I am planning to buy a C-30 with wheel steering. I would like to install an autopilot and use a GPS with it. Most of my crusing will be weekend trips around Puget Sound and 2-3 weeks in the San Juans and Gulf Islands in the summer. What works well? What should I look for, and avoid? What success stories are out there? Bob Storrar
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Autopilot
We have a 1986 C-36 and just installed a Raytheon ST4000 Wheel pilot. With the wind speed and GPS it will follow the wind, waypoints or route. I used a Garmin 3 GPS and Chartview software on a laptop computer, upload my route to the GPS and the pilot follows it OK. All though when is comes to a waypoint, I do have to acknowledge it before it will go to the next waypoints, kind of a hassle. We have just bought a Furuno 30 GPS and not have it wired into the Autopilot as of yet. Good luck Bob Emerald Oddysea C-36 #586
We have a 1986 C-36 and just installed a Raytheon ST4000 Wheel pilot. With the wind speed and GPS it will follow the wind, waypoints or route. I used a Garmin 3 GPS and Chartview software on a laptop computer, upload my route to the GPS and the pilot follows it OK. All though when is comes to a waypoint, I do have to acknowledge it before it will go to the next waypoints, kind of a hassle. We have just bought a Furuno 30 GPS and not have it wired into the Autopilot as of yet. Good luck Bob Emerald Oddysea C-36 #586
Garmin and 4000+
I've had very good results on both my boats.. I had a 28 Newport II with a Garmin 75 and a 4000 w/wind vane .. I now use a Garmin 230 and 4000 everything interfaced even the Intrepid VHF so I get lat/lon at nav station and have the aux mic at helm, also I have the remote for the 4000 mounted at the mast. I do solo races, so I need to be able to do foredeck and change course. with out killing myself running for the wheel
(I just got home from the solo Chi/Mac) Well Bob hope this gives u some help Mike WD9EOU C-38 #169
I've had very good results on both my boats.. I had a 28 Newport II with a Garmin 75 and a 4000 w/wind vane .. I now use a Garmin 230 and 4000 everything interfaced even the Intrepid VHF so I get lat/lon at nav station and have the aux mic at helm, also I have the remote for the 4000 mounted at the mast. I do solo races, so I need to be able to do foredeck and change course. with out killing myself running for the wheel
(I just got home from the solo Chi/Mac) Well Bob hope this gives u some help Mike WD9EOU C-38 #169Do you really need one in the San Juans?
From my years of sailing the San Juans, I can say that the short tacks and constantly changing conditions makes the true use of an autopilot rare at best. I'd invest in roller furling so you can put the sails up, take em' down, repeat...much easier, cause that's what you'll be doing! Unless you have sailed the area thuroughly and still can justify it, I'd hold off on the autopilot.
From my years of sailing the San Juans, I can say that the short tacks and constantly changing conditions makes the true use of an autopilot rare at best. I'd invest in roller furling so you can put the sails up, take em' down, repeat...much easier, cause that's what you'll be doing! Unless you have sailed the area thuroughly and still can justify it, I'd hold off on the autopilot.
No pond is too small for an autopilot
I sail on Lake Coeur d’ Alene and wouldn’t be without my autopilot. I feel that it is more important when you need to short tack (I always let the autopilot steer in the tacks unless I have crew). My wife has told me that if the autopilot breaks I must replace it. IMHO I would much rather sail without my roller reefing than my autopilot. Hayden Watson 1988 C30 tr/bs Papillon Spokane, WA
I sail on Lake Coeur d’ Alene and wouldn’t be without my autopilot. I feel that it is more important when you need to short tack (I always let the autopilot steer in the tacks unless I have crew). My wife has told me that if the autopilot breaks I must replace it. IMHO I would much rather sail without my roller reefing than my autopilot. Hayden Watson 1988 C30 tr/bs Papillon Spokane, WA
San Juans
Bob, I've sailed the islands for 20 years. I'll never forget the first time though. Somehow, they all looked the same and I really had a tough time staying on track of where to turn,distance to next course change,etc. Also the tidal changes can be extreme and you need to know the best times to leave for your next port. I would highly recommend getting a GPS for your own peace of mind. You can punch in your way points and always know if you are on course. Auto pilots are awesome. I have a 4000 and wouldn't be without it, but the GPS in the San Juans is ultimatly more important. Have a great trip. Sean
Bob, I've sailed the islands for 20 years. I'll never forget the first time though. Somehow, they all looked the same and I really had a tough time staying on track of where to turn,distance to next course change,etc. Also the tidal changes can be extreme and you need to know the best times to leave for your next port. I would highly recommend getting a GPS for your own peace of mind. You can punch in your way points and always know if you are on course. Auto pilots are awesome. I have a 4000 and wouldn't be without it, but the GPS in the San Juans is ultimatly more important. Have a great trip. Sean
Auto pilot
Hi I just installed my navico 100 wheel pilot and I think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread,I should have purchased one years ago they are fantastic.They are nearly as good as another crew member and they dont drink beer,my wife loves it too because she does not have to exert to much effrert and take the helm while I trim.Also I purchased it in canada in can.$ for the same price west marine wanted in us $ check it out
Hi I just installed my navico 100 wheel pilot and I think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread,I should have purchased one years ago they are fantastic.They are nearly as good as another crew member and they dont drink beer,my wife loves it too because she does not have to exert to much effrert and take the helm while I trim.Also I purchased it in canada in can.$ for the same price west marine wanted in us $ check it out
auto pilots
I tried to fit a wheel pilot 10 on my 32 but the engine pod below the wheel interferred with it and it would not fit. It is normally easy to install. I now have to use a 4000 but it much more comlicated to install. See some back issues of "Pratical Sailor" for a comparison of various auto pilots. Good luck
I tried to fit a wheel pilot 10 on my 32 but the engine pod below the wheel interferred with it and it would not fit. It is normally easy to install. I now have to use a 4000 but it much more comlicated to install. See some back issues of "Pratical Sailor" for a comparison of various auto pilots. Good luck
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