What brand autopilot do you guys use for your tiller steered boats? Would you purchase the same brand again? Thank you.
Autopilot for tiller steering
- Thread starter LDM
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I use a Tillermaster that is now discontinued. It was inexpensive but dependable. I have purchased two others for about $50 for spare parts.
It has an inconvenient corded buoy avoidance control switch that I bypass with a wireless remote switch I can control from the front of the boat.
It has an inconvenient corded buoy avoidance control switch that I bypass with a wireless remote switch I can control from the front of the boat.
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The exact details are a little fuzzy but as I recall, veteran single hand sailor Skip Allen was testing both the Simrad TP10 and Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilots for Practical Sailor during a recent Singlehanded Transpac on Wildflower, the modified Wylie 27 he built in 1975. Both pilots worked well. but I think the Raymarine got the most use during the crossings. Unfortunately, he had to scuttle his modified Wylie 27 only 250 miles from San Francisco as he was returning from Hawaii. Apparently, the pilot was still functional despite 30 mph winds and 15-30 ft seas as the boat disappeared from sight.
Suggest you get a copy of the tiller pilot review in the June 2009 issue of Practical Sailor from their website to get more details. Both of the units reviewed are entry level models designed for moderate sea conditions for boats 30 ft and under; however, it is apparent from the Allen test, they are capable of handling more severe conditions when required.
Suggest you get a copy of the tiller pilot review in the June 2009 issue of Practical Sailor from their website to get more details. Both of the units reviewed are entry level models designed for moderate sea conditions for boats 30 ft and under; however, it is apparent from the Allen test, they are capable of handling more severe conditions when required.
Simrad TP10
Does a great job on our '77 h27. And the installation is slick. Nearly no impact when we dismount the unit and steer by hand. (just a small black disk on the side of the cockpit, and the small ball fixture on the top of the tiller.
Does a great job on our '77 h27. And the installation is slick. Nearly no impact when we dismount the unit and steer by hand. (just a small black disk on the side of the cockpit, and the small ball fixture on the top of the tiller.
Re: Simrad TP10
Thanks for the replies. I'll check out Practical Sailor article. Either autopilot will easily handle our little H22 in the rivers and sounds of eastern NC. The Simrad TP10 is only $293. at Katerno.com -- surprising. Currently backordered.
Thanks for the replies. I'll check out Practical Sailor article. Either autopilot will easily handle our little H22 in the rivers and sounds of eastern NC. The Simrad TP10 is only $293. at Katerno.com -- surprising. Currently backordered.
May I ask a question?
I sail a 26.5 and have never considered getting an autopilot. I day sail mostly and all multi-day trips are "marina hopping" since my boat has no holding tanks.
What made the expense of an autopilot a good deal for y'all?
I sail a 26.5 and have never considered getting an autopilot. I day sail mostly and all multi-day trips are "marina hopping" since my boat has no holding tanks.
What made the expense of an autopilot a good deal for y'all?
On a small boat, daysailing, what could be more fun than trimming and steering? (Keep it clean, y'all.)
I sail solo and when nature calls" mostly due to beer" I have tied off the rudder and went quickly!!!! I would buy an auto pilot but I cant find one for under $300 like someone posted in here , where can I get one for under $300.00???
I, too, sail solo a lot and have had to go below while under way to off-load a beverage or two, make lunch, get sunscreen, etc. I bought from this site's chandlery my "autopilot," a Davis tiller tamer. Around 30 bucks.
http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail.htm?group=471&cat=2502
It doesn't work well down wind, but can hold a steady course on a reach. It allows me to do 5-minute tasks out of the cockpit and rest my old arms on a long day sail.
that tiller tamer hookup,,, can you set that while under motor power? that would prolly be perfect for what I need
Yes, I use it to maintain course when I drop the mainsail. It also acts as a steering damper when I am in rollers, preventing me from over-correcting.
It really comes into its own when I heave-to, holding the tiller hard over to leeward.
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Another vote for "tiller tamer".
The Capn is right. I too bought the Davis Tiller Tamer, but for my one-design Highlander. It is attached all the time. Just a little tension while I am steering so that I can let go whilst tacking and handling the sheets. Once on the new tack it can be hands off for short periods. An absolute necessity when going forward to douse the main and jib.
The Capn is right. I too bought the Davis Tiller Tamer, but for my one-design Highlander. It is attached all the time. Just a little tension while I am steering so that I can let go whilst tacking and handling the sheets. Once on the new tack it can be hands off for short periods. An absolute necessity when going forward to douse the main and jib.
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Thanks Mike for getting this back on track. The Simrad TP10 is only $293. at Katerno.com. I also have a tiller tamer, but it would be nice to be able to stay off the tiller for the above reasons and photography, hanging out on the forward deck, etc. Thanks for the input.
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