Auto Pilot ST4000

[Mike G.]

I am in the processing of purchasing a boat and would like to add auto pilot. My previous boat had a Navico system which was not much to write home about. My boat prior to that had the ST 4000 which I really liked. However, it appears that the ST 4000 has been discontinued and replaced with the S-1. I don't really see much difference between the two. Is there a big difference? It appears that I could probably buy a left over ST4000 at several locations for a substantial price difference. Please give me your thoughts. Thank you, Mike

 

[Near Bliss]

St4000+MKII

I have a ST4000+MKII on a Macgregor 26X and it works perfectly. I have it connected to a ST40 wind instrument on SeaTalk and to a Magellan GPS over a serial connection and it communicates fine. I can set it to track off the waypoints from the GPS, track the apparent wind or a compass heading and they all work very well. I don't know when the support for the discontinued models will end but you should be able to get a real discount on one. I paid just under $700 for mine about a year ago. Good Luck.

 

[Steve Dion]

What sized boat?

Mike:What sized boat are you purchasing? I have not heard much good about the wheel pilots on larger boats.I just installed a Raymarine S2 corepack with a rotary drive & ST6001 control head. I must tell you that it is really sweet. The cost was a little more than I planned, but it works like a dream.Just be sure that it is sized correctly for your boat.

 

[Mike G.]

Wheel Pilot for a 32

Looks like it will be a Pearson 323.

 

[Mark Corson]

Selecting an Autopilot

I have a ST4000 Mark II upgrade drive kit on my Catalina 30. It is 2 seasons old. It is an upgrade to a ST4000 that was installed in the 1990s. The drive mechanism wore out after 10 seasons on Lake Erie. My new ST4000 Mark II works very well except when the wind is over 25 knots and the waves are over 6 feet, steep, and confused. Then it sometimes needs a little manual correction. I consider I suggest you ask the dealer or manufacturer for their advice. Autopilots need to be selected depending on the type of sailing you will be doing, the type of steering mechanism, the weight of the sailboat, and other factors. The West Marine Catalog and website gives general guidelines for selecting an autopilot for sailboats.

 

[Mark Corson]

Selecting an Autopilot

I have a ST4000 Mark II upgrade drive kit on my Catalina 30. It is 2 seasons old. It is an upgrade to a ST4000 that was installed in the 1990s. The drive mechanism wore out after 10 seasons on Lake Erie. My new ST4000 Mark II works very well except when the wind is over 25 knots and the waves are over 6 feet, steep, and confused. Then it sometimes needs a little manual correction. It is interfaced to my old ST40 wind instrument via Sea Talk. I consider it perfect for my boat in my type of sailing conditions. I consider my ST4000 Mark II upgrade kit excellent value for the money. I suggest you ask the dealer or manufacturer for their advice. Autopilots need to be selected depending on the type of sailing you will be doing, the type of steering mechanism, the weight of the sailboat, and other factors. The West Marine Catalog and website gives general guidelines for selecting an autopilot for sailboats.

 

[AXEL]

ST4000

I bought the ST4000+ 2 or 3 years ago. It was the last year they made them. I got mine on sale at Defender. I'm using it on my C30. I like it. It works well and hasn't given me any problems. I was just asking some friends about the new model which seems to be about 400 - 500 dallors more. Apparently it's supposed to link up better to other onboard gear. A those who I have spoken to who complained about the ST4000 did not hook up the supplied rudder sensor. I believe there lies the problem. I admit it was a major pain installing the rudder sensor but I believe it's an important part of the set up. Make sure if you buy a ST4000 it's a new enough model that it has the belt tenson adjustment and also comes with the rudder sensor.