Autopilot Recommendation

[stephen Penny]

I purchased a 1987 Hunter 31 a year ago with a belt-driven Autohelm 3000 and controller installed on the cabin companionway by the original owner. It works pretty well. If I keep it I would like to either relocate the controller to the cockpit but concerned with its weather-resistance or source a Z076 remote control. I have checked all over the internet but have come up empty for a Z076. Any suggestions on who can supply this part besides Raymarine assuming they have one (will call Raymarine next week)?

As an alternative I am contemplating replacing it with a Smartpilot X-5 Wheel model E12201 or another autopilot recommended by the forum.

Would the forum recommend staying with the AutoHelm 3000, upgrade to the Raymarine Smartpilot X-5 or other auto pilot and if replace how complicated is to install? Thanks in advance for your input and experience.

Cheers, Steve

 

[Ed Schenck]

If you want to stay with a wheelpilot you only have three choices. One is stay with the A3000, two would be to find a used unit that is newer, and three is a new Raymarine. No one else makes a wheel pilot. All the other manufacturers are expensive below decks units, over $3000 and more like $4000.

 

[RTB]

I am seriously considering this for my 36. It has had some pretty good comments, and some good recommendations.

http://www.cptautopilot.com/

I followed David on his RTW trip. http://www.sailblogs.com/member/mangoandme/?xjMsgID=107609 He ended up stopping in Australia, but he used the CPT autopilot. Here is his testimonial from the CPT site...

June 2010 S/v Shearwater, Conser 47 Catamaran
The CPT is very very good...and has become my main unit...

I'm in big seas....12-15 foot rollers on my port quarter with the odd series 20 foot and up. Hurtling down the faces reaching 17 knots today....3rd reef. CPT flawless.

Its amazing this boat...did 21.8 knots down a wave today...and amazing the CPT took it in stride.

So you see the sort of forces CPT is dealing with. So far I am pleased with Shearwater in those rather dangerous conditions...surfing...she has never seemed out of control...scary yes but always seems under control...nothing so far feeling like tripping over keels etc. Lets hope I’m right in my analysis so far.

Am closing in on Marquesas...have less than 1000 miles to go. all the best and thanks again for staying with me.

David

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I don't believe everything I read. I have a friend that knows David personally, and hope to get his email, so I can see if he really was satisfied with this unit.

Ralph