H30 Autopilot

[Gerald Davies]

I have a Hunter 30' 1988 and am thinking of installing a Autopilot. Has anyone got any advice as to what make or any installation problems to avoid.Thanksgd

 

[BarryG]

Me too.

I cannot give you a here is a working answer yet. I just bought a autohelm ST4000 after talking to several people with autohelms. Several had the ST4000 and were very pleased by it. I have ordered mine and it came in last week. I was advised to have a pedestal guard which I just installed this weekend and have a single pod on order for the autohelm control unit to go on. The instuctions for the ST4000 seem simple and straight forward. I like the no belt feature and it also has a auto tacking feature so it will tack for you while you are working the sails. Great for the solo sailor. I will be installing it as soon as the pod comes in. I am really looking forward to having one on my 1982H30. I will be interested to see other responses you get to your question. If you want to contact me for questions if you get the same unit, I can be contacted on AOL at Bgammon320@aol.com. Hopefully I will be up and running by then. Good luck.

 

[Roy Mosteller]

Autohelm ST3000 on my 30T

Have Autohelm ST3000 on my 1991 30T and love it. Decided on this model on advice of former Hunter factory official who used it on his 30. I use mine all the way from San Diego to Catalina and it makes the passage much easier. I have photos and installation instructions I can furnish by mail if you desire.

 

[Bob Miller]

Autohelm 4000

I have an older Autohelm 4000 on my 37C. It works extremely well except for downwind with heavy seas. Wouldn't be without it, though. It is a little light duty for this boat but should work well on your 30. My 37C pulls very hard to port while cruising under power. This torque eventually broke some of the idler wheels around the perimeter internal to the ring. I drilled a hole down the center of the broken post (and all other unbroken posts), glued and inserted stainless bolts. Has worked without incident for about 10 years, now. I mounted my control unit up under the dodger (in lieu of on the pedistal) and find it very nice there because I can "steer" the boat out of the rain. Bob MillerGusty GetawayEverett, WA