice of the day, but still a little steep while my account recovers. Here's a shot of the wheel and crew. You can tell it's the 1st sail because we're both smiling and the boat's listing away from the pocket I carry my cash in:) Any advice welcome. Michael and Kelli
 

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Roger F

Roger F

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Sep 25, 2003
100
Beneteau Oceanis 48 Casco Bay, ME
Autopilot for 240?

Sorry, no info for the 260...but a question for your old 24' (was it H240 or another 24'?). Did you have an autopilot for that? We just got back from our first 3 day cruise and our make shift tie off for the tiller was not adequate for anything other than light sail downwind. Not sure what work best, if anything, in the h240, it is a 2004. Roger
 
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Tom2909

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May 27, 2004
225
- - Boston
Simrad WP10

Congrats on your new boat! I've had a Simrad WP10 on my H260 since 2000 and it works great. Self contained and easy to install, except for getting the power to it. I had the boat yard run the power line (up through the pedistal guard) for me. The WP 10 doesn't have a GPS interface, but its big brother, the WP 30, does. Photos in Link...
 
BobSail

BobSail

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Jun 14, 2004
174
Hunter 260 Portland, OR
No 260 Auto either, but...

I would like to ask you what you think of your 260 pedestal guard. One came with our boat, but not installed. I have wondered if the pedestal feet on the cockpit floor would create a toe-stubbing hazard. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
 
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HAl

WP32

WP32 I installed a SIMRAD 32on my 260. It works great. Seems to be capable of fully interfacing with everything but I haven't hooked it up yet to Raymarine.Fluxgate compass does not output for radar overlays and such things. Installation was quick. Power hookup only issue as mentioned. I use it to hold course while doing other things. A third hand. Just push a button.
 
soling42

soling42

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Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
Good input

Roger, My 240 used a Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilot($150 on ebay). It worked great and was a nice improvement on longer coastal runs or when I would launch the chute solo. Send me an e-mail (I'm in the directory) and I'll forward some pics of the install. It was pretty easy. Tom& Hal, Nice 260 mods. The WP10 may be the answer but a WP32 w/GPS interface might be more useful? Seems that an AP with high durability and the most potential for a similar cost would be the wise choice. I’ve found a couple posts grumbling about Simrad durability and not being able to make simple repairs. Any valid issues on yours? Bobsail, toes get banged but I haven’t found the pedestal guard base an abnormal prob. I'd consider it worthwhile in case you loose your balance and can grab something solid. Seems like accidents only happen when I’ve miscalculated the timing of something and I’m rushing around. Thanks, Michael
 
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Ashely

st 4000+

Soling, I have a Raymarine st4000+ on my 260. I also have a Garmin 276C wired to the AP, but I rarely use for tracking a course. I mainly use the AP as another crew when raising/lowering sails etc. It also has an auto tack feature which is nice. My boat came with the autopilot, connecting the GPS was pretty simple.
 
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Tom2909

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May 27, 2004
225
- - Boston
WP 10, no problems since installed in 2000

I keep a cover over the whole steering wheel/pedestal when the boat is not being used to protect it all from the weather and sun. I don't see an advantage to connecting the pilot to a GPS. The GPS will give you a heading which you can set manually (by steering the boat) then turn on the autpilot to hold it. You should be validating it every 20 minutes or so anyway, at which time you can make adjustments, if needed. Fair winds, Tom
 
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Tom2909

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May 27, 2004
225
- - Boston
Pedestal guard is great!

It gives you a firm handhold and is also a great mounting place for stuff. I have a teak cup (and other item) holder that incudes a tray that can be used to hold snacks and such while at anchor -- the tray interfers with the main sheet while sailing. I plan to add a small shelf to hold a portable GPS, VHF handset, and note pad to keep them handy while at the helm. Fair winds, Tom
 
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