tiller pilots.... simrad, raymarine, other brands???

[centerline]

I am going to purchase a tiller pilot for a 25ft boat but would like to hear from people that use them and what brands seem to be the most reliable and easy to use...

I have read the sales pitch on the simrad and raymarine units, but i dont know if there are any other brands available that may be worth considering.

tell me what you know about them.... thanks.

 

[Apex]

I have a Navico (Simrad) TP1800 that I am selling: $250. I purchased for that on eBay and never installed. Looks brand new. The new boat came with a Raymarine which appears very similar in function and design.

 

[Chris Patterson]

I still have an ST2000. Performed everything I wanted it to do. Flawlessly. I went with the 2000 because I didn't want to have that "regret" that I didn't just throw another hundred bucks at the thing, and get the biggest one. It drives the boat better than I can, it won't over correct like I tend to do. I hear good things about the Simrad, and my experience with the wheel pilot has been awesome. Never used the tiller model. And I think that the two Ray's, and the Simrad is about the only thing out there..

 

[Skipper]

I had the Simrad TP-22. Was a good pilot. Sold it with the last boat. Had the Navico version prior (TP-10 I think). It failed at 10 years, but it also got a lot of use. The TP-22 is more powerful.

 

[hewebb]

Apex

I just sent you a private message.

 

[THECUSCUS]

+1 for the ST2000. Its overkill yes, but the recirculating ball drive is alot smoother and uses less power than the screw type ST1000. I really like mine, makes single handing much easier and safer.

 

[Tsatzsue]

I have been contemplating getting one myself. This blog was good.

 

[Squidd]

+1 for the ST2000. Its overkill yes, but the recirculating ball drive is alot smoother and uses less power than the screw type ST1000. I really like mine, makes single handing much easier and safer.

Another vote for the ST2000, although I don't have anything for comparison, I like it for all the reasons mentioned in the posts above, but mostly for making me a better sailor...

I used to "set the sails" and then steer to the best speed available...literally getting blown where the wind wanted me...

Now I can set a steady/straight course in the direction I want to go....and now I "trim the sails" for most effeciency on the point of sail I have chosen...