Autohelm Question....Autohelm 101 for cheapscates?

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Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

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May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I am about ready to get a new boat. It is a 30 foot boat with wheel steering. This boat has everything I want....except for autohelm. As my uncle says....there is no problem that money can't fix (in regards to boats). Where is the cheapest place to buy a new autohelm? What is the best brand to buy? I really want to stay in the region of $900 and I don't want a unit that has a belt drive. Any help is appreciated.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
I'd avoid a 'used' unit .....

Autopilots are like personal computers - the manufacturers only support and stock spare parts for a brief few years then you are left with 'unfixable' units. The best prices for new are usually from the online chandleries such as Sailnet, etc. (and if you're not located in a state where these folks are physically located, no sales tax, etc.).
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,232
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
You need more boating units

I don't know the current prices for autopilots, but I do know that a 'below-decks' unit will cost more than $900. Way more..... I would suggest that if you already have Autohelm or RayMarine instruments, then you should consider sticking with a RayMarine (alias Autohelm) autopilot. They will interface very easily. However, other brands will interface too. You can check RayMarine for refurb'ed or 'last year's model' units. They are offered on their website for a slight price reduction. Another option is to check out the prices at Defender Industries. They are having their annual warehouse sale at the end of this month (check for the exact dates) and their prices are likely to be the best available anywhere during the sale. They will do a mail order at the warehouse prices during the sale only. Check out the link.
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
No belt drive?

I have six years on a Simrad WP30. This is on an 18000# 37-foot hull on Lake Erie. It has sailed the boat in conditions that you would not believe, sometimes for eight to ten hours. I have not had a single problem. When I strike out further from base then I will carry a spare belt. The guys are right, it is a belt-drive or a minimum of $3000. plus installation.
 
R

Ron Vanderveer

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Jun 2, 2004
24
- - Melbourne, Florida
Used Autohelm a Good Bet

I have just been refurbishing an old Autohelm 3000 belt drive that had come with the boat, but wasn't working. I have had no trouble with parts and manuals for that unit from RayMarine's web site and online shop. They support all the old stuff. So I would suggest that a used unit, with a belt drive, will be your cheapest path, and will likely perform very well. Good hunting, Ron
 
OldCat

OldCat

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Jul 26, 2005
728
Catalina , Nacra 5.8, Laser, Hobie Hawk Wonmop, CO
Simrad WP32?

Why not a Simrad WP32? It appears that the belt is inside the unit & the unit well packaged. As it is only $800, it would seem a good option.
 
OldCat

OldCat

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Jul 26, 2005
728
Catalina , Nacra 5.8, Laser, Hobie Hawk Wonmop, CO
Also Raymarine ST-4000 MkII Wheel Pilot

Also - look at the Raymarine unit. A belt, if it has one, appears packaged inside it to minimize cockpit clutter. It is also under $800.
 
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gr8_2_av8

ST4000

I have an older ST4000 and it works great. It came installed on the boat when I bought it but the manuals make it look fairly easy. I also have the radio nav interface but have not hooked it to my new GPS yet.
 
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