I have a '94 Catalina 36. I'm thinking about installing an autopilot this coming spring. Have been looking at the Simrad/Navico WP30 wheel model. I'm interested if anyone has any experience with them. I know many people have the Raytheon model but some express concerns that the wheel models are underpowered and don't perform well in strong wind or weather. The Simrad is rated for much more displacement than the Raytheon unit. Thanks
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Zephyrus
Stick with AutoHelm
I just purchased a Simrad/Navico WP this season and was not pleased with it. I am an iland lake sailor so I don't depend on it to hold a true course. Other wise I would send it back. One key feature that they will not tell you is the compass on the unit is effected by your compass on the helm pedestal. In the instructions it suggest you move your compass from the pedestal. I feel they should tell you that in their adds! If you look at the adds for the unit, the compass is not on the pedestal. The Autohelm compass is mounted seperate and can be place anywhere within the length of wireing. The Autohelm unit also allows you more settings to control your boat, where the Navico has alot of presets that you can't change a whole lot. I would like to hear from other people who have the Navico WP and see if they have had better luck with thiers.
I just purchased a Simrad/Navico WP this season and was not pleased with it. I am an iland lake sailor so I don't depend on it to hold a true course. Other wise I would send it back. One key feature that they will not tell you is the compass on the unit is effected by your compass on the helm pedestal. In the instructions it suggest you move your compass from the pedestal. I feel they should tell you that in their adds! If you look at the adds for the unit, the compass is not on the pedestal. The Autohelm compass is mounted seperate and can be place anywhere within the length of wireing. The Autohelm unit also allows you more settings to control your boat, where the Navico has alot of presets that you can't change a whole lot. I would like to hear from other people who have the Navico WP and see if they have had better luck with thiers.
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Dick Kilroy
Navico 300WP
I put a navico 300WP on my Catalina 38 this summer and have had no problems with it. Initailly it was oversensative an I had to adjust the sea state to get it to settle down. It has been on the boat on our trip fom Marion Ma. to Bermuda and then to the BVI this falland worked fine. I have not had any interference from the two compass's locations. I particularly like the fact you can use it as a wheel brake without engaging the unit.
I put a navico 300WP on my Catalina 38 this summer and have had no problems with it. Initailly it was oversensative an I had to adjust the sea state to get it to settle down. It has been on the boat on our trip fom Marion Ma. to Bermuda and then to the BVI this falland worked fine. I have not had any interference from the two compass's locations. I particularly like the fact you can use it as a wheel brake without engaging the unit.
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Craig Steinkraus
Wp 300
I installed a the Navico auto-pilot last spring. I used it in all the weather Lake Superior can throw at you and had no problems. I found it to be a wonderful aid on the 60 mi sails, mostly set it and forget it. Craig S.
I installed a the Navico auto-pilot last spring. I used it in all the weather Lake Superior can throw at you and had no problems. I found it to be a wonderful aid on the 60 mi sails, mostly set it and forget it. Craig S.
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Craig Steinkraus
Wp 300
I installed a the Navico auto-pilot last spring. I used it in all the weather Lake Superior can throw at you and had no problems. I found it to be a wonderful aid on the 60 mi sails, mostly set it and forget it. Craig S.
I installed a the Navico auto-pilot last spring. I used it in all the weather Lake Superior can throw at you and had no problems. I found it to be a wonderful aid on the 60 mi sails, mostly set it and forget it. Craig S.
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Walt
Craig.........
Craig, Glad to hear another good review of the Simrad unit. Would like to get some additional info from you on installation. Can you email me at walterts@aol.com Thanks, Walt
Craig, Glad to hear another good review of the Simrad unit. Would like to get some additional info from you on installation. Can you email me at walterts@aol.com Thanks, Walt
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Walt
Craig.........
Craig, Glad to hear another good review of the Simrad unit. Would like to get some additional info from you on installation. Can you email me at walterts@aol.com Thanks, Walt
Craig, Glad to hear another good review of the Simrad unit. Would like to get some additional info from you on installation. Can you email me at walterts@aol.com Thanks, Walt
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Terry Jack
Simrad - Navico
I originally had a autohelm 4000 wheel. After it died a sad death I decided to try Simrad - Navico. I ended up having to add an external electronic compass. It would not calibrate properly. I originally thought my pedistal compass might be the problem, however using a handheld compass found that my main pedistal post is very ferrous!!!. I checked several Edson pedistals in my marina and found the same thing. Anyway Simrad - Navico has been very helpfull in solving my problem. I could never ger Autohelm to return a phone ca;ll or reply to a request for help via e-mail.
I originally had a autohelm 4000 wheel. After it died a sad death I decided to try Simrad - Navico. I ended up having to add an external electronic compass. It would not calibrate properly. I originally thought my pedistal compass might be the problem, however using a handheld compass found that my main pedistal post is very ferrous!!!. I checked several Edson pedistals in my marina and found the same thing. Anyway Simrad - Navico has been very helpfull in solving my problem. I could never ger Autohelm to return a phone ca;ll or reply to a request for help via e-mail.
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Terry Jack
Simrad - Navico
I originally had a autohelm 4000 wheel. After it died a sad death I decided to try Simrad - Navico. I ended up having to add an external electronic compass. It would not calibrate properly. I originally thought my pedistal compass might be the problem, however using a handheld compass found that my main pedistal post is very ferrous!!!. I checked several Edson pedistals in my marina and found the same thing. Anyway Simrad - Navico has been very helpfull in solving my problem. I could never ger Autohelm to return a phone ca;ll or reply to a request for help via e-mail.
I originally had a autohelm 4000 wheel. After it died a sad death I decided to try Simrad - Navico. I ended up having to add an external electronic compass. It would not calibrate properly. I originally thought my pedistal compass might be the problem, however using a handheld compass found that my main pedistal post is very ferrous!!!. I checked several Edson pedistals in my marina and found the same thing. Anyway Simrad - Navico has been very helpfull in solving my problem. I could never ger Autohelm to return a phone ca;ll or reply to a request for help via e-mail.
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