Auto Pilot

[Sean]

I would like some opinions on an auto pilot for a H240. Cost, is it effective, was installation hard. Does put a drain on battery system ect. If anyone out there has used one for a season I would appreciate your thoughts. I can be emailed at scgccckc@rcn.com

 

[Ken Shubert]

Go for It

We have used an Autohelm ST1000+ for two seasons now on our H23.5. Like most things on a sailboat, you can't justify the cost, but they're sure nice to have. It makes single-hand sailing less of a hassle and is especially useful for raising/lowering sails while motoring. Gusty winds and a weather helm give it a fit but under normal conditions it does quite well. Sometimes you have to de-power a bit. The ST1000 will couple to an GPS and track to a waypoint. If GPS tracking isn't desired, there are cheaper units. The current drain depends on wind conditions but it's pretty small and 2 or 3 days of sailing won't kill your battery. You need to be a little creative for the installation. I used standard hardware items, which need to be painted now.It's sure nice in rain or cold to set the autopilot and go below. It's sure hard to see out of those front windows though.KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Edward J. Isenberg]

Auto Helm

Having a auto pilot is like having an extra person with you that never complains! It is the best item that I have installed on my Hunter 23. It gives you freedom of movement if you are sailing single handed. I do not recommend going below an taking a nap (a big no no); however you can make a quick trip to get something to drink. It's real handy when you have to motor (no wind). Installing is not a snap like the directions say. I had to build an extra piece to attach the base at the right angle so the auto helm is level from the back of the cockpit seat. It takes up very little space. It draws minimum current from the battery I have used mine for days with just a little boost from the engine to charge the battery. At night it lights up and you have no problem seeing the course, control, etc. The only problem that I had was the fact that I had to extend the post which interferes with the opening of the seat where the gas tank is stored. I have to take the extended piece off in order to open the seat hatch all the way. Way to many ++++++ that outway the - - -!

 

[Kent Adkins]

Auto Helm

I installed an Auto Helm 800. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles but it keeps the boat headed within one degree of where you set it. I have sailed for up to two weeks using the autopilot whenever the boat was moving. The outboard charging systems kept the battery up. With over 1,500 miles experience with it, I wouldn't want to do without it.KentS/V Time Out!

 

[Joe Refkin]

I have a H240 and had my dealer install a navco auto helm. I bought the basic unit which happens to have the best record for not requiring service. It has been the best $300 that I have spent on the boat.It frees you to move about the boat. We sail to Chicago which takes 2 & 1/2 to 3 hrs each way. It gets very sore the next day to have sailed in a constant posture. The auto tiller reieves that pain.I can sail 3, 6 hr trips without draining the battery cmpletely. Usually the motor will charge enough on shorter sails. Because the battery was too weak on the next time out, I bought a marine battery charger for $96 and ran an orange outdoor extension cord from the dock to the battery charger. Which I hook up for a while when we dock. (I chose not to install a yellow line power system.) The charger can be left on indefinitely, but I disconnect when we leave. I used a 3-M (stronger than velcro) fastener to anchor the charger but can still remove it from the battery area in the winter.The auto helm (TP100)from navco makes sailing much easier & more fun. I can sail solo much easier now. dont leave port without it.