I want to add an Autopilot ..... or do I?

Wayne · Jun 3, 2002

I Vote yes!

I sailed on a friends boat for ~12 years before we purchased our Hunter 336. The Auto Pilot is one of my favorite features for a long trip. If you make a habit of all day sails to a particular destination it can really reduce the stress on the helmsman. Of course if it's a lively sailing day the the Autohelm is not of much use.We have an AutoHelm ST4000 it was already installed so I can't speak to the ease of installation.

Jim Maroldo · Jun 3, 2002

Autopilot

David: I added an autopilot to my little H23 last year, and I LOVE IT! It's great when you want to take a break from the wheel on a long run, and especially if you're sailing shorthanded, tacking is a breeze! I don't have any experience myself with the wheel pilots, but I have heard that both Raytheon and Navico are very good (I have the Navico tiller pilot). I believe the Raytheon units are usually more expensive. I'm sure there's allot of debate over which is better - you know... the Ford & Chevy thing. Both have a full range of accessories that can be added at any time, but I don't believe the different brands "talk" to each other, so once you make your decision, you'll have to stick with it. As for installation of the wheel units, I'll pass on that (see above^). Good luck, and smooth sailing!Jim Maroldos/v: Lil' Wass Ett

Steve Dion · Jun 3, 2002

Simrad WP3xxx is a no brainer!

David:If you want the simplest installation, the WP10/30 is the easiest. The compass is in the unit. You want to be sure that you don't have any speakers close to the unit but that is about it.The main cable has 5 wires. Two of which are the power. Two for the remote and two for the NEMA interface. The price is right. The performance is also good. The warranty is 2 years and their techie support is also good.If you have a lot of money, then you should get a below deck unit. When we did not have one we did not think too much about it. Once we got one, we wondered how we got along with it. This goes for the dodger and the refrigeration too.

Ken · Jun 3, 2002

I Vote Simrad

I have autohelm ST4000, it was on the boat and has cost me $$$$ to repair. Simrad/Navco are the best for the $$$, B & G are very good but $$$$. I work in the industry and know what I'm talking about when I say to stay away from Raymarine, maker of autohelm. They're not made for anything but to get fixed, very poor design. I'll tell you even the area Raymarine tech thinks so, he also fixes Simrad & B&G, says they're tops.

Jim WIllis · Jun 3, 2002

Autohelm 3000

Got me all the way to Hawaii, with the only problem being slipping belt (had to clean of salt scum) - and it is rated slightly too small for weight of the boat (Gulf 32) When it got overpowered by following seas it also tende to "flop over" and slacken tne belt and I had to use a vise grip to keep it in place over the last week.However it was free and I had a spare one with me as well as repair part. The wind vane also worked OK. The remote was great for minor steering corrections from my bunk!JW

Jon petersen · Jun 3, 2002

Autohelm 4000 for me

Installed it myself in 1994 used it every time I went sailing and love it.. also get the remote.. Love it and would not be without one..

Rodd C. · Jun 3, 2002

I vote Simrad!

I have had a Raytheon ST4000 and a Simrad WP30 and the Simrad is by far the superior unit. I currently have approx 1700nm on my current WP30 with absolutly no problems. I run this AP on a fairly light displacement 36 footer and it even works well in a following sea!

Derek Rowell · Jun 3, 2002

Installed a ST4000+ MkII last weekend

I debated long and hard Simrad vs. Raymarine and went Raymarine for the following reasons:1) I like to have the extra display at the wheel as a data repeater.2) Integrates directly into the SeaTalk network that I have on my ST60 instruments. In particular, it's nice to have the pilot information on the Multi display at the nav station - including the compass heading (for an anchor watch).3) I asked many people about reliability. It seems that when Simrad was Navico there were some real problems with reliability and service.The biggest problem with the installation was finding a pod to match my pedestal guard. I ended up with a Navpod PP31, for which I machined a new mounting base and married it to an Edson 831-100 pedestal bracket. Expensive but looks great. Otherwise the install took about six hours, which included waiting for the sealing epoxy to set up in the hole through the cockpit sole (inside the guard tube) for the wiring, installing the compass, and routing all cables.It was real fun to take it out and calibrate/test it on Sunday - I've never had an autopilot before. Took us right to waypoints!We've named it Otto...Derek

andy · Jun 3, 2002

I removed an AP4000 and installed a Simrad

The 4000 would only handle the boat in "perfect conditions" (balanced sails, constant mild winds, calm seas, moon in the seventh heaven, etc.)I installed a Simrad AP22 below deck system. "Bob" will handle the boat in ALL CONDITIONS, ALL THE TIME. This was the best upgrade I have done to my boat. I am using the ap about 90% of the time now. It steers a better course then I can.

Steve Dion · Jun 4, 2002

Amazing "Stories"

I am always amazed about the stories that you heard about different companies. In this case specifically Derek heard that there were quality problems with Navico. I have heard how many sailors have had these old WP5000 for years. We have heard all the stories about Autohelm not being responsive, can't get the units fix or how they have failed after getting them repaired etc etc. To be fair, we should remember that Autohelm has probably sold more units so even if both companies have a 3-5% failure rate, we are going to hear more Autohelm/Raymarine failures.

Tom · Jun 4, 2002

The ST4000 is great.

The ST4000 came with the boat and has worked great. I added the ST40 Wind Instrument and it has been great with the Sea Talk connection. You can program the Autopilot to sail into the wind when you are busy putting up the sails or taking them down. This was a real issue before we got the wind instrument. My wife had a terrible time of keeping the boat headed into the wind when I was putting up the sails or dropping them. This makes the sailing experience more enjoyable for her. She just keeps an eye on other craft or crab pots in the way and doesn't have the stress of keeping the boat into the wind. I personally rather sail the boat without the autopilot because I enjoy the feel of the wheel but it is great for long trips and when you need to take a break to get a beer or visit the head. Happy Sailing!Tom

Sean · Jun 4, 2002

Thumbs Up For ST4000

I installed mine 7 years ago and have never had a problem with it. I think the key is it has to be properly set up during the start up and calibration procedures. If the compass is not set up properly, it will never work properly. I use mine for heavy air conditions and even fly a tri-radial chute with it. It holds course every time. Sean

David · Jun 4, 2002

ST 4000

David, I have had the ST4000 for a few years now with no problems. I can't comment on the Simard as I have had only one experience with them on a friend's boat. He switched to Robertson which is a real quality piece of equipment.

Derek Rowell · Jun 4, 2002

David, Simrad is Robertson...

or vice versa. The AP series has a very good reputation. Simrad purchased Navico a couple of years ago and incorporated their wheel-pilots.Derek

I want to add an Autopilot ..... or do I?

David Underwood

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Wayne

Jim Maroldo

Steve Dion

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Ken

Jim WIllis

Jon petersen

Rodd C.

Derek Rowell

andy

Steve Dion

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Tom

Sean

David

Derek Rowell