Autopilot Recommendations for 37 Cutter

[Markos83898]

Hello all,
I need to get an autopilot for my 37 cutter. Any recommendations on what to get. My displacement is too heavy for a wheel mounted version, but that is what I usually see on these boats. Getting an "under deck" system would be very expensive and I just learned that I'd have to get some custom parts from Edson to even make one work (making it even more expensive). I really need this system but it is looking like almost 5k to get what I need, and we just can't afford that....
Thanks,
Craig & Dana

 

[Jim Legere]

Most of the owners seem to go with wheel-mounted autopilots, regardless of what the length/weight tables say. I am sure Ed Schenck or Blaise Pascal can put your mind at rest about what really works. I went the windvane route and use a $500 tillerpilot interfaced to the vane when I want the boat to steer herself to a compass course or a waypoint instead of following the wind...works for me

 

[rardiH36]

Not only is size/displacement a consideration, but also your intention for the autopilot. If mainly to keep a course for short periods while motoring or sailing in mostly calm/moderate conditions (such as when sailing solo and needing to head into the wind while dropping/securing the main sail -- or going forward to put out fenders just before berthing), then a typical wheel mounted unit should be fine.

But the same unit might not do on even a smaller boat if heavy weather open water voyages are made on a frequent basis.

I read once that the primary reason that trans-Pacific sailors need to "hang out" in places like Tahiti is because they are waiting for parts to repair their auto pilots that have failed after many too many hours of blue water stress at sea.

 

[cat]

Check out CPT autopilots. A wheel mounted auto pilot that will handle the weight of the 37c.

 

[Markos83898]

Thanks Cat! That is EXACTLY the sort of thing we were looking for!
Cheers,
Dana & Craig

 

[Blaise]

Midnight Sun has has a RayMarine wheel pilot for seven years and it has worked very well.

 

[Markos83898]

What model and displacement rating?

Midnight Sun has has a RayMarine wheel pilot for seven years and it has worked very well.

Hi Blaise,
What model and, more importantly, why is the displacement rating? The biggest wheel unit Raymarine is currently producing is only rates to 16,000 lbs. displacement... as you know our boats are 17,500 pounds.

I'm considering the CPT. I want something simple and rugged without all the bells and whistles. Does anybody have any experience with these?

Thanks

 

[Blaise]

Re: What model and displacement rating?

My wheel pilot is the one rated for 16000 pounds. But the boat is so well balanced it works great, even in conditions you wouldn't want to be in. The only mod I made was to mount the guide pin to the pedistal with 1/4" monel rivets instead of the supplied screws.

 

[Capt jgw]

I have a CPT on my 1969 Columbia 36 and it worked very well until last year when it died from water intrusion. It came with the boat so I have no idea how old it is, maybe 20 years or more. The thing is ugly, but really powerful.
At $1895 it's way cheaper than anything from Raymarine and I think much more reliable, although without all the bells and whistles (that I don't need).

They have a kit to replace all the electronics for $1479, and it's on my shopping list.

I highly recommend it.