CPT autopilot

[ben solomon]

Just had a cpt wheel pilot installed on my 1990 37.5 legend. Very impressive! I was out in 25 knots with 4 to 6 chop, and it was perfect! Tacked beautifully! In fact, i never tacked so well! We sailed for about 8 hours and she held course better than I do. I agonized over this vs raymarine, but picked cpt because the RM wheel pilot is not rate for my boat's weight when loaded with people and gear. I am very happy with this. Jeff at CPT was great to deal with. I would recommend this product highly. Just wanted to share.

Ben

 

[rufus1138]

this is good to hear, ive been wondering how this unit does other than the testimonials on the company website, be sure to put her thru her paces and report more love to know how hard you can push this thing.

 

[Wolfer69]

I have been looking at these

Right after I get the refridgerator installed, this is next. You know what I like, is the single minded brute strength of it. I do not want to "network" something. I do not want something to do 5 things. I want something to steer the damn boat, and not break. These things look like that. Thanks for the report, and keep us updated.

 

[artboas]

Give this some thought..

Right after I get the refridgerator installed, this is next. You know what I like, is the single minded brute strength of it. I do not want to "network" something. I do not want something to do 5 things. I want something to steer the damn boat, and not break. These things look like that. Thanks for the report, and keep us updated.

One of the best features of my networked autopilot is that I pick a waypoint on the plotter, and the boat goes there +- 10 feet of cross track error. This is a great feature. Steering only by compass has limitations.

 

[ben solomon]

I hear ya about the push button and go as well as the networking. On the Chesapeake bay, you can't just point and go. There are too many crab pots and shoals. For me, and the way I sail, I just need to hold a course for a while, or help while tacking. The CPT is so strong and....perfectly silent. The only noise you hear is the steering wheel, itself. No motor noise at all. And it is very strong, and very precise. She held a course far better than I do. And the CPT tacks better than I do when single handling. In fact, sailing home in the rain there was poor visability. I knew my marker was 5 NM away at 22 degrees, but couldn't see. I set my course, and the marker showed up where it was supposed to be.

The other thing that is so cool about the CPT is that you can adjust the rudder sensitivity of the wheel pilot, and how much the wheel turns instantly by turning a knob. Also, no calibration required.

I don't have room for a below deck pilot, and the Raymarine wheel pilot is underpowered for my boat. Also, I didn't want to deal with networks and the like. I get so frustrated when the systems don't work, so I don't have any on board. Keeps my frustrations to a minimum.

The CPT works beautifully for my application and it has exceeded my expectations by far. Also, the tech support is fantastic! Jeff, at CPT, builds the CPT to your exact specification. Any questions at all, and he answers the phone! No automated menu nonsense!

Ben

 

[garethreeves]

I hear ya about the push button and go as well as the networking. On the Chesapeake bay, you can't just point and go. There are too many crab pots and shoals. For me, and the way I sail, I just need to hold a course for a while, or help while tacking. The CPT is so strong and....perfectly silent. The only noise you hear is the steering wheel, itself. No motor noise at all. And it is very strong, and very precise. She held a course far better than I do. And the CPT tacks better than I do when single handling. In fact, sailing home in the rain there was poor visability. I knew my marker was 5 NM away at 22 degrees, but couldn't see. I set my course, and the marker showed up where it was supposed to be.

The other thing that is so cool about the CPT is that you can adjust the rudder sensitivity of the wheel pilot, and how much the wheel turns instantly by turning a knob. Also, no calibration required.

I don't have room for a below deck pilot, and the Raymarine wheel pilot is underpowered for my boat. Also, I didn't want to deal with networks and the like. I get so frustrated when the systems don't work, so I don't have any on board. Keeps my frustrations to a minimum.

The CPT works beautifully for my application and it has exceeded my expectations by far. Also, the tech support is fantastic! Jeff, at CPT, builds the CPT to your exact specification. Any questions at all, and he answers the phone! No automated menu nonsense!

Ben

I have the wheelpilot too and been having problems with it. I've been looking for an alternative but didnt come across these guys. I love the look of it! looks like it would last forever and just work!

Thanks for the reference.

 

[ben solomon]

i should also mention that there is a 1 degree and a 10 degree button to port and starboard, so you can adjust the course accordingly for wind shifts, buyos, etc. I worked it hard this past weekend in 25 knots with 4 to 6 foot chop. It didn't blink. Also, no motor noise whatsoever. Sailed about four hours with it on, and perfect silence and no fishtailing.

Tacking was great! My family didn't have to be disturbed. I'd call ready about, the would duck on the bow, I push the button...she goes over to what I set as a 100 degree tack angle, and i would sheet her in. Just like that!

Call or email Jeff. I can't say enough good stuff. Full disclosure...i had someone who works on boats for a living do the installation. I don't have the time to be a shipwright. I showed up and took off!

Ben

 

[ben solomon]

I will post pictures of the install, soon.

Ben

 

[garethreeves]

I will post pictures of the install, soon.

Ben

Please do. I would love to see it. How is integration with other systems on board? Can it steer to apparent wind angles? can it track to waypoints?

Thanks again

Gareth

 

[ben solomon]

The cpt doesn't integrate. It is a pilot with buttons to adjust the course by either 1 degree or 10 degrees to port or starboard. It will also tack to port or starboard. Just put the boat on course, and activate the cpt.

I used it this weekend to helm from Rock Hall, MD to St. Michael, Md. Wind on our nose the whole time, and the CPT was great! I adjusted the course evry so often to avoid crab pots and tack.

Actually, it the most fun my family ever had because I wasn't barking tacking and sheeting orders the whole day. I even got to sit on the bow for a bit under full sail in 15 to 20 knots! Then it was time to reef.

Ben

 

[garethreeves]

The cpt doesn't integrate. It is a pilot with buttons to adjust the course by either 1 degree or 10 degrees to port or starboard. It will also tack to port or starboard. Just put the boat on course, and activate the cpt.

I used it this weekend to helm from Rock Hall, MD to St. Michael, Md. Wind on our nose the whole time, and the CPT was great! I adjusted the course evry so often to avoid crab pots and tack.

Actually, it the most fun my family ever had because I wasn't barking tacking and sheeting orders the whole day. I even got to sit on the bow for a bit under full sail in 15 to 20 knots! Then it was time to reef.

Ben

The simplicity seems great and I have only used those features of pilots before. Its pretty clunky looking. I look forward to seeing your pics.

G

 

[ben solomon]

It's not as clunky looking installed as you might think.

Ben