Hi everyone, I am a newbee on board..be gentle. I have just acquired a 1985 Hunter 31 that needs an autopilot and I am considering the Simrad WP32 or the Raytheon ST4000. Need all your input! Thanks Luke
Simrad vs. Raytheon wheel pilot?
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No question, Simrad!
Luke: We have a 1985 Hunter 31. I have had the Navico WP300 on this boat for several years. It really works well. The Simrad units are just the improved versions. The biggest advantage is the ease of installation. Next advantage is that I have had this unit for 5 years or more and it has worked without a hitch. These units are quite adequate for your size of a boat, they can handle much larger vessels.
Luke: We have a 1985 Hunter 31. I have had the Navico WP300 on this boat for several years. It really works well. The Simrad units are just the improved versions. The biggest advantage is the ease of installation. Next advantage is that I have had this unit for 5 years or more and it has worked without a hitch. These units are quite adequate for your size of a boat, they can handle much larger vessels.
Simrad
The other manufacturer was getting bashed about repair, so, I choose Simrad and have been happy with it. I did like the idea of the free remote but beware, it's not wireless. I don't know why I thought it would be, but, it wasn't! The install was simple enough but it would be best if you had someone with you that had installed before. it's always simple the 2nd time around. good luck, jack
The other manufacturer was getting bashed about repair, so, I choose Simrad and have been happy with it. I did like the idea of the free remote but beware, it's not wireless. I don't know why I thought it would be, but, it wasn't! The install was simple enough but it would be best if you had someone with you that had installed before. it's always simple the 2nd time around. good luck, jack
Simrad
I have had the WP 30 for about two years and agree with responses 1 and 2. Te only thing I don't like about it is the way the control box sticks out. My boat has a relatively small wheel and the control box sticks out just to the edge of the wheel. There is a fairly small space between the wheel and the box and sometimes my fingers get caught in between. Also, when the wheel is off to make for more cockpit space, the control box is then sticking out from the pedestal and is in the way a little. No big deal but I thought I would mention it. I would buy it again.
I have had the WP 30 for about two years and agree with responses 1 and 2. Te only thing I don't like about it is the way the control box sticks out. My boat has a relatively small wheel and the control box sticks out just to the edge of the wheel. There is a fairly small space between the wheel and the box and sometimes my fingers get caught in between. Also, when the wheel is off to make for more cockpit space, the control box is then sticking out from the pedestal and is in the way a little. No big deal but I thought I would mention it. I would buy it again.
Simrad Feedback
I got the Simrad WP30 last season, installed it, and had intermittent success with the performance. Finally got to the point where it would not work at all. Sent it back to Simrad and just got off the phone with them today. Bad compass. Fully covered under warrantee, will be fixed it sent back to me asap. Their service was very helpful. Even considering the problem, I'd buy Simrad again. Installation was very straight forward. T J
I got the Simrad WP30 last season, installed it, and had intermittent success with the performance. Finally got to the point where it would not work at all. Sent it back to Simrad and just got off the phone with them today. Bad compass. Fully covered under warrantee, will be fixed it sent back to me asap. Their service was very helpful. Even considering the problem, I'd buy Simrad again. Installation was very straight forward. T J
I've owned both....
Having Owned Both Simrad & Raymarine.. I'd say I like the features of the Raymarine ST 4000+ MKII over the mostly non existant features of my Simrad WP30. I had a WP30 on a Catalina 36 and it was affected by some of the metals in the steering pedestal. If your just using it for "point & shoot" (aim the boat and turn on the AP) the WP30 will hold a course fairly well. The biggest benefit of the WP30 is a very easy install. The ST 4000+ MKII is a better unit when it comes to features and the MKII is a huge improvement over Ray's previous models of WP's. The menu system is great and the ability to dial in a course heading is very, very useful plus the steer to wind and GPS is easier with a display. I also like the +10 -10 feature for dodging bouys etc. & I don't think my Simrad had a +10 -10 feature but it's been three years so I may have forgot that feature. It does take some reading of the manual and patience to get the ST 4000 syncronized and dialed in but it synchronized easier than my WP30 did probably because of the location of the flux gate compass on the WP30. I spent half a day going in circles trying to calibrate my WP30 and the Raymarine took about 10 minutes. When it came time to outfit my new boat I did not choose the WP30 again and I'm very happy with the ST 4000+ MKII. I put approx 1600nm on it in one season and it's worked perfectly! One additional note on the WP30. It had to go back for service twice and both times Simrad repaired it free of charge but the shipping was very expensive and the turn around time was about 12 weeks or an entire sailing season. If you need to send something to Simrad send it in the off season if you can......
