Raymarine S1 versus X-5

[Tim R.]

I currently own a Autohelm ST4000 AP. It is an older model with limited functionality. It has the LCD display and 3 rows of 2 buttons in a black case with red trim. I have added a rudder position sensor and ST60+ instrument pack this year. It also has it's own fluxgate compass. It works fine although I do not know how much longer the wheel drive will last.

I would like to upgrade to either the S1 or the X-5. I can get the S1 here for $750 or pay over $1,100 for the X-5 at Defender.

Give me a good reason why the X-5 would be worth the additional $350.

Thanks

 

[Franklin]

I would say go with the x-10 with a below deck drive for your size boat.

 

[sailaway78]

X-5 vs S1

The only difference between the two, is the addition of a rate gyro in the X-5, and apparently there is no need to run a rudder sensor with it. The S-1 needs the rudder sensor to operate, and this can be a royal PITA to install, depending on how much room you have around the rudder quadrant. You can install an S-1, complete with rudder sensor, and if you then want an X-5, can have the rate gyro added to the S-1 computer for 400 bucks. Almost the same money. Not many X-5 units out yet, as they had a lot of problems getting it on the market. Nearly a year as best I can recall. If you go with the X-5, I think they are supposed to work better with the rudder sensor, and you are back to the PITA stage again. I hage a new S-1 and love it. Waited several months, as was going to get an X-5, but finally got tired of waiting on it.

 

[Icetug]

The Rudder sensor for the S1:

is not water tight. This is the reason I have been waiting to get the X-5, I can not install the rudder sensor below deck on mu Hunter. I don't know if this applies to your situation or not but it is something to consider.

 

[Tim R.]

I don't think so. The RPS I installed is mounted upside down on the bottom of the cockpit sole. Bone dry as I believe it has been since it rolled off the line.

Why is this a problem on your hunter? Does it get wet below deck?

 

[sailaway78]

There should be no reason

There is no reason for the RPS to be mounted where it can get wet. The rudder quadrant should be plenty high enough to keep things high and dry. Mine is mounted on the aft bulkhead, behind the rudder quadrant, and if it ever gets water to it, that will be the least of my problems. Keep in mind that the RPS can be mounted fore or aft of the quadrant, right side up or upside down.

 

[paulj]

Check those prices here...........

http://www.anchorexpress.com/SearchResults.asp

paulj

 

[sailaway78]

WOW

Thats an absolute killer price on an S-1.

 

[RAD]

Story of my life "buy retail,sell wholesale" or it goes on sale shortly after I buy it.
I figured the S1 would drop in price after the X5 was released.

 

[Icetug]

On my Hunter Legend 37 the rudder quadrant is not below deck. The rudder runs in a fiberglass tube through the laz to above the cockpit sole, hence the quadrant is exposed to the weather. That is why I can't use the rudder sensor, it would get wet and it is not watertight. That is also the reason I need to use a wheel pilot instead of a chain drive or other heavy duty autopilot.

 

[Dan Johnson]

According to the installation literature...

for the S-1 I'm installing on my H34, an external Rate Gyro upgrade is a dealer option that can be dealer installed, making the rudder sensor unnecessary. That is one of the upgrades done to the X-5 over the S-1. Will the upgrade done to the S-1 be more cost effective than buying an X-5? Get a quote from a dealer to find out.