Auto Pilot: ST6001 or 5000

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Steve

Howdy. I bought the New Catalinia 350. Expect delivery May - June there bouts'. Anyway, I am decking her out pretty well with color radar/Chart Plotter.. etc.. I originally spec'd the Autohelm ST 6001 After looking at the system and reviews, It looks like the 5000 performs the same tasks and is about $1200 less. Can someone provide some insight as to the main difference between the two systems? Should I stay with the 6001? Thanks... All the best.
 
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Tim Leighton

AUTOPILOT

Steve: Congrads on your 350. Saw hull #1 under construction in Largo, FL and again (sort of) complete at the Atlantic City Sailboat show last winter. Great boat and I'm sure you will be very happy. I'm Commisioning a 2002 400 right now and have a 6001. The big difference (as far as I know) between the 5000 and 6001 is the course computer. With all the "toys" you are getting, I'd recommend the 6001 (just as I got) which will allow full integration of the autopilot and chartplotter, radar, etc. The 0001 series was introduced last fall and with the T-150/T400 course computers, is the first time a radar picture can actually be overlayed directly over a charplotter image. I've seen it and it's pretty cool. There are a few other advantages I'm told, but that was the best one for me. The 5000 will work fine for you if you want to save the $$$, but again, if you really want to utilize all the features of the rest of your Raymarine system, go for the 6001. Smooth sailing! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic") PS: I'm NOT, by the way, employed by Raymarine. In fact, if they'd offered a radar and autopilot, I'd have gone with the Garmin chartplotter since their new "blue chip" cartography is as good as it gets.
 
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Chris Hyland

ST6001

Steve, Get the ST6001. I have the ST6000 unit on me 2001 C36. The 6K units are adaptable and will automatically dialin on the way you boat stears. The unit will compensate for different sea types and has MUCH better power handling capabilities. In heavy seas for a long period of time the 5K unit will overheat, according to the electronics dealer I used. The boat sounds great, enjoy. Regards, Chris
 
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Tim Leighton

MORE INFO

Steve: Had a chance to talk about your question with the Raymarine installers at my dealer yesterday. For one thing, Chris is absolutely right, the 6001 has the capability to learn sea state/helm response/etc. far better than previous models. The 5000, which is about 2 years old, was introduced to bridge the gap between the above deck autopilots and more expensive below deck units. Unlike the 6 and 7001 series, the 5000 lacks a true course computer and instead has all its "brains" in the control head. From what I was told, the capability of the 5000 is not anywhere near that of the 6001 and, probably more importantly, hasn't held up as well as the below deck models (remember that the ..01 series was just introduced last fall and replaced the ..00 series). Bottom line is that if you can afford it, I would again highly recommend the 6001. I'm really glad I did and can't wait to give it a try in a week or so! Smooth sailing. Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic")
 
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Chris Hyland

ST6001

Tim, When you get to try out your new 6001 you'll love it. You'll keep telling yourself, I'll never have another boat without this! It's that good. I have the 6000 unit and the 6001 has a few uprades beyond that. I was amazed at the amount of labor to install the autopilot. The dealer quoted me 22 hours. I baulked and said I'd pay T
 
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Roger

Catalina 350

I'm looking seriousily at placing an order for the C350. What sold you on the boat. Have you seen the boat. Not sure if this is an appropriate question for the forum but what did you pay for the boat and options.
 
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Steve

Catalina 350

Hi Roger.. We selected the Catalina 350 as we were minutes away from purchasing the Beneteau 361. This is all after having an offer accepted on a used Cal 39! (we still love Bill Lapworth designed Cal boats and wish they were still around!)... The Catalina 350 just "blew us away" . What sold us? Well... It (in our opinion of course), is the most well thought out sailing yacht of it's size and price range. Interior volume in fact "feels" much greater than many boats 40 feet. Plenty of storage both inside and out, stall shower, nav station and entertainment center and other features very convenient, not over done....wide walk around decks...bright... Very comfortable accomodations... A real walk around bed in the forwad cabin.. Large aft cabin... We will sometimes be sailng with four kids 5 years old and under! (Thank goodness for auto pilots) The C-36 is about the same price. It really is within a thousand dollars when it is all said and done. As popular as the C-36 is, I think the C-350 offers more "space". As I said we were very sold on the Beneteau 361. We checked out the Catalina just to have one last look before handing in a check for the B-361. We had no idea there was a C-350. Once aboard. That was it.. It took about 15 seconds to change our mind on the Beneteau! The Sea Trial reports are nothing short of supurb. Equipment you ask.. ?? We put in the RL70CRC Chart plotter/Radar.. Auto Prop...ST 6001, (might just go with ST5000 still not quite sure) ST 60 Wind.. White Leather Interior.. Microvave.. cockpit cushions.. Leather wrap wheel.. CD player 4 speakers.. Bimni.. isolated engine start battery.. There might be more but that's all I remember.. Price? ohhhh high 140's with tax. Just go for it. We need to start a 350 owners association! I will continue to post reports as the boat is delivered as I know there is a lot of interest out there for this one! All the best!
 
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