I'm thinking of buying an old Autohelm tiller pilot for a really good price. My question is - if it has issues and doesn't work quite right - can it be fixed? Are these repairable devices, or chuck-and-buy-a-new-one devices?
They may direct you a depot that may, or may not, be able to repair it. The chances of getting parts are likely slim to nil.Yes, but not at Raymarine.
Which model is it and will the seller let you try it to see if it works. If it is a ST1000 or ST2000, parts should be available but like a lot of things the price for parts and labor might offset just buying a new one depending of course on purchase price.I'm thinking of buying an old Autohelm tiller pilot for a really good price. .
Do you have a sense for how long (sailing hours in a typical mix of wind/sea conditions) an ST1000 vs. ST2000 would likely last for a Mac?We went with the ST2000 after reading different comments by owners a few years back.
How would you define taking care of it?it’ll last essentially forever if you take care of it
I'd suggest that you think of it as a 25 foot boat, and not as a 1000 dollar boat. Basing everything as a percentage of your initial investment dooms you and your boat to a cheap and frankly crappy existence. Some things are going to cost more. And are worth it. Like the tiller pilot. Some things will probably cost more than your boat. Like a set of sails. Don't be afraid to spend.Thanks @Joe.
Note that I'm sailing a $1000 boat, so spending $400 on anything (besides a motor) feels like a lot. But being able to sail alone or for more than 3 hours without going nuts would be worth it.
Thanks @Jackdaw. I think your comment makes sense with a Tiller Pilot, since I can always use it on a new boat or sell it.
For something that's only useful on this boat (cabinets, galley, anchor locker, seat cushions, etc...), however, I think I still need to consider the initial cost of the boat since I don't want to spend $5000 getting it up to snuff when I could just buy another boat with the amenities I want for $3000.
exactly correct.For something that's only useful on this boat (cabinets, galley, anchor locker, seat cushions, etc...), however, I think I still need to consider the initial cost of the boat since I don't want to spend $5000 getting it up to snuff when I could just buy another boat with the amenities I want for $3000.
If you can guarantee that the $150 tiller pilot can perform... certainly I would say go for it. Unfortunately, you know so little about them it is impossible to determine that from an ebay ad.Thanks @Joe. Would others agree - it's worth buying new (or slightly used) for 2-4x the cost?
Note that I'm sailing a $1000 boat, so spending $400 on anything (besides a motor) feels like a lot. But being able to sail alone or for more than 3 hours without going nuts would be worth it.
I'm thinking of buying an old Autohelm tiller pilot for a really good price. My question is - if it has issues and doesn't work quite right - can it be fixed? Are these repairable devices, or chuck-and-buy-a-new-one devices?
I have one and it is outstanding. It's in a totally different league from the Raymarine ST1000/2000, which are toys by comparison. Much more robust and it actually steers the boat well on courses other than close hauled.If I was wanting a tiller pilot I would consider this one. https://pelagicautopilot.com/ It is ugly as sin but by all reports I have seen it is bullet proof. Webb Chiles burned out 4 Raymarine units sailing his Moore 24 from San Diego to New Zealand so he tried one of these. He used it from New Zealand to Florida and the only problem he had was a broken wire that was able to be re-soldered.