Having Owned Both Simrad & Raymarine.. I'd say I like the features of the Raymarine ST 4000+ MKII over the mostly non existant features of my Simrad WP30. I had a WP30 on a Catalina 36 and it was affected by some of the metals in the steering pedestal. If your just using it for "point & shoot" (aim the boat and turn on the AP) the WP30 will hold a course fairly well. The biggest benefit of the WP30 is a very easy install. The ST 4000+ MKII is a better unit when it comes to features and the MKII is a huge improvement over Ray's previous models of WP's. The menu system is great and the ability to dial in a course heading is very, very useful plus the steer to wind and GPS is easier with a display. I also like the +10 -10 feature for dodging bouys etc. & I don't think my Simrad had a +10 -10 feature but it's been three years so I may have forgot that feature. It does take some reading of the manual and patience to get the ST 4000 syncronized and dialed in but it synchronized easier than my WP30 did probably because of the location of the flux gate compass on the WP30. I spent half a day going in circles trying to calibrate my WP30 and the Raymarine took about 10 minutes. When it came time to outfit my new boat I did not choose the WP30 again and I'm very happy with the ST 4000+ MKII. I put approx 1600nm on it in one season and it's worked perfectly! One additional note on the WP30. It had to go back for service twice and both times Simrad repaired it free of charge but the shipping was very expensive and the turn around time was about 12 weeks or an entire sailing season. If you need to send something to Simrad send it in the off season if you can......
I picked Simrad
I installed a Simrad WP30 on my Galaxy 32 - it was simple to install, and I tied it into my Gramin GPS with no problem. I traded that boat in for a sabre 32 and kept the WP for it I like it so much. The ease of installation and ease of use was great. Steer to waypoint is dead simple.
I installed a Simrad WP30 on my Galaxy 32 - it was simple to install, and I tied it into my Gramin GPS with no problem. I traded that boat in for a sabre 32 and kept the WP for it I like it so much. The ease of installation and ease of use was great. Steer to waypoint is dead simple.
Good info
I believe both are good units. The Simrad has the free wired remote (may or may not be useful) and is easier to install since it's self contained (including the controls). That is nice but can be a negative since the Raymarine control head can be mounted in a convenient location and is thus less bulky at the helm. I was happy with my ST4000 which performed flawlessly on my Catalina 36 for several years, including trips up the Washington coast and around Vancouver Island. Raymarine also has a wireless remote/repeater available but it's spendy at ($599 MAP). Both pilots are comparable in price and should serve you well. Have fun choosing! Trevor
I believe both are good units. The Simrad has the free wired remote (may or may not be useful) and is easier to install since it's self contained (including the controls). That is nice but can be a negative since the Raymarine control head can be mounted in a convenient location and is thus less bulky at the helm. I was happy with my ST4000 which performed flawlessly on my Catalina 36 for several years, including trips up the Washington coast and around Vancouver Island. Raymarine also has a wireless remote/repeater available but it's spendy at ($599 MAP). Both pilots are comparable in price and should serve you well. Have fun choosing! Trevor
Simrad remote is very handy.
Luke: I have a remote on my H31. I mounted it under the cockpit seat that provides access into the "PIT" on the starboard side. This allows me to sit up under the dodger when the weather is cool/wet and steer the boat with either 1 deg or 10 deg increments. The Simrad unit can also be hooked to a GPS or Computer to steer too.
