I am the owner of a 28.5h, I am sailing on lake Champlain, and I am looking to install a autopilot, what experienced sailors can suggest me? Thanks in advance
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ST4000+
IMHO autopilots are useful when you are under power or when you are sailing and you do not have too much of "weather helm". There is a point when the torque exerted by your wheel due to wheather helm will overpower your autopilot. This may be the case on close haul or beam reaches, in combination with poor sail trims (overpowered sails). But other than that it will work fine. A word of caution about installation: most autopilot installations that I've seen, have the control/display unit mounted on the binnacle. I find this a bizzare location. Again IMHO the purpose of the autopilot is to release you from the "tynanny" of the helm. You want to be seated more comforable on the cockpit, tending to your sails rather than standing behind the wheel watching the autopilot. So consider mounting it on the bulkhead, for better ergonomics. I am using the autopilot mostly when I sail my 30h alone and I'd rather stand somewhere else than behild the wheel. Budget 2-4 hrs for the installation if you do it yourself (it's fairly easy actually), and another 1-2 hours sea trials, alignment, fun, etc. cheers, -leo i.
IMHO autopilots are useful when you are under power or when you are sailing and you do not have too much of "weather helm". There is a point when the torque exerted by your wheel due to wheather helm will overpower your autopilot. This may be the case on close haul or beam reaches, in combination with poor sail trims (overpowered sails). But other than that it will work fine. A word of caution about installation: most autopilot installations that I've seen, have the control/display unit mounted on the binnacle. I find this a bizzare location. Again IMHO the purpose of the autopilot is to release you from the "tynanny" of the helm. You want to be seated more comforable on the cockpit, tending to your sails rather than standing behind the wheel watching the autopilot. So consider mounting it on the bulkhead, for better ergonomics. I am using the autopilot mostly when I sail my 30h alone and I'd rather stand somewhere else than behild the wheel. Budget 2-4 hrs for the installation if you do it yourself (it's fairly easy actually), and another 1-2 hours sea trials, alignment, fun, etc. cheers, -leo i.
Simrad WP 10/30
Gilles: The Simard units are easy to install and easy to use. Great customer support and a little bit more powerful than the RayMarine units. Everyone loves the one their with!
Gilles: The Simard units are easy to install and easy to use. Great customer support and a little bit more powerful than the RayMarine units. Everyone loves the one their with!
Just installed the WP30 based mainly on Steve Dion's postings
I am pleased so far, I would have liked the digital display that the St4000 has, but then again I plan to install the GPS Chartplotter so that might complete my need for high tech. I spent more time than the estimated 1 hour... but then again I take more time than anyone I know to do anything when it comes to the boat. I had to get a gear puller to remove the wheel since it was on there for so many years, then, I decided to run the wire down the pedestal guard tubing rather than down the pedestal itself, therefore, I had to drill my hole thur the deck which I wanted to first drill out larger, about 1/2 inch, then fill with expoxy, then redrill with about a 5/16" bit and I went ahead and did both sides so I can run other wiring later if I want. Anyway, after all that, it prob. took me about 2 hours to actually install the unit... but it works great. Also, I added a switch/breaker to the main panel and that took about 45 mins. Mine calibrated with no problem and I have a subwoofer about 4 feet from the internal flux compass. Powerful unit, almost took my hand off the first time I pushed the starboard button, never reach thur the wheel when operating the unit. good luck.
I am pleased so far, I would have liked the digital display that the St4000 has, but then again I plan to install the GPS Chartplotter so that might complete my need for high tech. I spent more time than the estimated 1 hour... but then again I take more time than anyone I know to do anything when it comes to the boat. I had to get a gear puller to remove the wheel since it was on there for so many years, then, I decided to run the wire down the pedestal guard tubing rather than down the pedestal itself, therefore, I had to drill my hole thur the deck which I wanted to first drill out larger, about 1/2 inch, then fill with expoxy, then redrill with about a 5/16" bit and I went ahead and did both sides so I can run other wiring later if I want. Anyway, after all that, it prob. took me about 2 hours to actually install the unit... but it works great. Also, I added a switch/breaker to the main panel and that took about 45 mins. Mine calibrated with no problem and I have a subwoofer about 4 feet from the internal flux compass. Powerful unit, almost took my hand off the first time I pushed the starboard button, never reach thur the wheel when operating the unit. good luck.
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