I am considering an autopilot system for my 88 Catalina 30. Anyone have any info on which system to buy? Is Simrad or Raytheon better? Can Simrad interface with ST60 instruments? Thanks in advance for your input.
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Bob Howie
Apples & Apples
In this day of the solid-state, state-of-the-art electronics which become obsolete within 5 years of manufacture anyway a la computers and the microchip, it pretty much boils down to personal preference. Simrad v. Raytheon is an unwinnable debate; personally, I could very well go either way and both will talk to the various intruments out there due to their conformity with NMEA standards. One isn't going to go wrong either way. Simrad makes good gear; Raytheon developed the guidance system for Patriot missiles among other things! Both have great support. Flip a coin; heads or tails, I don't think you're gonna get hurt either way. Good luck.
In this day of the solid-state, state-of-the-art electronics which become obsolete within 5 years of manufacture anyway a la computers and the microchip, it pretty much boils down to personal preference. Simrad v. Raytheon is an unwinnable debate; personally, I could very well go either way and both will talk to the various intruments out there due to their conformity with NMEA standards. One isn't going to go wrong either way. Simrad makes good gear; Raytheon developed the guidance system for Patriot missiles among other things! Both have great support. Flip a coin; heads or tails, I don't think you're gonna get hurt either way. Good luck.
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Derek Rowell
I went with Raymarine...
... for two reasons (1) that it was very convenient to interface to my ST60's through SeaTalk, and (2) the control head gave me an extra SeaTalk cockpit display. The Simrad is easier to mount and install, but it has no numeric displays, and all communication is via NMEA. Only the ST60 Multi has NMEA input/output. I actually interface my GPS NMEA to the ST60 Multi at the nav station, and talk to the autopilot through the SeaTalk bus. That way I can display Lat/Lon at the nav station. The ST4000+ MkII is undersized for my boat (according to Raymarine) but it has performed well so far.
... for two reasons (1) that it was very convenient to interface to my ST60's through SeaTalk, and (2) the control head gave me an extra SeaTalk cockpit display. The Simrad is easier to mount and install, but it has no numeric displays, and all communication is via NMEA. Only the ST60 Multi has NMEA input/output. I actually interface my GPS NMEA to the ST60 Multi at the nav station, and talk to the autopilot through the SeaTalk bus. That way I can display Lat/Lon at the nav station. The ST4000+ MkII is undersized for my boat (according to Raymarine) but it has performed well so far.
More reported problems.
Bill: The Raytheon (RayMarine) have have had more reported problems (that is because they sell more units too). Like Bob mentioned it is a never ending debate over which unit is better. The Simrad/Navico unit seems to have a little more output. The installation is easier (depending on your pedestal, yours should be fine). You can find the installation instructions online. The known problems with the Simrad units where the clutch and the internal belt. They have been upgraded and/or repaired under warranty. They DO have a digital remote if you opt for one (but it is an upgrade), non-display units are given away with the base WP30CX unit. The remote makes it nice when the weather in inclement and you can tuck up under the dodger to stay of of the wind and the rain. If you start shopping, be sure to look at the WP30 not the WP10. The WP10 does not have the NEMA interface.
Bill: The Raytheon (RayMarine) have have had more reported problems (that is because they sell more units too). Like Bob mentioned it is a never ending debate over which unit is better. The Simrad/Navico unit seems to have a little more output. The installation is easier (depending on your pedestal, yours should be fine). You can find the installation instructions online. The known problems with the Simrad units where the clutch and the internal belt. They have been upgraded and/or repaired under warranty. They DO have a digital remote if you opt for one (but it is an upgrade), non-display units are given away with the base WP30CX unit. The remote makes it nice when the weather in inclement and you can tuck up under the dodger to stay of of the wind and the rain. If you start shopping, be sure to look at the WP30 not the WP10. The WP10 does not have the NEMA interface.
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Ken
Go for Simrad
I have a Raymarine, nothing but troubles. It was on the boat when I bought it. My old boat I had a Simrad, never a problem. It's not just because they sell more, it's because they're junk. I work in the industry, their support is the worst, and has gone down hill. The guy who fixes my autopilot, told me they're made to break. He fixes Simrad and Raymarine and says hands down the Simrad is the better unit. from my experiance with my old Simrad I believe it. P.S. the company that I work for doesn't carry Simrad only Raymarine and other brands.
I have a Raymarine, nothing but troubles. It was on the boat when I bought it. My old boat I had a Simrad, never a problem. It's not just because they sell more, it's because they're junk. I work in the industry, their support is the worst, and has gone down hill. The guy who fixes my autopilot, told me they're made to break. He fixes Simrad and Raymarine and says hands down the Simrad is the better unit. from my experiance with my old Simrad I believe it. P.S. the company that I work for doesn't carry Simrad only Raymarine and other brands.
