Which autopilot to install?

Oct 26, 2010
2,214
Hunter 40.5 Beaufort, SC
Absolutely agree with ifmdalvey on the EV series autopilots and the EVO heading sensor. The Hunter 40.5 is on the upper displacement limit for the EV200 system. I chose it as it was "within the displacement limit" albeit on the upper end and I am not planning on any long ocean transits (some offshore/nearshore but not across large expanses of ocean) The Type 1 drive is a little easier on the battery drain. The EV400 and Type 2 rotary drive is heftier but probably a little overkill for what I am doing. I imagine the Island Packet 37 displaces as much or more than our 40.5s. The EV200 is still a whole lot more robust than the wheel drive I had before. Your choice but I'm very happy with the EV200/Type 1 Rotary Drive and EVO sensor with the P70 control head. Everything interfaces seamlessly with my Raymarine a98 chartplotter.
 
Nov 18, 2013
171
Catalina 310 Campbell River
I sail in and around Desolation Sound area (Canada) and my autopilot failed 3 years ago and haven't missed it yet as when we're not sailing (never used autopilot sailing) we're motoring, with the Edson wheel brake on, it holds the course better than what the autopilot did, this could be because I didn't have rudder indicator installed. For myself I have been looking at all types of autopilots and did not worry about networking the unit as with my current instruments networking could be a problem even if I used Raymarine systems as all manufactures have change the networking protocols in the last few years.