Autopilot 6001

[Sailgirl]

We have just purchased a new H41DS and although there are many options on the boat there is no autopilot. Our dealer has quoted us a price on the 6001 autopilot. As this is going to be a substantial investment, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this particular model. My learning curve with this kind of stuff is pretty steep so any input would be most appreciated!

 

[jk kudera]

In October,

I was crew on a new 41 that was in the Annapolis show. It was equipt with the 6000, and it worked flawlessly from Barnegat Inlet NJ, to our destination. The seas were a little rough, but the unit kept us on course without problem.Other long passages on a 44DS, and an older 40.5 with the 6000 have been as good. A trip in October 2003 from NJ to Norfolk, included two days of small craft advisories on the Chesapeke, we used the auto pilot all the way, as there were waves breaking over the bow at times, with a cold wind, we stayed foreward under the protection of the dodger, letting the steering to the 6000.

 

[Peter Milne]

Experience with A/P 6000

We have an Autohelm 6000 ("Otto") on our Hunter 430 and its great. It will sail the boat at a prescribed angle off the wind (must be connected to the wind index), it will tack through the wind, it will steer a heading much more accurately than I can and it will sail/motor to a waypoint or follow a prescribed course/route(must be connected to the GPS).An equally important question is the size of motor or drive units to choose to drive the rudder. It used to be Autohelm had two choices Type I and Type II, the later being more powerful. If you find yourself in big waves with a 41' boat, the later may be the better choice.Hope this helpsPeter MilneS/V Blue Heron

 

[Steve]

41 at Annapolis

Was the 41 you crewed on at Annapolis the blue 41DS or just the 41?

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Sailgirl, you made a BIG mistake!

A quality autopilot should have been the first item on your list of goodies, even before sails. Now get with it!Just kidding, but that's how we learn. Try this link for good prices.http://www.vitmarine.com/index.htmlYou'll have to install it yourself when you go 'mail order'. I think they still let you do that but I could be wrong.

 

[jk kudera]

41 at Annapolis

I crewed on the blue hull 41, not a DS.John

 

[steve]

blue 41

the only blue hull Hunter was a 41DS at Annapolis. I know - I bought it. It does not have any autosteering installed.