In looking to upgrade some of the amenities on my Hunter 240 I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on the validity of auto pilot for a tiller steer. Is it worth the cost and modification? What kind of battery capacity? I'm also interested in the best type of outboard cockpit control options I could install for my little 5 hp outboard. Any comments would be appreciated. Tim Mo~Be~Ma
- Status
I don't think you have many options
It's either Simrad or Raymarine. They're great for shorthanded or singlehanded sailing, especially when its time to raise or drop sail. Sail trim is important when using a tiller pilot. Balance the helm with the sails before activating the tillerpilot, otherwise it will constantly fight the helm, trying to keep the boat on course. The current draw will go way up and the fuse (20A) will blow. When the sails are properly trimmed, the current draw is much less. If you use the tillerpilot a lot, I don't know if any solar panel under 50W will recharge the battery fast enough to avoid the plates from sulfating (not good). Occasional use should be OK. Peter H23 "Raven"
It's either Simrad or Raymarine. They're great for shorthanded or singlehanded sailing, especially when its time to raise or drop sail. Sail trim is important when using a tiller pilot. Balance the helm with the sails before activating the tillerpilot, otherwise it will constantly fight the helm, trying to keep the boat on course. The current draw will go way up and the fuse (20A) will blow. When the sails are properly trimmed, the current draw is much less. If you use the tillerpilot a lot, I don't know if any solar panel under 50W will recharge the battery fast enough to avoid the plates from sulfating (not good). Occasional use should be OK. Peter H23 "Raven"
Definitely Worth It
I use the most basic Simrad model (SMP10, I think) and am very happy with it. It's about a $200 unit and it's one of the best $200 investments I've made for the boat. Whatever make/model you choose, I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with the results. Autopilots are great additions.
I use the most basic Simrad model (SMP10, I think) and am very happy with it. It's about a $200 unit and it's one of the best $200 investments I've made for the boat. Whatever make/model you choose, I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with the results. Autopilots are great additions.
more oppinions please...
i too am looking at these 2 autopilots and would like to hear any personal experiences....pros and cons.
i too am looking at these 2 autopilots and would like to hear any personal experiences....pros and cons.
What about Autohelm?
Just curious. My used H23.5 came with an Autohelm 800. Bottom of their line in that it doesn't take input from external sources such as a windvane (which I don't have anyway). I've only used it a couple times but it seemed OK. Why isn't the Autohelm included in the list of options here?
Just curious. My used H23.5 came with an Autohelm 800. Bottom of their line in that it doesn't take input from external sources such as a windvane (which I don't have anyway). I've only used it a couple times but it seemed OK. Why isn't the Autohelm included in the list of options here?
On My "Wish List"
I was pretty sure I would plop down the extra coin for the one that takes info from my GPS any of y'all have that option and is it worth it?
I was pretty sure I would plop down the extra coin for the one that takes info from my GPS any of y'all have that option and is it worth it?
simrad rules...
let me say first that we are the epitome of lazy sailors. we cruise in a hunter 25.5 and use a navico (simrad)3000 tillerpilot having had absolutely no negative issues for 2 years now. we love being able to read, eat, take pictures, enjoy sunsets on the foredeck together...etc. you'll find that having an autopilot gives you freedom to do alot more and enjoy more moments. we feel it is better to purchase a unit with more capability than you need so it does not have to work as hard. the physical size of tillerpilots are almost the same, so buy as much as you can for the $. the simrad unit interfaces nicely with our chartplotter and handles the boat with ease. only an occaisional sail trim is our only concern on those 3-4 day offshore passages. it truly is a great investment!
let me say first that we are the epitome of lazy sailors. we cruise in a hunter 25.5 and use a navico (simrad)3000 tillerpilot having had absolutely no negative issues for 2 years now. we love being able to read, eat, take pictures, enjoy sunsets on the foredeck together...etc. you'll find that having an autopilot gives you freedom to do alot more and enjoy more moments. we feel it is better to purchase a unit with more capability than you need so it does not have to work as hard. the physical size of tillerpilots are almost the same, so buy as much as you can for the $. the simrad unit interfaces nicely with our chartplotter and handles the boat with ease. only an occaisional sail trim is our only concern on those 3-4 day offshore passages. it truly is a great investment!
Seen it both ways
I've seen them connected to the GPS and not Connected and I find that either way works fine. If it is connected it will steer to the next way point if not you'll need to adjust it to steer to the next waypoint. It's really no bother to adjust it to steer to the waypoint as you have to be on watch anyway and look around every 15 minutes or more often. I'm considering the simrad because it costs less as it does not connect to the GPS. In the mean time I'm using my sheet to tiller steering gear and that takes me about 15 minutes to set up on each each time I use it. With more practice I may be able to get the boat to selfsteer more quickly, but I'll still need an autopilot for motoring.
I've seen them connected to the GPS and not Connected and I find that either way works fine. If it is connected it will steer to the next way point if not you'll need to adjust it to steer to the next waypoint. It's really no bother to adjust it to steer to the waypoint as you have to be on watch anyway and look around every 15 minutes or more often. I'm considering the simrad because it costs less as it does not connect to the GPS. In the mean time I'm using my sheet to tiller steering gear and that takes me about 15 minutes to set up on each each time I use it. With more practice I may be able to get the boat to selfsteer more quickly, but I'll still need an autopilot for motoring.
Raymarine
I've got the Raymarine version on my H26. Single best upgrade investment I made. Can't tell you how it compares to the Simrad, since I've never used one of those. The main reason I went with Ray is because their models have an LCD display that indicates the current heading. It's rare that I sail w/o the autopilot. It lets me pay attention to trim and other boats, making the whole sailing experience much more relaxing. My wife loves it, because it allows me to relieve her of all trimming duties. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
I've got the Raymarine version on my H26. Single best upgrade investment I made. Can't tell you how it compares to the Simrad, since I've never used one of those. The main reason I went with Ray is because their models have an LCD display that indicates the current heading. It's rare that I sail w/o the autopilot. It lets me pay attention to trim and other boats, making the whole sailing experience much more relaxing. My wife loves it, because it allows me to relieve her of all trimming duties. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
Ray for 240
I agree the best investment hands down and it is now my first mate, much to my wifes relief. Was hard to justify the cost, but now would not be without it. We all can enjoy all facets of sailing instead of one person being tied to the tiller. Also great in rougher conditions when you need to check your charters, gps etc and can have both hands and eyes and mind free. I have the ray ST1000 never had a problem, got it for the LCD display, a must for me. Power draw seems very low on mine, sails trimmed and make sure the rudder has not kicked up a few degree, we all know about that, ray has the power to still steer but you might bend something
( friend used one on his cat 22 and has no recharge ability and sails for several 1/2 days before needing to bring the battery home) He has sailed for many years and once he sailed to block island on my boat with "ray" he went straight home and bought an autopilot. good luck
I agree the best investment hands down and it is now my first mate, much to my wifes relief. Was hard to justify the cost, but now would not be without it. We all can enjoy all facets of sailing instead of one person being tied to the tiller. Also great in rougher conditions when you need to check your charters, gps etc and can have both hands and eyes and mind free. I have the ray ST1000 never had a problem, got it for the LCD display, a must for me. Power draw seems very low on mine, sails trimmed and make sure the rudder has not kicked up a few degree, we all know about that, ray has the power to still steer but you might bend something
( friend used one on his cat 22 and has no recharge ability and sails for several 1/2 days before needing to bring the battery home) He has sailed for many years and once he sailed to block island on my boat with "ray" he went straight home and bought an autopilot. good luck- Status