Earlier this year, I installed a Simrad WP30 autopilot on my Hunter 335. It really makes life easier on long cruises and for the most part does a highly effective job keeping us on course. One aspect of the autopilot I've been less than happy with is the tack function. When you press this, it's supposed to alter course 100 degrees in the direction you indicate. For singlehanding, this is really convenient as it leaves you free to deal with genoa sheets and the traveller, etc. The tack function works well at low to moderate wind and boat speeds. However, when the wind kicks up, the autopliot usually tacks 100 degress and then backs down 15-20 degrees leaving the genoa luffing. Simrad says, "yeah they do that, there's nothing wrong with the autopliot" (THAT's certainly a matter of opinion). Anybody else experiencing this? Any solutions? Thanks for your help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
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yes Gary, I have noticed that, but....
I hope to get on the water this weekend and test out all the functions. I have used the WP30 most recently with my GPS .. works great with the CP150C using the Nmea 0183 and I have used it some with the Navman wind3100 instrument, again using Nmea, but have not had as much experience with the tack feature using the wind instrument as the commanding tool... so I'll experiment this weekend. I'm hoping it works properly in "sail to wind" mode. I let you know.
I hope to get on the water this weekend and test out all the functions. I have used the WP30 most recently with my GPS .. works great with the CP150C using the Nmea 0183 and I have used it some with the Navman wind3100 instrument, again using Nmea, but have not had as much experience with the tack feature using the wind instrument as the commanding tool... so I'll experiment this weekend. I'm hoping it works properly in "sail to wind" mode. I let you know.
Not a fix but a solution perhaps
what would happen if before you pressed the tack button you pressed the direction change button, where you hold down and get a 10degree change falling off, then before the rudder has taken hold, you hit the tack button? My wp30 is 6 weeks old and I haven't experienced your problem, which I understand to be the WP tacks the boat 100 decrees and then heads up 20 degrees. My recollection is that after an "auto tack" I have to hit the course change button to head up 10 degrees. My WP30 does seem to make excessivly frequent wheel moves, small movements, but I don't think it has gone 30 seconds without working, when in conditions that allow me to touch the wheel every minute or so. Gary, Are you tired of all the sun yet? Scott
what would happen if before you pressed the tack button you pressed the direction change button, where you hold down and get a 10degree change falling off, then before the rudder has taken hold, you hit the tack button? My wp30 is 6 weeks old and I haven't experienced your problem, which I understand to be the WP tacks the boat 100 decrees and then heads up 20 degrees. My recollection is that after an "auto tack" I have to hit the course change button to head up 10 degrees. My WP30 does seem to make excessivly frequent wheel moves, small movements, but I don't think it has gone 30 seconds without working, when in conditions that allow me to touch the wheel every minute or so. Gary, Are you tired of all the sun yet? Scott
Not a problem
Gary, It's simple, after you hit the autotack buttons, either use the + or - to gain the heading you need. This is no different than tacking by hand, and the wind strength will determine the course changes, as will your sail sets. It's easy with little wind, but you most always have wider tack angles when it's windy, unless you're a racer. It's a machine, you're still in charge. Stu
Gary, It's simple, after you hit the autotack buttons, either use the + or - to gain the heading you need. This is no different than tacking by hand, and the wind strength will determine the course changes, as will your sail sets. It's easy with little wind, but you most always have wider tack angles when it's windy, unless you're a racer. It's a machine, you're still in charge. Stu
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