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Displacement is the major determining factor
Check the mfg specs of the various manufacturers which always define use based on the boat displacement, not overall length. Having said that, most 32s used for coastal cruising can use a properly sized wheel pilot rather than the below deck variety. hope that helps Don
Check the mfg specs of the various manufacturers which always define use based on the boat displacement, not overall length. Having said that, most 32s used for coastal cruising can use a properly sized wheel pilot rather than the below deck variety. hope that helps Don
Simrad WP30
After researching a number of options, I settled with the Simrad WP30 Wheel Pilot for my 33ft Cherubini. Real happy with the performance so far and installation was a breeze (approx 2 hrs) because the unit is fully integrated as one package and does not require a seperate installation for the fluxgate compass. Unit is plenty powerful for my size boat and seems to be a quality built product hopefully giving me years of trouble free service. Next step is to purchase and interface with a new Chartplotter. Check out the archives for additional info. Good Luck. PL
After researching a number of options, I settled with the Simrad WP30 Wheel Pilot for my 33ft Cherubini. Real happy with the performance so far and installation was a breeze (approx 2 hrs) because the unit is fully integrated as one package and does not require a seperate installation for the fluxgate compass. Unit is plenty powerful for my size boat and seems to be a quality built product hopefully giving me years of trouble free service. Next step is to purchase and interface with a new Chartplotter. Check out the archives for additional info. Good Luck. PL
Raymarine or Simrad
The two big players to consider are Raymarine and Simrad. If you have a Raymarine system already (i.e. ST60 instruments, Raystar GPS, etc), I'd lean towards Raymarine's ST4000+ wheelpilot so you can integrate everything. I was happy with the performance of this pilot on my Catalina 36. But as PL indicated, the Simrad WP32 does indeed have it's compass inside the pilot, so it's easier to install. Another plus with Simrad is they include the TP22 remote where you have to order that remote separately from Raymarine if you go that route. Obviously, the remote is not required but can be a nice feature. Have fun! Trevor
The two big players to consider are Raymarine and Simrad. If you have a Raymarine system already (i.e. ST60 instruments, Raystar GPS, etc), I'd lean towards Raymarine's ST4000+ wheelpilot so you can integrate everything. I was happy with the performance of this pilot on my Catalina 36. But as PL indicated, the Simrad WP32 does indeed have it's compass inside the pilot, so it's easier to install. Another plus with Simrad is they include the TP22 remote where you have to order that remote separately from Raymarine if you go that route. Obviously, the remote is not required but can be a nice feature. Have fun! Trevor
Look forward to possible repairs
Simrad is made in Europe. Raymarine is made in USA. Where do you want to have to wait for parts from? Where do you think you will have the best turn-around on repairs? It never seems to fail that the only part I need is the one that must be ordered from the manufacturer. Jim Kane
Simrad is made in Europe. Raymarine is made in USA. Where do you want to have to wait for parts from? Where do you think you will have the best turn-around on repairs? It never seems to fail that the only part I need is the one that must be ordered from the manufacturer. Jim Kane
ST4000 is Pretty Nice!
Richard, We went with the RM ST4000+ Mark II since everything else electronic was RM. Installation was quite straight forward. Raymarine now offers reasonably priced wireless remotes, the larger of which serves also as a full function repeater for your other instruments, either Seatalk or NMEA. Jon
Richard, We went with the RM ST4000+ Mark II since everything else electronic was RM. Installation was quite straight forward. Raymarine now offers reasonably priced wireless remotes, the larger of which serves also as a full function repeater for your other instruments, either Seatalk or NMEA. Jon
Review mounting details
I would review the online manuals for mounting details and functionality differences. If you have a standard Edson pedestal either are straight forward. If you have something else one could be more difficult than the other. We have the ST4000+ MKII and are very happy with it. Installing on a non Edson pedestal was a bear though. Also, I believe the WP32 doesn't have a console guage. I don't know if this is good or bad. Hope this helps.
I would review the online manuals for mounting details and functionality differences. If you have a standard Edson pedestal either are straight forward. If you have something else one could be more difficult than the other. We have the ST4000+ MKII and are very happy with it. Installing on a non Edson pedestal was a bear though. Also, I believe the WP32 doesn't have a console guage. I don't know if this is good or bad. Hope this helps.
Simrad in Washington State
I have and recommend the Simrad Wheel pilot. A prior post said they were made in Europe, which may be true, but they have operations in Washington state which I have found to be easily available by telephone and very helpful. I did have to send them the unit once, which turned out to be my error. They tested it out called me twice and had it back to me within 10 days, no charge.
I have and recommend the Simrad Wheel pilot. A prior post said they were made in Europe, which may be true, but they have operations in Washington state which I have found to be easily available by telephone and very helpful. I did have to send them the unit once, which turned out to be my error. They tested it out called me twice and had it back to me within 10 days, no charge.
Auto Pilots
I have had both AH 4000 and two Simrad WP30s. The WP30 is cheaper and is a snap to install. The AH 4000 did a much better job of holding a course in rough water. My next one will be AH.
I have had both AH 4000 and two Simrad WP30s. The WP30 is cheaper and is a snap to install. The AH 4000 did a much better job of holding a course in rough water. My next one will be AH.
autohelm 4000
correction. my heart sank a little when my raymarine st400+ mkii arrived and the box clearly said 'made in england.'
correction. my heart sank a little when my raymarine st400+ mkii arrived and the box clearly said 'made in england.'
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