Wheel Pilots

[Pat Taylor]

I have recently purchased a 1989 H33.5 and am planning to install a wheel pilot. The 2 that seem to meeet the need are the Simrad / Navico WP30 and the Raymarine / Autohelm ST4000+. I would appreciate any suggestions and any experience good or bad!ThanksPat Taylor

 

[jim johnson]

wheel pilot

I have a 1987 - hunter 31. Put a Simrad WP10 on it several years ago as I sail mostly single handed. Works fine easy to install except getting the power wiring to the unit, not Simrad's fault. I ran it up through the pedestal and out a hole in the side near control. Simrad has been great handling the one service requirement. My experience is to deal directly with Simrad rather than the local rep.Jim J

 

[Laura Bertran]

Simrad WP30

We got the WP30 this year and are very happy with it. No problems so far. Hard to imagine going back to not having one.Laura Bertran1985 H31, Rising Tide

 

[Steve Weinstein]

I'm still running the original Navico

Wheelpilot which is identical to the Simrad since Simrad bought Navico a bunch of years ago. Factory support is beyond excellent! I bought my unit in the fall of 1989 and she's still going strong. But definitely get the hand programer. Well worth the addt'l $$$$. I've got a '81 Hunter 33 so ability to handle your boat should be similar to mine.

 

[John Thomas]

Ray 4000+

I have the Raymarine 4000+ on my H30, and while it generally works very well, I have had trouble with the drive unit that goes on the steering wheel. The unit developed friction that made it hard to steer by hand, interfering with the free turning of the wheel. I returned it for repair ($160). The repaired unit broke apart in my hands while I was installing it. It is held together with small screws set into anchors that are set in plastic. Pretty poorly engineered if you ask me. I returned it again for repair. We'll see what happens. Sigh...