I hate to keep bugging you guys, but I was reading about a Simrad Wheel Pilot and the price of $799 seems really fair. Does anyone know if this model is any good? It says it is very easy to hook up, but I would like to know if anyone has any experiences with this particular model. Thanks again Tom
Simrad Wheel Auto Pilot
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rad
Wheel Pilot
If its a WP32 and it comes with the remote its an excellent price. Where did you see this price because I am looking also.
If its a WP32 and it comes with the remote its an excellent price. Where did you see this price because I am looking also.
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Brad Hoff
Have used one for 3 years
I have had one of these units for about 3 years and have had good luck with it. Had one breakdown where one of the bearings broke and had to be replaced. It is a rather simple unit and easy to repair. The kit was costly at about $100 and had all bearings (could not be purchased individually). Initial installation was easy and took all of about one day. The internal compass makes installation easier than the remote mounted units. I especially enjoy the remote steering control as I can use it in inclimate weather down below (motoring) while watching the radar and GPS for guidance and only peaking out every so often. This is not a robust unit and will not work under heavy weather helm, however, I don't think any wheel pilot will. One of the main drawbacks I see is the noise it makes. I may not have it adjusted as well as I should, but, it seems to overstear more than a human would normally do. As a result, it is almost always moving the wheel one way or another. On a quiet sailing day, this additional noise can be annoying. I sometimes just turn off the unit and use it as a wheel lock in one position. Have not hooked up to chart plotter yet and see no real reason to as It will hold a good straight line course by itself.
I have had one of these units for about 3 years and have had good luck with it. Had one breakdown where one of the bearings broke and had to be replaced. It is a rather simple unit and easy to repair. The kit was costly at about $100 and had all bearings (could not be purchased individually). Initial installation was easy and took all of about one day. The internal compass makes installation easier than the remote mounted units. I especially enjoy the remote steering control as I can use it in inclimate weather down below (motoring) while watching the radar and GPS for guidance and only peaking out every so often. This is not a robust unit and will not work under heavy weather helm, however, I don't think any wheel pilot will. One of the main drawbacks I see is the noise it makes. I may not have it adjusted as well as I should, but, it seems to overstear more than a human would normally do. As a result, it is almost always moving the wheel one way or another. On a quiet sailing day, this additional noise can be annoying. I sometimes just turn off the unit and use it as a wheel lock in one position. Have not hooked up to chart plotter yet and see no real reason to as It will hold a good straight line course by itself.
Simrad Wheel Auto Pilot
It did not come with the remote. I have looked so many places, I can't remember where I saw it, but I am always looking and I will find it! Tom
It did not come with the remote. I have looked so many places, I can't remember where I saw it, but I am always looking and I will find it! Tom
depends on your boat and how it is sized.
Tom: These units are generally very reliable and work well. You just need to be sure that it is sized for your boat. I had one on my old Hunter 31 and it is still working fine today. It hasn't even needed a replacement belt and it is probably 6 years old.
Tom: These units are generally very reliable and work well. You just need to be sure that it is sized for your boat. I had one on my old Hunter 31 and it is still working fine today. It hasn't even needed a replacement belt and it is probably 6 years old.
no more WP32'S
I checked all over today and finally called Simrad. They don't make the Wp32 any more, infact, one dealer told me they don't even sell one for a wheel sailboat. The only one I know of now is the Ray Marine S1 Tom
I checked all over today and finally called Simrad. They don't make the Wp32 any more, infact, one dealer told me they don't even sell one for a wheel sailboat. The only one I know of now is the Ray Marine S1 Tom
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rad
WP 30 remote
If you look right now there is a remote for sale in the classifieds. If I were you I'd jump on this one.
If you look right now there is a remote for sale in the classifieds. If I were you I'd jump on this one.
$780 for my wp 32 w/remote
I bought one for my '78 H 27' this winter from a store on ebay, The Marine Store. He started with 12 for sale, then dropped to 2. I plan to install it sometime in the next three weeks. I called Simrad USA I was told that the shift arm on the edson steering post may need to be bent a little for clearence. On the Simrad web sites it seems Simrad is big on cruiseship controls. The WP32 looks like the smallest they make. The unit will steer from pilot set course, gps or wind vane systems, it also self tacks. Looked like a good unit to me, I'll let you know as I learn more.
I bought one for my '78 H 27' this winter from a store on ebay, The Marine Store. He started with 12 for sale, then dropped to 2. I plan to install it sometime in the next three weeks. I called Simrad USA I was told that the shift arm on the edson steering post may need to be bent a little for clearence. On the Simrad web sites it seems Simrad is big on cruiseship controls. The WP32 looks like the smallest they make. The unit will steer from pilot set course, gps or wind vane systems, it also self tacks. Looked like a good unit to me, I'll let you know as I learn more.
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LJK
on a 31 hunter
Installed on on my 31 1984 hunter. Have used it on long and short trips including Tampa to Key West Works well.... easy to install... can be a little loud.
Installed on on my 31 1984 hunter. Have used it on long and short trips including Tampa to Key West Works well.... easy to install... can be a little loud.
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