Autopilot purchase

[shanker]

I haven't even put my new toys into service yet and I'm already thiniking about my next big purchase. I will be doing a lot of single handled sailing and I will need an autopilot. I've read some great info in the archieves which really helped with my decision. It'll be a major expense for me so I have the piggy bank set up on the counter...

My readings seem to point to the Raymarine X-5 as the most economical and effective autopilot for my H260. I would love to hear some pros/cons of this unit or if there is another type that someone has had good results from. I've also noticed that at certain times of the year, certain items seem to come on sale. Is there a time of year when these units tend to come on sale?

Thanks,

 

[stephen Penny]

Installed a Raymarine X-5 autopilot on my 1987 Hunter 31 last January. Works great. No cons. Never noticed any special time to buy it on sale.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

You have a tiller or a wheel?

 

[shanker]

oops, wheel...

 

[Bill Roosa]

hey Shanker
you might want to consider your energy budget in your calculations. There are "wind driven" types that work fine and don't consume any electricity. I believe there are even plans on the internet if you want to go the ultra inexpensive route.
They have the added benefit of being able to be fixed at sea.

Also, a lot of folks seem to think that once they get an autopilot they will be able to plot a multi leg course and just let it drive the boat under sail. This works OK under power but the wind changing direction will make an electrical AP preform badly. If you want to use the AP while sailing then you need a wind vane sensor so it can correct for changes in wind direction. I know my RayMarine can use the masthead wind instrument (dampened input in the software) to do this. Others require the purchase of the (of course) optional wind vane.