Steer me in the right direction

[Les Murray]

All,I am trying to decide on a new autopilot for my Catalina 36. My choices are to upgrade my current AH3000 (built in 86) to a new ST3000, replace it with a ST4000, or replace it with a SimRad WP30.I am pretty convinced replacing it with a new unit is the way to go. I am looking for your opinions on which unit is better.Personally, I like the functions of the Raymarine ST4000, but the installation seems a little involved. The Simrad WP30 looks easier to install and is a little more powerful.What do you think? Thanks for the help.Les Murrays/v Ceilidh'86 C-36 560

 

[Steve Dion]

you summed it up.

Les:I think that you have summed it up.I do not know if there is much difference in the functionallity of the two units. The Simrad WP30 can be interfaced to instruments/computer. You can also get a remote for it too. Oh, there is a current post regarding a guest getting caught in the cord. No need to worry about this with the Simrad, everything is on the wheel (that has it's pros/cons too).One difference is the price. I believe that I have seen the Simrad for about $720 w/free remote.

 

[Don/ SV Tellico]

Get a reconditioned one

You can get a factory reconditioned Navico 300 from Sailnet, Post Marine and some other outlets for $400 or so. The Navico model (grey) is exactly the same as the Simrad WP-30 (black) except for the color. (I bought a new one and examined it just to be sure.)I had Simrad check out my Navico model and they did some routine maintenance on it. The guy at Simrad tells me that the reconditioned ones are as good as new.They are great machines and easy to install, return, service, etc. Their site is linked below.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Love my Simrad.

It's actually the Navico(gray) but they are identical. There's no display if you like that kind of thing. But also no fluxgate to mount and wire. Just one wire to get through the pedestal. So far only the 12V but all the NMEA wiring is there. Handles the H37C's 18000# plus in some pretty rough Lake Erie weather.I improved the mounting by using a 6"x6" heavy rubber coupler found in Lowes plumbing department. Comes with better stainless clamps than Simrad supplies. Cut a section out so it wraps around the pedestal and butts, not overlaps. Makes for a better, more stable fit than the thin rubber strips they provide.

 

[Jerry Villines]

Auto Helm

I replaced my old st4000 with a new one on my 84 Hunter 34. The installation is straight forward. I am not totally please dwith the performance though. If I was to do this again I would read each manual for each auto pilot that is made for my boat. Mine wanders way too much and so I only use it when I want to move around the boat for short periods. I think there is an outfit named CPT that makes a unit that looks like something from 1950 or so but I have heard very good things about it. Low energy appetite and doesn't wander much.