Auto pilot question
- Thread starter AADIVER
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As the co-owner of C-320 with a 4000+MkII I would say that they are adequate, but not great and it isn't simple or necessarily inexpensive to get one up to 'good'. Ours works great under power in relatively calm water...but we don't use the engine much at all. I have been frustrated by its excessive and somewhat sloppy response (and yes, I have done all the recommended programming) under sail. I have even acquired the rudder response sensor, but the installation is so onerous, that I keep putting it off to go sailing. The bigger problem for us is I sometimes don't go sailing in heavier air because it is just too much work tacking when the AP is not working well.
I think from what information that I have been able to glean, that the new generation of Raymarine underdeck autopilots may be the way to go if you want simple, reliable and good to great performance. Obviously, that is not inexpensive. I may bite the bullet in the hopes that it will get me out on the water more, but that is still a question for me for now.
I think from what information that I have been able to glean, that the new generation of Raymarine underdeck autopilots may be the way to go if you want simple, reliable and good to great performance. Obviously, that is not inexpensive. I may bite the bullet in the hopes that it will get me out on the water more, but that is still a question for me for now.
Here is the big issue....Where are you going to install a below decks autopilot on a Catalina 30? There is no room at all.
When my Raymarine s1 autohelm was installed it was a pain and I had to have some modifications done to my boat to put the sensor in for the rudder. There are previous posts on here if anyone is interested.
I find that my S1 works pretty good and I am pleased overall with it. There is over 1000 hours on the unit now and it usually handles well.
I ran it one time when I was beating into the waves in the middle chesapeake bay in 15-20 knots sustained and 3-4 foot waves. I had a small 100 on my furler and a full main and I was at 15 degrees, sitting under the dodger, comfortable as hell.
An autopilot is well worth the money you put into it if you are going to be out sailing much.
When my Raymarine s1 autohelm was installed it was a pain and I had to have some modifications done to my boat to put the sensor in for the rudder. There are previous posts on here if anyone is interested.
I find that my S1 works pretty good and I am pleased overall with it. There is over 1000 hours on the unit now and it usually handles well.
I ran it one time when I was beating into the waves in the middle chesapeake bay in 15-20 knots sustained and 3-4 foot waves. I had a small 100 on my furler and a full main and I was at 15 degrees, sitting under the dodger, comfortable as hell.
An autopilot is well worth the money you put into it if you are going to be out sailing much.
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