Which Auto Pilot to purchase?

[Karen M]

We purchased a 1991 Hunter 30 this spring and have loved sailing it. Did a week long cruise on it and figured out fast that an autopilot would be great. I'd love to buy one for my husband for Christmas, but which one? We have Nexus electronics and would love to be able to tie in with the rest of our navigation system. I have noticed there are several brands (Autohelm, Simrad) which do you think is best?

 

[Steve Dion]

Nexus has one too.

Check out Nexus, they have one also. We have a Simrad and love it. Kind of a personal preference. Most of them will interface to your instruments.

 

[T. Payne]

Auto Pilot or Bust

Karen,The best purchase I ever made for my Hunter Vision 32 was a Raytheon ST 4000 + Auto Pilot. I also purchased the remote control, for stearing while sitting on the deck or down in the cabin. The remote is also a repeater to obtain info (Depth, Speed, and GPS information). I would look in West Marine's catalog for a complete explanation of auto pilots. I would then probaly make the purchase from Defender, 800-628-8225. I do recommend being able to intraface with all your instruments, also make sure you can intraface with a GPS. My raytheon combined with my little GPS will take me right to my way point. The thing I really love, is knowing how long it will take me to get to the way point. If I am going to slow, I fire up the engines. Please feel free to e-mail me at tgpayne@earthlink.net if I can help you in any way. I know you will love your autopilot and be able to enjoy your cruising alot more.

 

[BarryG]

Autohelm

I can only speak for the Raytheon ST4000. I installed it on my 82' H30 early this year and it has worked great. I do not have experience with the remote but sounds like a great added feature. I also like the cosmetic look of having no belts flapping around. It's a nice working, clean looking unit.