Autopilot - Sportpilot?

[AndyS]

I am going to be doing a lot of singlehanding, and have decided that it would be nice to be able to leave the cockpit now and then for more than a 10-second dash.Looking at the layout and already-limited floor space of my 26M cockpit, I don't think the belt-drive units would be very good, just because the drive unit mounted low on the pedestal would be too much of a trip hazard - and would always be getting kicked.So, I think the wheel-mounted SportPilot from RayMarine looks like the best choice. The basic model says it is good for a 26' boat, but I am wondering if the Plus model for a larger boat might be needed on a Mac, given that it has to drive both rudders and the outboard (the literature for the Sportpilot really only talks about driving a single outboard).So, does anyone have a review on the SportPilot or SportPilot Plus for a 26M or 26X? Along with that, where did you put your fluxgate compass? How much of a draw are these units regarding the batteries? Finally, do I need one of these rudder-position sensors that Raymarine sells with the SportPilots?Thanks,AndyS

 

[Bob Cardoza]

SportPilots

I used to put SportPilots on X's and they did the job fine. The problem I see with the SportPilot on the M is how to mount the bracket under the Wheel. You might need to fabricate an L bracket from alluminum or stainless to mount the Unit to the bottom of the Fiberglass portion of the pedestal. Maybe someone who managed the install can add more insight.

 

[Jim Bunnell]

discussion sources

Try these for installation, modification discussions:http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=464&highlight=autopilothttp://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=454&highlight=autopilot

 

[walt24090]

sportpilot

Bob, you say you have installed sportpilots on many X's. Was that the basic model or the Plus.