Hell all, Help please, this is my first boat purchase! I ordered a 37 ft yacht (7000kg or 15000lb displacement) and included in the specifications was the Raymarine ST6001 Autopilot. When the boat was delivered it had an ST4000 autopilot. When I questioned the dealer he told me that the 4000 was perfectly adequate and that the system comprised a number of parts and that the 4000 would operate much bigger boats? Can someone straighten me out here please. I don't have a network of friends to fall back on to confirm what I'm being told. Thank you som much in anticipation
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Hi, Tony
The ST 4000 is rated for boats up to 8500 kg or 18,700 lbs. So, you are well within the acceptable range. Years ago, in a query, the Raymarine representative was asked how close to maximum was acceptable. He replied to the effect that all the way up to the limit was OK. That's why they set the limit as they did. If it was too high, they would have set it lower. So, based upon that, you should be fine even with some load and provisions. However, I do like the enclosed systems, altho several times the price. And, your commissioner didn't, I hope, keep the pricing difference! Rick D.
The ST 4000 is rated for boats up to 8500 kg or 18,700 lbs. So, you are well within the acceptable range. Years ago, in a query, the Raymarine representative was asked how close to maximum was acceptable. He replied to the effect that all the way up to the limit was OK. That's why they set the limit as they did. If it was too high, they would have set it lower. So, based upon that, you should be fine even with some load and provisions. However, I do like the enclosed systems, altho several times the price. And, your commissioner didn't, I hope, keep the pricing difference! Rick D.
Autopilot
Tony, I agree with Rick's assessment of the capabilities of the 4000. It works just fine on our 356, but getting there was not inexpensive, or simple, and included one pleasant surprise along the way. We started with the 4000 which included a rudder position sensor. Operation was adequate in fairly gentle conditions, but every once in awhile, the autopilot would get behind the curve. We added a gyro stabilized heading sensor to the autopilot circuit. Things got immediately better. But the icing on the cake was when we added the feathering propeller. I was very surprised that the autopilot was now able to hold close hauled headings in winds up to and over 30 knots. It had never occurred to me that the fixed three blade propeller was apparently creating so much turbulence around the upper third of the rudder, that the steering effectiveness was substantially reduced. The thing that bothers me here is that you said the specifications called for the 6000. The 6000 is a below decks, strong and very capable autopilot. You should have received a very substantial credit based on the switch. If it were my decision to make, I would demand the installation of the 6001 as specified. If you keep the 4000, you may have to consider other options, as we did, to maximize the performance potential of the autopilot. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
Tony, I agree with Rick's assessment of the capabilities of the 4000. It works just fine on our 356, but getting there was not inexpensive, or simple, and included one pleasant surprise along the way. We started with the 4000 which included a rudder position sensor. Operation was adequate in fairly gentle conditions, but every once in awhile, the autopilot would get behind the curve. We added a gyro stabilized heading sensor to the autopilot circuit. Things got immediately better. But the icing on the cake was when we added the feathering propeller. I was very surprised that the autopilot was now able to hold close hauled headings in winds up to and over 30 knots. It had never occurred to me that the fixed three blade propeller was apparently creating so much turbulence around the upper third of the rudder, that the steering effectiveness was substantially reduced. The thing that bothers me here is that you said the specifications called for the 6000. The 6000 is a below decks, strong and very capable autopilot. You should have received a very substantial credit based on the switch. If it were my decision to make, I would demand the installation of the 6001 as specified. If you keep the 4000, you may have to consider other options, as we did, to maximize the performance potential of the autopilot. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
To Rick Dinon
Hello Rick Thanks for your reply. No, the dealer hasn't reduced the price and no matter how much I try on the local web I can't find the difference in cost between the units. I haven't broached the subject yet with the dealer so he may just admit an error. Without going to too much trouble, is it possible for you to tell me the difference between the 4000 and 6000 so that when I confron him I am better armed? I originally asked for the 6000 because it seemed many single handed sailors used it. It was specified in the quote I accepted. I really appreciate your help. My email address is tony@wheretoeat.com.au Thanks again!
Hello Rick Thanks for your reply. No, the dealer hasn't reduced the price and no matter how much I try on the local web I can't find the difference in cost between the units. I haven't broached the subject yet with the dealer so he may just admit an error. Without going to too much trouble, is it possible for you to tell me the difference between the 4000 and 6000 so that when I confron him I am better armed? I originally asked for the 6000 because it seemed many single handed sailors used it. It was specified in the quote I accepted. I really appreciate your help. My email address is tony@wheretoeat.com.au Thanks again!
Thanks Dan
Thanks Dan... somehow I missed your response at first? As mentioned in my reply to Rick, I simply don't understand the difference. You mentioned " The thing that bothers me here is that you said the specifications called for the 6000. The 6000 is a below decks, strong and very capable autopilot. You should have received a very substantial credit based on the switch. If it were my decision to make, I would demand the installation of the 6001 as specified. If you keep the 4000, you may have to consider other options, as we did, to maximize the performance potential of the autopilot." My boat does have the hydraulic rams below deck just behind the transom, does that make sense? Cheers Tony
Thanks Dan... somehow I missed your response at first? As mentioned in my reply to Rick, I simply don't understand the difference. You mentioned " The thing that bothers me here is that you said the specifications called for the 6000. The 6000 is a below decks, strong and very capable autopilot. You should have received a very substantial credit based on the switch. If it were my decision to make, I would demand the installation of the 6001 as specified. If you keep the 4000, you may have to consider other options, as we did, to maximize the performance potential of the autopilot." My boat does have the hydraulic rams below deck just behind the transom, does that make sense? Cheers Tony
If it is a Catalina and they don't give you what
sales contract said, contact Frank Butler at Catalina in Woodland Hills. He wont't stand for bait and switch.
sales contract said, contact Frank Butler at Catalina in Woodland Hills. He wont't stand for bait and switch.
Raymarine 6001 A/P
Just to be clear (or to muddy further), the 6001 refers specifically to the control head or display. The 7001 is the larger display with more buttons (the 8001 display includes knob - used primarily for powerboats), but either can control the same autopilot. The 4000 is a complete unit (correctly described as including the wheel mounted drive etc). The 6001 display can control a number of different ram and computer (gyro or not) configurations. Just more information for you... Trevor
Just to be clear (or to muddy further), the 6001 refers specifically to the control head or display. The 7001 is the larger display with more buttons (the 8001 display includes knob - used primarily for powerboats), but either can control the same autopilot. The 4000 is a complete unit (correctly described as including the wheel mounted drive etc). The 6001 display can control a number of different ram and computer (gyro or not) configurations. Just more information for you... Trevor
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