Autopilots

[Andy Flood]

I just recently purchased a 89 30'Hunterand I am in the process of adding electronics to it. My first thought is to add an autopilot. I have never used autopilots before and was looking for any ideas and advice on purchasing one. Any recommendations or horror stories.

 

[Bob E.]

Autohelm 4000

I have an Autohelm 4000 on my '89 Hunter 30. I highly recommend it. It makes sailing single handed or with inexperienced crew a pleasure. The only time I have had problems is sailing dead downwind in heavy air with large following waves -- under those conditions, the Autohelm can't respond quickly enough, and hand steering is required to avoid a broach. Otherwise, it's great.BTW, my Autohelm is the older model with the fluxgate compass in the control unit. No problems with it; it steers an accurate course.

 

[Clyde Lichtenwalner]

A good investment

We feel that the Autohelm 4000 (wheel mounted) has been the best investment we have made in electronics (GPS is the second best). Have had it for about eight years and replaced the drive belt once. Under sail it does not always steer as well as a human, especially in quartering seas and down wind (it gets very confused sometimes). Most of the time it keeps a fine course and always takes the drudgery out of motoring. It has become a valued extra hand on our boat and would be missed greatly.

 

[Jim]

St4000 vs. Navico

I am on my second year using a Autohelm ST 4000. I have replaced the entire unit the first year, then Raytheon updated the software this year and then I also had to replace the fluxgate this year. It is working fine now, but it took two years of trouble. I would consider the Navico wheelpilot 100. The Navico is all self contained, all you have to do is get the electric supply wired to it. The Autohelm ST 4000 has to have a 4 inch hole cut somewhere in the cockpit.Maybe you could ask the forum for anyone who has had expierence with the Navico.

 

[Rex]

Navico 300CX

I used the Navico 300cx with great success on my 35.5, last year and part of this year. Traded up to a 43 and will use Navico there, also.Rex

 

[Steve Dion]

Autopilots - Rex

Rex:Do you have anything negative to say about the Navico/Simrad unit. I have heard that they sometimes have problems with the compass because of the wheel and other instruments. I am planning on purchasing one for our '85 H'31 in the spring.The average price for these units is around $950-999.