Thinking of purchasing a Simrad TP10 tiller pilot. There's a good sale on right now. I don't need it to interface with anything - could just use an extra hand from time to time. A friend said a friend of his had one and hated it, so recommended the Raymarine ST1000; a service guy said don't buy Raymarine, Simrad's more reliable. So here we go. More than one opinion is confusing, and I revel in confusion.
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One good
I'll speak out for Simrad. I have an AP 11 wheel autopilot, and I can't speak highly of it enough. For example, a few months ago I got caught out in 40 knot winds and somewhat high seas, along with a few of my friends. My boat was equipped with the Simrad, all the others had Raymarine. I stayed dry under the dodger, while all the rest had to hand steer because their autopilots could not hold course in such rough conditions.
I'll speak out for Simrad. I have an AP 11 wheel autopilot, and I can't speak highly of it enough. For example, a few months ago I got caught out in 40 knot winds and somewhat high seas, along with a few of my friends. My boat was equipped with the Simrad, all the others had Raymarine. I stayed dry under the dodger, while all the rest had to hand steer because their autopilots could not hold course in such rough conditions.
My $.02
I have a TP 30. Sometimes it works like a dream and other times it is terrible. There are times when it will be working great for hours and then suddenly go goofy. I have talked to Simrad but got nothing useful. I don't like mine, but then I did not like my Autohelm either - maybe its my boat.
I have a TP 30. Sometimes it works like a dream and other times it is terrible. There are times when it will be working great for hours and then suddenly go goofy. I have talked to Simrad but got nothing useful. I don't like mine, but then I did not like my Autohelm either - maybe its my boat.
higgs!
It sounds like you are receiving interference. Be sure that there are not any electronics or sound systems that cause your autopilot to go crazy. It is not uncommon for a stereo speak to drive an electronic compass to go crazy.
It sounds like you are receiving interference. Be sure that there are not any electronics or sound systems that cause your autopilot to go crazy. It is not uncommon for a stereo speak to drive an electronic compass to go crazy.
Opinions on Simrad tp-10
I have a Simrad TP-30 and love it- best piece of gear I purchased for my O'day 272 (I sail alone a lot on Gulf of Mexico). I debated using the less expensive TP-10 & TP-20 & I am glad I went to the TP-30. You really need to get the Hand Remote that is optional- This allows you to make course corrections from anywhere on the boat- I rarely use the TP-30 Console for controls/corrections. I heard lots of confusing issues about Raymarine, etc. About a year or so ago,Practical Sailor reviewed Tiller Pilots & rated the Simrad TP-30 best buy. Good Luck
I have a Simrad TP-30 and love it- best piece of gear I purchased for my O'day 272 (I sail alone a lot on Gulf of Mexico). I debated using the less expensive TP-10 & TP-20 & I am glad I went to the TP-30. You really need to get the Hand Remote that is optional- This allows you to make course corrections from anywhere on the boat- I rarely use the TP-30 Console for controls/corrections. I heard lots of confusing issues about Raymarine, etc. About a year or so ago,Practical Sailor reviewed Tiller Pilots & rated the Simrad TP-30 best buy. Good Luck
Steve
Steve Thanks for taking the time to reply. I don't often have my stereo going underway, and have no speakers in the cockpit - precisely because of fear of interference. I do have a steel gas tank under the floor of the cockpit. The cockpit sole is sandwiched with plywood. I am not sure if that is a problem. I would think if it were, I would get a more consistant response from the auto pilot. It will work great for hours and then suddenly go goofy. Other times, it works 10-16 or more hours perfectly. It is very troubling and I would be grateful for any ideas.
Steve Thanks for taking the time to reply. I don't often have my stereo going underway, and have no speakers in the cockpit - precisely because of fear of interference. I do have a steel gas tank under the floor of the cockpit. The cockpit sole is sandwiched with plywood. I am not sure if that is a problem. I would think if it were, I would get a more consistant response from the auto pilot. It will work great for hours and then suddenly go goofy. Other times, it works 10-16 or more hours perfectly. It is very troubling and I would be grateful for any ideas.
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