Tiller-pilot AutoHelm vs Navco

[Jim Cook]

I have an opportunity to buy either of two tiller pilots.A friend has and Auto Helm (model 340, I believe), which has slight use, for sale at $150.I can buy a Navico Corus Tillerpilot (model TP300CX), new in-box on clearance for $200. The book doesn't give weight capacity, but says it will handle boats up to 42 ft.In researching, I found that several tillerpilots only handle 6000 lb displacements or less. Since my O'27 is 7000 lb, I'm concerned about these units.I am leaning (or is it listing) toward the new unit and warranty. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.Jim C"Dream Chaser"

 

[Tom Ehmke]

Tillerpilots

Jim,I did a little research in the Defender, West Marine, and Boat US catalogs to find out what you are considering. The Navico unit is now Simrad, and at that price, I would grab it. The WM catalog describes the (Nabvico) ST3000CX as the Simrad TP 30 which will steer a boat up to 39' or 14000#, has good lock-to-lock speed, can be programmed to steer to waypoints, and has plenty of power for a 27 footer.The Autohelm unit is now Raytheon Autohelm, but the number you describe is not in a current catalog. Try logging onto the Raytheon website to find out what the unit does.Either one of these is a heck of a buy. The (Simrad) Navico lists for $699.99 in the WM catalog. If the Autohelm checks out, I would definitely consider it at that price.I've been looking for a good buy on a tillerpilot for a couple of years and haven't found anything as good as what you are looking at. Is this a private sale? I'd be interested in one of these units at that price.Tom