Luke: I have a remote on my H31. I mounted it under the cockpit seat that provides access into the "PIT" on the starboard side. This allows me to sit up under the dodger when the weather is cool/wet and steer the boat with either 1 deg or 10 deg increments. The Simrad unit can also be hooked to a GPS or Computer to steer too.
simrad
when my raymarine st4000+mkii went blooey and blew itself and the rest of my electrics up raymarine customer support disappeared despite my numerous attempt to contact them by phone, email and tom tom. you are warned
when my raymarine st4000+mkii went blooey and blew itself and the rest of my electrics up raymarine customer support disappeared despite my numerous attempt to contact them by phone, email and tom tom. you are warned
Raymarine S1 sneak preview
I don't know when this new Raymarine wheel pilot will be released (March or April?), but here's a sneak peak at Raymarine's new wheelpilot: • The innovative new S1 WheelPilot is equipped with the fully enclosed MkII wheel-drive for simple installation and below deck autopilot performance. • Complete with everything needed for easy installation, the WheelPilot is quick to fit and simple to use. • Mount the separate ST6002 control unit where it is easy to reach and see. The patented fluxgate compass is mounted separately for optimum performance. The LCD shows the pilot status and repeats up to seven pages of user-defined navigation data from your ST60 system. • The WheelPilot is designed for yachts with a laden displacement of up to 8,500kg (18,700lbs). Features • Quick and easy installation. • Remotely mounted course computer • Fits most types of wheel. • Independent remote display for 'best location'. • Simple clutch engagement mechanism. • Add extra ST6002 or ST7002 control heads • Optional wireless remote controls available Ah, but the catch is the price! At over $3,500 I'd stick with the ST4000 ! Trevor
I don't know when this new Raymarine wheel pilot will be released (March or April?), but here's a sneak peak at Raymarine's new wheelpilot: • The innovative new S1 WheelPilot is equipped with the fully enclosed MkII wheel-drive for simple installation and below deck autopilot performance. • Complete with everything needed for easy installation, the WheelPilot is quick to fit and simple to use. • Mount the separate ST6002 control unit where it is easy to reach and see. The patented fluxgate compass is mounted separately for optimum performance. The LCD shows the pilot status and repeats up to seven pages of user-defined navigation data from your ST60 system. • The WheelPilot is designed for yachts with a laden displacement of up to 8,500kg (18,700lbs). Features • Quick and easy installation. • Remotely mounted course computer • Fits most types of wheel. • Independent remote display for 'best location'. • Simple clutch engagement mechanism. • Add extra ST6002 or ST7002 control heads • Optional wireless remote controls available Ah, but the catch is the price! At over $3,500 I'd stick with the ST4000 ! Trevor
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Simrad
I have a Simrad Tiller Pilot TP10 that went south on me 3 years ago. Customer service had it replaced with a new one within a few weeks. Something about the old one being within a bad series of Serial numbers. The new one works great and I've even lost it overboard once in a single handed race in heavy weather. The main sheet pulled it off the tiller during a tack and spit it over the side. I looked back and it was floating. I went back for it, retrieved it, plugged it in and it steered the rest of the race to a first place finish (No I'm not making this up). It is still working today and I put many hours of use on it. Back in '99 I was on a Cruise from San Diego to Cabo san Lucas on a '37 Catamaran that had an ST4000 Raymarine. About half way down the coast the ST4000 came apart and the gears spilled out on the floor. Amazingly we were able to put it back together and it steered the rest of the way. But it was a bit stressfull there for a little while. My next pilot will be a Simrad. Dave.
I have a Simrad Tiller Pilot TP10 that went south on me 3 years ago. Customer service had it replaced with a new one within a few weeks. Something about the old one being within a bad series of Serial numbers. The new one works great and I've even lost it overboard once in a single handed race in heavy weather. The main sheet pulled it off the tiller during a tack and spit it over the side. I looked back and it was floating. I went back for it, retrieved it, plugged it in and it steered the rest of the race to a first place finish (No I'm not making this up). It is still working today and I put many hours of use on it. Back in '99 I was on a Cruise from San Diego to Cabo san Lucas on a '37 Catamaran that had an ST4000 Raymarine. About half way down the coast the ST4000 came apart and the gears spilled out on the floor. Amazingly we were able to put it back together and it steered the rest of the way. But it was a bit stressfull there for a little while. My next pilot will be a Simrad. Dave.
