What experience do folks have with tiller pilots? If you've used them, which models? I'm looking at either the Simrad TP10 or Raymarine ST1000 Plus. Is the pilot/GPS connectivity worthwhile? Thanks.
Tiller pilot suggestions
- Thread starter Chip Tobey
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Best crew.
It is always ready to sail when you are and doesn't complain that the boat is tipping too much. I've got the Simrad on my H26. I sail by myself or with totally inexperience people. It's the extra hands that lets me put up and take down sails in any weather conditions. Lets me go below for that needed "short break." When the winds are light, it sails a better course than I would while I putter around on the boat. Worth the investment.
It is always ready to sail when you are and doesn't complain that the boat is tipping too much. I've got the Simrad on my H26. I sail by myself or with totally inexperience people. It's the extra hands that lets me put up and take down sails in any weather conditions. Lets me go below for that needed "short break." When the winds are light, it sails a better course than I would while I putter around on the boat. Worth the investment.
Cleaning the female electrical contacts
My boat came with a RayMarine/AutoHelm 800 installed. The contacts are corroded and it keeps cutting in and out, and is nearly unusable. I cleaned the male prongs with a StarBrite Corrosion Buster Pen, but it doesn't get into the female sockets. Any suggestions for cleaning the sockets? They're maybe a bit less than 1/8" in diameter. ...RickM...
My boat came with a RayMarine/AutoHelm 800 installed. The contacts are corroded and it keeps cutting in and out, and is nearly unusable. I cleaned the male prongs with a StarBrite Corrosion Buster Pen, but it doesn't get into the female sockets. Any suggestions for cleaning the sockets? They're maybe a bit less than 1/8" in diameter. ...RickM...
Tiller Pilot - At Work - Photo
Here is my recently installed Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilot at work while the 1st mate takes a snooze and I keep watch....
Here is my recently installed Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilot at work while the 1st mate takes a snooze and I keep watch....
Cleaning Electrical Contacts
Ric, I hate to say this but you may just have to break down and replace the socket. I've got one that does the same thing and I don't relish the idea of having to pull that baby out. My auto pilot does the same thing. My solution is to just spit on the male end of the connector and plug it in tight. It seems to work and doesn't cut out. I know this doesn't sound real professional and sanitary but until I replace the socket(which is from sea dog)it works. I have replaced one of my plugs on the top deck and have had no problem. I replaced the male and female ends. In your case it may be unwise to cut the end off your auto tiller and replace. Maybe that cleaner pen you used is enough to help the male end make contact with the new female assembly. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
Ric, I hate to say this but you may just have to break down and replace the socket. I've got one that does the same thing and I don't relish the idea of having to pull that baby out. My auto pilot does the same thing. My solution is to just spit on the male end of the connector and plug it in tight. It seems to work and doesn't cut out. I know this doesn't sound real professional and sanitary but until I replace the socket(which is from sea dog)it works. I have replaced one of my plugs on the top deck and have had no problem. I replaced the male and female ends. In your case it may be unwise to cut the end off your auto tiller and replace. Maybe that cleaner pen you used is enough to help the male end make contact with the new female assembly. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
New socket
Replacing the female socket that is mounted to the boat is a simple job if I could find the same socket. I don't really want to cut the cable on the unit itself to replace the male plug. I searched on the web once and couldn't mind a match. Calls to RayMarine didn't get me anywhere. Maybe I should look harder? The plug is black plastic, triangular-shaped but with rounded corners. There are three prongs, one thicker than the other two. Only two of the connectors are actually wired up. ...RickM...
Replacing the female socket that is mounted to the boat is a simple job if I could find the same socket. I don't really want to cut the cable on the unit itself to replace the male plug. I searched on the web once and couldn't mind a match. Calls to RayMarine didn't get me anywhere. Maybe I should look harder? The plug is black plastic, triangular-shaped but with rounded corners. There are three prongs, one thicker than the other two. Only two of the connectors are actually wired up. ...RickM...
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