We are considering an autopilot as the next addition to Aloha 1, and have decided that it's a choice between the Raymarine Autohelm 4000 Plus, or the Simrad AP30. I was wondering if anyone had any experiences or knowledge they could pass on.....?? Cap'n Art
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Don't think that the WP30 will fit.
Art: My friend in our marina was also going to install a WP30, but decided on the WP5000 from Simrad instead. The reason was the clearance between the wheel and the shift lever. On his model of the H'30 the lever is on the aft side of the pedestal. This left less than a desiriable amount of clearance. The simard units have the best power ratios and tend to be a little easier to install because you do not need to worry about the compass head. If you have a new model of pedestal this may not be an issue and I would highly recommend a WP10 or 30.
Art: My friend in our marina was also going to install a WP30, but decided on the WP5000 from Simrad instead. The reason was the clearance between the wheel and the shift lever. On his model of the H'30 the lever is on the aft side of the pedestal. This left less than a desiriable amount of clearance. The simard units have the best power ratios and tend to be a little easier to install because you do not need to worry about the compass head. If you have a new model of pedestal this may not be an issue and I would highly recommend a WP10 or 30.
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Ed Schenck
Easy choice.
The WP30 on my 18000# displacement H37C has performed flawlessly for three seasons. It will maintain a course in tough Lake Erie conditions. It does not require finding a place to mount a fluxgate, the only wire required is one for 12 volts(plus a good ground). It was a very simple installation. I improved it somewhat with better stainless bands than were delivered. These clamps came as part of one of those heavy six-inch rubber pipe connectors that you find in Lowes plumbing. I sectioned the rubber coupler and put it around the pedestal for a better mounting. (Just saw Steve's reply. The H30 pedestal is identical to mine. Yes, the shift lever is on the back of the pedestal. It points to port, right? The clearance between the autohelm clutch and shift lever is close but not a problem.) If you want a display for the autohelm then you have to go with the Raymarine.
The WP30 on my 18000# displacement H37C has performed flawlessly for three seasons. It will maintain a course in tough Lake Erie conditions. It does not require finding a place to mount a fluxgate, the only wire required is one for 12 volts(plus a good ground). It was a very simple installation. I improved it somewhat with better stainless bands than were delivered. These clamps came as part of one of those heavy six-inch rubber pipe connectors that you find in Lowes plumbing. I sectioned the rubber coupler and put it around the pedestal for a better mounting. (Just saw Steve's reply. The H30 pedestal is identical to mine. Yes, the shift lever is on the back of the pedestal. It points to port, right? The clearance between the autohelm clutch and shift lever is close but not a problem.) If you want a display for the autohelm then you have to go with the Raymarine.
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Henry Weber
WP-30
I have a H-30 (1977) and installed the WP-30 about a year ago. The unit has performed well and I am satisfied. Henry Weber S/V Dancing Bear
I have a H-30 (1977) and installed the WP-30 about a year ago. The unit has performed well and I am satisfied. Henry Weber S/V Dancing Bear
There is an extension for the shift lever too.
My friend did NOT order the WP30 because of the clearance (we were concerned). It is good to know that it does fit. He did order an extension for the shift lever from Edson. This makes shifting much easier. I'd agree, that Simrad is the autopilot of choice if it works.
My friend did NOT order the WP30 because of the clearance (we were concerned). It is good to know that it does fit. He did order an extension for the shift lever from Edson. This makes shifting much easier. I'd agree, that Simrad is the autopilot of choice if it works.
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Art Childs
thanx....
Thanx everyone for the quick, straight, responses. You basically confirmed what I believed to be the case....it's hard to get straight talk from a sales-person.... Simrad wins!!!! Cap'n Art
Thanx everyone for the quick, straight, responses. You basically confirmed what I believed to be the case....it's hard to get straight talk from a sales-person.... Simrad wins!!!! Cap'n Art
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