Thanks Everyone!-
All your input is well appreciated. I have had good dealings with Raymarine service on a tiller pilot but I have freinds that tell of horror stories and repair estimates over replacement cost. Great to have all this feedback to weigh in...hope I can be of service to you guys in the future.. Luke
All your input is well appreciated. I have had good dealings with Raymarine service on a tiller pilot but I have freinds that tell of horror stories and repair estimates over replacement cost. Great to have all this feedback to weigh in...hope I can be of service to you guys in the future.. Luke
Simrad - Redux
Just a quick follow up to my earlier post regarding Simrad service. I shipped them my WP30 last Friday. Just called them to ask about something else related to the reinstall and was informed that it was already on the way back to me. Less than a week turnaround, not too shabby if you ask me. T J
Just a quick follow up to my earlier post regarding Simrad service. I shipped them my WP30 last Friday. Just called them to ask about something else related to the reinstall and was informed that it was already on the way back to me. Less than a week turnaround, not too shabby if you ask me. T J
Wheel pilots will serve you well, but
I'll second higgs' comment on an under-deck pilot. It's not a knock on the wheel pilots because I've had them and they did just fine, however, if the cable on your steering system comes apart and you don't have the means to repair it under way the under-deck unit will still let you steer and get to port. It happens more often than you might imagine. The under-deck pilots are more money and hassle to install but it's something for you to consider before you decide.
I'll second higgs' comment on an under-deck pilot. It's not a knock on the wheel pilots because I've had them and they did just fine, however, if the cable on your steering system comes apart and you don't have the means to repair it under way the under-deck unit will still let you steer and get to port. It happens more often than you might imagine. The under-deck pilots are more money and hassle to install but it's something for you to consider before you decide.
Under deck dilema!
Thank you for your advice,,,the idea of going under deck sounded cleaner and I would think less noisy..but the price seemed out of range considering my "list". If the boat remains steerable by the pilot motor, than it would seem to have a great safety value as well..it would easily be worth double the initial price... Luke
Thank you for your advice,,,the idea of going under deck sounded cleaner and I would think less noisy..but the price seemed out of range considering my "list". If the boat remains steerable by the pilot motor, than it would seem to have a great safety value as well..it would easily be worth double the initial price... Luke
Raymarine...consider this....
Yes the Simrad is easy to install. But probably the most important feature to consider when installing an above deck autopilot is the flux compass location!!! I stress this, your autopilot will not work if the compass is receiving electro magnetic interference. I bought the Raymarine ST4000 last season. I installed the remote compass and remote rudder sensor and located the controller in an easy access location. It works like a charm, I'm very pleased. Don't take the "quick" installation route, it may work or it may have you going in circles. Think about it.
Yes the Simrad is easy to install. But probably the most important feature to consider when installing an above deck autopilot is the flux compass location!!! I stress this, your autopilot will not work if the compass is receiving electro magnetic interference. I bought the Raymarine ST4000 last season. I installed the remote compass and remote rudder sensor and located the controller in an easy access location. It works like a charm, I'm very pleased. Don't take the "quick" installation route, it may work or it may have you going in circles. Think about it.
ONE MORE CONSIDERATION
I have a B&G Network pilot and an Autohelm 4000 wheel pilot as a back up. The B&G works better and is less noisy but I have one complaint. The below deck hydraulic ram is always engaged. This causes additional friction in the system that makes the steering stiff (it is a catamaran with 2 rudders and all the associated cable). If I were to change it I would install one of the clutch type drives that will disconnect the ram when not in use. The ST4000 works okay but you have to replace the belts every so often on them.
I have a B&G Network pilot and an Autohelm 4000 wheel pilot as a back up. The B&G works better and is less noisy but I have one complaint. The below deck hydraulic ram is always engaged. This causes additional friction in the system that makes the steering stiff (it is a catamaran with 2 rudders and all the associated cable). If I were to change it I would install one of the clutch type drives that will disconnect the ram when not in use. The ST4000 works okay but you have to replace the belts every so often on them.
Reason that a below deck pilot holds a better
course is that it has a rudder reference sensor (~$260) which AXEL mentioned and a course computer or "Smart Pack" (~$680) which contains a Gyroscope to compensate for some of the "swing" of the fluxgate. Without these Auto is like a blind man with a braile compass that doesn't know where the rudder is pointed. The bigger the waves the more his compass swings and he trys to follow. Adding the rudder sensor is a cost effective way to increase performance of a wheel pilot.
course is that it has a rudder reference sensor (~$260) which AXEL mentioned and a course computer or "Smart Pack" (~$680) which contains a Gyroscope to compensate for some of the "swing" of the fluxgate. Without these Auto is like a blind man with a braile compass that doesn't know where the rudder is pointed. The bigger the waves the more his compass swings and he trys to follow. Adding the rudder sensor is a cost effective way to increase performance of a wheel pilot.
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