auto pilot

sailaway78 · Jul 14, 2011

Limited Choices

Your choices are somewhat limited, as there just isn't much available. My only real experience is with a Raymarine ST6000 wheel pilot. It is more than satisfactory, and the new replacement for it is the Raymarine X5. This has a built in gyro, does not require a rudder sensor, ( although is preferred I think) and is supposedly better than previous models. You can find these at fairly reasonable prices on ebay and major dealers.

Stu Jackson · Jul 14, 2011

Tiller or wheel?

Might try finding a Simrad WP30 or 32 on eBay if a wheel as an alternate to the costly X5. I have a friend with a C34 and he likes his WP32.

As mentioned in the other single handing topic, I've had my eye on a CPT if (when?) my ST3000 goes belly up. It's a belt driven but strong unit. It is a course follower, not a course seeker. I've seen 'em in the "factory" and they are quite robust compared to other units, if you don't mind the belt. Another friend with a C36 claims he can't use it because of the pedestal cockpit engine panel. Don't know your arrangement at the helm.

Autopilots: like ATMs and microwaves, once you have one you'll wonder how you lived without one. I steered our C25 for many years with a John Letcher mainsheet to tiller rig, loved it, but once I bought an old Navico...

Joe · Jul 14, 2011

Wheel or Tiller? If you have a tiller, the Simrad TP22 will fit nicely... here's one I found online for $539! http://www.emarinesupplies.com/simradtp22tillerpilot.aspx

For wheel steering the most popular and economical is the Raymarine SP X-5
About $1350... but shop around.
http://www.emarinesupplies.com/raymarinesmartpilotx-5wheel.aspx

Like Stu says, once you get one it will become a fundamental necessity and change your sailing experience completely.

Stu Jackson · Jul 14, 2011

dlewis812 said:
thanks all. for wheel (live without on the cat 25 tiller)

guess there's no way around spending $$ (definitely worth it; however just got married and assume need to discuss those sort of purchases now!!??!!)

Nah, just tell her it's HER boat, and she'll want one more than you do!

Steve Dion · Jul 14, 2011

Wheel? Simrad for sale if still available.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...ce&page=show_ad&catid=19&adid=2624&Itemid=220

Bill Roosa · Jul 14, 2011

Well, for the record you can tie a light line to the jib clew, route it to the tiller with some blocks and balance the pull on the line with rubber surgical tubing. As the wind pipes up the line tightens and pulls the tiller to windward, turning the boat to leeward and vica verca.
Gota be cheaper than an electric AP and does not add to the electrical load.

It does require that you balance the sail plan on any given tack

You can find some examples on the internet.

Joe · Jul 14, 2011

Bill Roosa said:
Well, for the record you can tie a light line to the jib clew, route it to the tiller with some blocks and balance the pull on the line with rubber surgical tubing. As the wind pipes up the line tightens and pulls the tiller to windward, turning the boat to leeward and vica verca.
Gota be cheaper than an electric AP and does not add to the electrical load.

It does require that you balance the sail plan on any given tack

You can find some examples on the internet.

Here's a link for "sheet-to-tiller" steering. http://www.jsward.com/steering/index.shtml

Terry in Naples · Jul 14, 2011

Having a dedicated auto pilot always ready, like the Raymarine X5, has been the best upgrade I have made. Allows me to move around on the boat, adjust sails, sit on the deck with the wife as the coast passes by, and overall allows one much more freedom, . Just push a button and your sourse is set. Not like the old Autohelm 3000 that always was a pain to set up and was ocassionally in the way.

stephen Penny · Jul 14, 2011

A Raymarine E12201 Smartpilot X-5 Wheel will be your best friend. I replaced my belt drive autopilot on my Hunter 31 with this one and works great. Cost ~$1100.

Manny · Jul 14, 2011

After a long time trying to find a used AP for a reasonable price on ebay, I ended buying a new Smartpilot X-5. The bids on ebay for pretty much any wheel pilot got close to or exceeded 1/2 the price of a brand new X-5, but obviously without any warranty and with the uncertainty of the condition. Defender had a great price at the time so it made the most sense to buy new. In my opinion it turned out to be the best money I spent on the boat. Installation was not difficult but it took about 8 hours. The majority of the time was spent running the cables and finding suitable locations for everything, and a trip or two to the chandlery. Now if I can only find some extra cash in the budget for the wireless remote...

Les · Jul 14, 2011

Well, I bought the wireless remote but have hardly ever used it. A couple of times when it was raining and I wanted to say under the dodger. But I suspect if I went down to the boat, I'd find the Remote with dead batteries. Guess next time I'll put it on the charger.

It is just as easy on my boat to reach back to the autopilot and do what I want to do. I coulda save $500 green ones.

alexco38 · Jul 14, 2011

Be really nice to have a Raymarine wind meter. It allow the X5 to steer to the wind. Really handy for Spinnaker.

Simrad WP30 or 32 had belt slippage problem before they stop making them.

mark_swart · Jul 15, 2011

I bought an older Simrad Wheelpilot (WP-30?) for $500 last year on the SBO classifieds - it came off of a Cat 30 and works great on my 28 footer. I love it. Easier to install than the newer ones, as it is an all-in-one unit. Drawbacks are that it doesn't interface with other gadgets, but for what I do I could care less. I think it's a shame they discontinued them.
Autopilot is a great upgrade and I don't care how good you are with a tiller tamer or whatever else, the first time the wind shifts or you are dealing with a current you will be off course and probably going in circles.
I'd say poke around on ebay, searchtempest (it's a nationwide craigslist search) and also on the classifieds here.
Whatever you get, make sure to take the time to follow the manufacturers instructions about calibrations, gain and sea state. Those make a big difference in performance and battery consumption if they aren't set up right.

zeehag · Jul 15, 2011

i really love and appreciate my simrad hdl2000, but is a tad large and heavy duty for your needs-there is HDL 300 also-- for a 30 catalina, autohelm or whatever they call themselves now is a good deal-- does ok in smooth seas-- gets a lil dicey in rough stuff, but so does the catalina 30. check around and research before you buy-- your needs may not be as heavy as some or as light a others. if possible, sail with friends who have already installed a system and see how you like it--- before you sink money into something that may not meet your needs.....

Witzend · Jul 19, 2011

Bill Roosa said:
Well, for the record you can tie a light line to the jib clew, route it to the tiller with some blocks and balance the pull on the line with rubber surgical tubing. As the wind pipes up the line tightens and pulls the tiller to windward, turning the boat to leeward and vica verca.
Gota be cheaper than an electric AP and does not add to the electrical load.

It does require that you balance the sail plan on any given tack

You can find some examples on the internet.

Must utilize cross sheeting to make this work.

Stu Jackson · Jul 19, 2011

dlewis812 said:
any helpful suggestions to make this as smooth as possible...

would like to have this ready for a 2 day trip leaving first thing saturday morning. will have a fair amount of time on friday to do the work.

Start today, not Friday, if you want to leave on Saturday.

It's a Boat.

Everything takes longer than you think it will.