Does anyone have any experience with both the Raymarine wheelpilot ST4000 and the Simrad wheelpilot, either WP-10 or WP-30? I have a 1987 Hunter 28.5 and am trying to decide which one to buy. The boat has an old Autohelm 4000 that really never worked properly since I got the boat a year ago.
Simrad vs Raymarine autopilots
- Thread starter mojo16700
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Autopilot Selection
Replaced the Navico on our '87 H31 with the ST4000 last year and, after tweeking the factory settings, have been satisfied with its performance. I changed the fluxgate compass location a couple of times before finally placing it on the bulkhead just aft of the engine compartment.
Replaced the Navico on our '87 H31 with the ST4000 last year and, after tweeking the factory settings, have been satisfied with its performance. I changed the fluxgate compass location a couple of times before finally placing it on the bulkhead just aft of the engine compartment.
Simrad WP30
Installed a WP30 this year on a 1980 Lancer 30. It has been the best investment I have made in this boat. I singlehand often.
Installed a WP30 this year on a 1980 Lancer 30. It has been the best investment I have made in this boat. I singlehand often.
Simrad
If those are the choices, the WP30 or the A4000, then I vote for Simrad. Some of my dockmates with lighter boats than my H37C(18000#) have The Raymarine A4000. They often have to hand steer in tough conditions while my WP30 takes me home. One particularly rough 40 mile crossing from Canada the WP30 handled surfing off waves at 9+ knots. The A4000 owners all turned them off. But your boat is light enough that either should work well. If you like a display and controls at eye level then it has to be the A4000. But you also have the hassle of finding a place for the flux gate. With the Simrad everything is contained in that one little unit. It only needs a ground and 12 volts. If you want wind and/or GPS input then you have to run those wires. If you purchase the WP30 be sure to get the handy remote, you can work at the bow and still miss the crab pots.
If those are the choices, the WP30 or the A4000, then I vote for Simrad. Some of my dockmates with lighter boats than my H37C(18000#) have The Raymarine A4000. They often have to hand steer in tough conditions while my WP30 takes me home. One particularly rough 40 mile crossing from Canada the WP30 handled surfing off waves at 9+ knots. The A4000 owners all turned them off. But your boat is light enough that either should work well. If you like a display and controls at eye level then it has to be the A4000. But you also have the hassle of finding a place for the flux gate. With the Simrad everything is contained in that one little unit. It only needs a ground and 12 volts. If you want wind and/or GPS input then you have to run those wires. If you purchase the WP30 be sure to get the handy remote, you can work at the bow and still miss the crab pots.
Customer service
I recently purchased a used tillerpilot on line and it didn't come with the tillerpin and socket. wnen I tried the local places they all said that they could probably get the parts in a couple of weeks, special order. I called Simrad and the guy I talked to said that he would send a kit to me no charge!!!!! this is a company that deserves the business they didn't have to go that far.
I recently purchased a used tillerpilot on line and it didn't come with the tillerpin and socket. wnen I tried the local places they all said that they could probably get the parts in a couple of weeks, special order. I called Simrad and the guy I talked to said that he would send a kit to me no charge!!!!! this is a company that deserves the business they didn't have to go that far.
WP-30 experience
My experience with Simrad goes like this. August 1st our boat was anchored out when a huge storm came through with wind rain and...lightning....we were struck...it turns out not directly but probably by a feeder sting. We lost most of our electronics and are still working with the insurance company , marina and manufacturers to finalize the repair. I sent the unit to Simrad in Washington State for evaluation and estimated repair. they told me it would take 4 weeks to even look at it once it was confirmed recived and in their system. When I called for initial repair consult and before the unit was sent they give you a Return Authorization Number RMA#....this is your start as nothing will be done without it. Almost exactly 4 weeks after they recieved it... I got a call at home. $380.00 to repair the damage. I confirmed with the insurance company and I authorized fixing the unit. That was last week. I am still awaiting info on when I will get the unit back. I can tell you that my experience was just as they said. when you call, you go right to a live friendly service oriented person and they call you back if you have questions!.... The unit before the strike perfored marvelously!.... I am looking forward to its return. PS my experience with XANTREX ( the makers of the heart link 2000 battery monitor) is another story. When you finally get through to them the receptionist is fine but if you have a technical question or repair question. plan on at least 45 min on hold while the call is transfered to INDIA....where they are less then helpfull and my last 3 attemps resulted in rude techs that treat this customer as less intelligent. Luckily the unit proved not repairing and our insurance company is giving us a direct swap for a new unit. I hope I wont need to contact them for a LONG time.
My experience with Simrad goes like this. August 1st our boat was anchored out when a huge storm came through with wind rain and...lightning....we were struck...it turns out not directly but probably by a feeder sting. We lost most of our electronics and are still working with the insurance company , marina and manufacturers to finalize the repair. I sent the unit to Simrad in Washington State for evaluation and estimated repair. they told me it would take 4 weeks to even look at it once it was confirmed recived and in their system. When I called for initial repair consult and before the unit was sent they give you a Return Authorization Number RMA#....this is your start as nothing will be done without it. Almost exactly 4 weeks after they recieved it... I got a call at home. $380.00 to repair the damage. I confirmed with the insurance company and I authorized fixing the unit. That was last week. I am still awaiting info on when I will get the unit back. I can tell you that my experience was just as they said. when you call, you go right to a live friendly service oriented person and they call you back if you have questions!.... The unit before the strike perfored marvelously!.... I am looking forward to its return. PS my experience with XANTREX ( the makers of the heart link 2000 battery monitor) is another story. When you finally get through to them the receptionist is fine but if you have a technical question or repair question. plan on at least 45 min on hold while the call is transfered to INDIA....where they are less then helpfull and my last 3 attemps resulted in rude techs that treat this customer as less intelligent. Luckily the unit proved not repairing and our insurance company is giving us a direct swap for a new unit. I hope I wont need to contact them for a LONG time.
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