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David
Autopilot
Bill, I have had the ST 4000 on three different boats with no trouble. Some people with the Simard swear by them, but recently there were post concerning defects on the WP's.
Bill, I have had the ST 4000 on three different boats with no trouble. Some people with the Simard swear by them, but recently there were post concerning defects on the WP's.
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Jack Tyler
Simrad's cockpit models are Navico heritage
My Navico WP300 failed twice but only after Simrad (who by then had inherited the line) failed - twice! - to provide molded parts that actually fit. Imagine having a unit for 6 months, while cruising and needing to use it every day, and you can't even press fit the mount onto its pins because the mount's poorly molded and the manufacturer can't bother. Words fail me... After the subsequent failures (and one fix in the field - poor connections on the buttons), repair service was slow and surly. I'm finally happy with the unit, however, as it's now permanently stored up forward under the v-berth and is a last-ditch option for self-steering after our 3 other choices fail (vane, CPT and tiller pilot on vane). Raymarine is part of a conglomerate that is at the top of its hi-tech game, it's marine franchise is as strong as it's ever been, and that means longevity. Is every unit made great? I surely don't know, but doubt it. Did Simrad earn my business or make me feel anything other than a lunkhead for choosing them. Not yet. Jack
My Navico WP300 failed twice but only after Simrad (who by then had inherited the line) failed - twice! - to provide molded parts that actually fit. Imagine having a unit for 6 months, while cruising and needing to use it every day, and you can't even press fit the mount onto its pins because the mount's poorly molded and the manufacturer can't bother. Words fail me... After the subsequent failures (and one fix in the field - poor connections on the buttons), repair service was slow and surly. I'm finally happy with the unit, however, as it's now permanently stored up forward under the v-berth and is a last-ditch option for self-steering after our 3 other choices fail (vane, CPT and tiller pilot on vane). Raymarine is part of a conglomerate that is at the top of its hi-tech game, it's marine franchise is as strong as it's ever been, and that means longevity. Is every unit made great? I surely don't know, but doubt it. Did Simrad earn my business or make me feel anything other than a lunkhead for choosing them. Not yet. Jack
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Bill Wehmer
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Edward Steenstra, III
Simrad
Simrad, have sold both for over 10 years now and Simrad wins hands down.Much easier to install and holds up very well.I will probably take some heat, but I really think Raymarine stuff is pure junk.I base this on 10 years as an electronics manager in a large marine electronics store.The stories of $5,000 color radars and other Ray gear broken right out of the box are too numerous to list.The return rate of this stuff is amazing.To their credit the consumer service is very good.Which ever you choose good luck! ED.
Simrad, have sold both for over 10 years now and Simrad wins hands down.Much easier to install and holds up very well.I will probably take some heat, but I really think Raymarine stuff is pure junk.I base this on 10 years as an electronics manager in a large marine electronics store.The stories of $5,000 color radars and other Ray gear broken right out of the box are too numerous to list.The return rate of this stuff is amazing.To their credit the consumer service is very good.Which ever you choose good luck! ED.
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Ken
Ed That's it
Ed, I'm in the same boat as you plus I've been a consumer, it was on the boat when I bought it. I've seen large amounts of returns on everything from sounders to radar. Here is where our experiance changes, I being a dealer have called customer support and got the old run around. The tech that we sometimes deal with tells me the quality of their systems has gone down over the years. Raymarine has not come out with a new product in years, they've repackaged old systems. I really don't see how cutting edge that is.
Ed, I'm in the same boat as you plus I've been a consumer, it was on the boat when I bought it. I've seen large amounts of returns on everything from sounders to radar. Here is where our experiance changes, I being a dealer have called customer support and got the old run around. The tech that we sometimes deal with tells me the quality of their systems has gone down over the years. Raymarine has not come out with a new product in years, they've repackaged old systems. I really don't see how cutting edge that is.
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Brian
Raymarine Yuck!
I have been very unhappy with every piece of Raymarine equipment I have purchased, or was installed on my H380. On my panel mounted VHF, I have had to replace a mic, and after that the whole unit twice. (warranty work or I would have bought something different) My hand held VHF was replaced new by WM (after failing) and then the replacement unit had to be shipped off for repair... all of this has been within the first 18 months of owning the boat... Not really crazy about the "logic" used to set, or reprogram the settings on any of the Raymarine products compared to others brands I have used, but that could be my lack of IQ... Cheers Brian s/v CREW REST
I have been very unhappy with every piece of Raymarine equipment I have purchased, or was installed on my H380. On my panel mounted VHF, I have had to replace a mic, and after that the whole unit twice. (warranty work or I would have bought something different) My hand held VHF was replaced new by WM (after failing) and then the replacement unit had to be shipped off for repair... all of this has been within the first 18 months of owning the boat... Not really crazy about the "logic" used to set, or reprogram the settings on any of the Raymarine products compared to others brands I have used, but that could be my lack of IQ... Cheers Brian s/v CREW REST
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