Looking for opinions on a tiller pilot choice for my Oday 26. The Simrad seems to have higher ratings for boat size/displacement and more peak thrust. I believe they are around the same cost. Anyone have experience with these units or others I should consider? Thanks!
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Personal Opinion
The ST-1000, rated for boats at 5,000 lbs displacement, is too small for a 26. I know that "technically" it's in the range, but my opinion is that anytime you're dealing with a consumer item and getting close to the max recommended rating, get a better unit. Not sure what your 26 weighs, but my 1976 O'Day 25 is about 4800 lbs, plus all the "extras" I've got, which I'm sure puts it over. Spend the extra, you won't regret it.
The ST-1000, rated for boats at 5,000 lbs displacement, is too small for a 26. I know that "technically" it's in the range, but my opinion is that anytime you're dealing with a consumer item and getting close to the max recommended rating, get a better unit. Not sure what your 26 weighs, but my 1976 O'Day 25 is about 4800 lbs, plus all the "extras" I've got, which I'm sure puts it over. Spend the extra, you won't regret it.
Gotta agree with Herb
except that I would just get the ST2000 for your 26. I love my ST1000 on our 23. My only problem with it is that I have to remind myself not to get dependant on it. It's interesting to get the sail balance set so that the Otto (as in Otto-pilot) gets real quiet. Hearing Otto working back and forth as the wind gusts and dies tells me that the balance is off. Makes you notice the sail trim more.
except that I would just get the ST2000 for your 26. I love my ST1000 on our 23. My only problem with it is that I have to remind myself not to get dependant on it. It's interesting to get the sail balance set so that the Otto (as in Otto-pilot) gets real quiet. Hearing Otto working back and forth as the wind gusts and dies tells me that the balance is off. Makes you notice the sail trim more.
Rating
Their website does say 6,600 lbs. Don't know if they changed the rating, or if my memory is just bad, but I'm pretty sure when I bought mine 3 years ago, it was 5,000 and 10,000. If the unit's rated at 6,600 lbs, you'd probably do fine. I think I'm keeping my ST-2000 though. However, I DO want one of the wireless remotes. Anyone have either of the following: 1 Experience (good or bad) with it? 2 A good source at better than $500 for one?
Their website does say 6,600 lbs. Don't know if they changed the rating, or if my memory is just bad, but I'm pretty sure when I bought mine 3 years ago, it was 5,000 and 10,000. If the unit's rated at 6,600 lbs, you'd probably do fine. I think I'm keeping my ST-2000 though. However, I DO want one of the wireless remotes. Anyone have either of the following: 1 Experience (good or bad) with it? 2 A good source at better than $500 for one?
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