I'm interested in getting an autopilot for my H376. Defender recommends a Simrad WP32 Wheel Pilot. Any one have any experience with this unit, or any other recommendations?
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Good units.
Bob: The Navico/Simrad WP units are very good and reliable. The only question would be how they would work on a vessel that is near the limit. My friend has a Hunter 37C and the unit work quite well.
Bob: The Navico/Simrad WP units are very good and reliable. The only question would be how they would work on a vessel that is near the limit. My friend has a Hunter 37C and the unit work quite well.
Simrad WP30/32
I have the WP30 on my Hunter 35.5 and it has performed fine. I did have the fluxgate compass fail on it, but Simrad turned it around under warranty pretty quickly. One word of caution on the wheel pilot that I learned the hard way. I left the tension lever down over last winter and quickly found in the spring that I had stretched the belt past a servicable level. Keep the lever up when you aren't using it and use your wheel lock to keep the rudder locked when away from the boat. T J
I have the WP30 on my Hunter 35.5 and it has performed fine. I did have the fluxgate compass fail on it, but Simrad turned it around under warranty pretty quickly. One word of caution on the wheel pilot that I learned the hard way. I left the tension lever down over last winter and quickly found in the spring that I had stretched the belt past a servicable level. Keep the lever up when you aren't using it and use your wheel lock to keep the rudder locked when away from the boat. T J
Hi Bob, if you can justify it I recommend...
that you go with a below decks AP that is directly connected to your quadrant. We have a linear drive Autohelm 7000 (now Raymarine) that is very strong and reliable. Having it below decks keeps it protected from the elements. The quadrant connection gives you a backup if the main steering system fails. Terry
that you go with a below decks AP that is directly connected to your quadrant. We have a linear drive Autohelm 7000 (now Raymarine) that is very strong and reliable. Having it below decks keeps it protected from the elements. The quadrant connection gives you a backup if the main steering system fails. Terry
And if the quadrant fails,,,,,,,
not likely, but I went with the Edson AP tiller arm that mounts above (on my boat) the quadrant. (Autohelm 6000) Now if the rudder fails,,,,
not likely, but I went with the Edson AP tiller arm that mounts above (on my boat) the quadrant. (Autohelm 6000) Now if the rudder fails,,,,
Good kit
I have a WP32 on my Hunter 34 and it's excellent. Easy to use, just lift the engage lever and press the auto button to sail a constant magnetic heading. To sail to a waypoint press the "nav" button. Easy to install on the tube pedestal and it directly drives the wheel. Requires just a 12 v supply for basic use and a nmea input if you want it to sail to a waypoint. Mine came with a free remote control which I have installed at the nav table but the lead is long enough to take on deck if you want. Means you can sail from under the sprayhood or from inside the cabin. Great when the weather is bad.
I have a WP32 on my Hunter 34 and it's excellent. Easy to use, just lift the engage lever and press the auto button to sail a constant magnetic heading. To sail to a waypoint press the "nav" button. Easy to install on the tube pedestal and it directly drives the wheel. Requires just a 12 v supply for basic use and a nmea input if you want it to sail to a waypoint. Mine came with a free remote control which I have installed at the nav table but the lead is long enough to take on deck if you want. Means you can sail from under the sprayhood or from inside the cabin. Great when the weather is bad.
Wheelpilot
After some research and feedback from this site, I purchased a WP32 wheelpilot. I have it on a 37' 1987 Hunter Legend. The unit works great. I highly recommend it. It is relatively easy to install. Pleanty of power for that size boat. I bought the unit from WestMarine in Miami. Although they do not stock it, they will order it for you. I went with WestMarine because of their service and return policy.
After some research and feedback from this site, I purchased a WP32 wheelpilot. I have it on a 37' 1987 Hunter Legend. The unit works great. I highly recommend it. It is relatively easy to install. Pleanty of power for that size boat. I bought the unit from WestMarine in Miami. Although they do not stock it, they will order it for you. I went with WestMarine because of their service and return policy.
Upgrading the clutch and belt
My WP30 worked great on my 37 footer until the belt started slipping. When I took it in for a repair Simrad said they were upgrading the clutch on the WP30 and 32 and were not selling the old belts anymmore. I went with the upgrade fix ( I think about $120) so make sure if you buy the WP32 it is the new version on the clutch. My unit had a warped ring housing from day one, which may have contributed to the belt slipping after only 3 years.
My WP30 worked great on my 37 footer until the belt started slipping. When I took it in for a repair Simrad said they were upgrading the clutch on the WP30 and 32 and were not selling the old belts anymmore. I went with the upgrade fix ( I think about $120) so make sure if you buy the WP32 it is the new version on the clutch. My unit had a warped ring housing from day one, which may have contributed to the belt slipping after only 3 years.
Search for my install earlier this year.
I looked and debated, searched and read just about everything on the web prior to installing my autopilot. I looked at the Raymarine and the Symrad. I ended up installing the Symrad. Why? Make one call to customer support with installation question or any other question. Raymarine will give you the run around and overall treated me poorly. So badly that I finaly asked "So should I return your unit and install the Symrad?" and they said "Yes" I have the Symrad installed and it took me less than 3 hours to install, wire and calibrate the system. Very easy to setup and works well with the chartplotter. In the auto seastate mode, it can get twichy, so I turned it way down. THe Chesapeake bay is known for its confused seas. I am working on a clearance issue with the handles of the folding wheel, they just barely rub. I do have to say that the remote is nice during this cold weather. I am able to duck out of the wind and still steer!
I looked and debated, searched and read just about everything on the web prior to installing my autopilot. I looked at the Raymarine and the Symrad. I ended up installing the Symrad. Why? Make one call to customer support with installation question or any other question. Raymarine will give you the run around and overall treated me poorly. So badly that I finaly asked "So should I return your unit and install the Symrad?" and they said "Yes" I have the Symrad installed and it took me less than 3 hours to install, wire and calibrate the system. Very easy to setup and works well with the chartplotter. In the auto seastate mode, it can get twichy, so I turned it way down. THe Chesapeake bay is known for its confused seas. I am working on a clearance issue with the handles of the folding wheel, they just barely rub. I do have to say that the remote is nice during this cold weather. I am able to duck out of the wind and still steer!
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