Hello Everyone, I have a 1983 30' Catalina that my wife and I enjoy tremendously. I am looking into adding an Auto Pilot, as well as changing out the current roller furling (which I don't enjoy). These are the choices I have come up with so far, I was wondering if any of you have an opinion on the options I have listed below. Hopefully this could help me make the final decision. Simrad WP30CX Autopilot,plus remote Raytheon ST4000+ MKII,plus remote Schaefer 1100-03 Furler Po-Furl LC-32 Furler Harken Unit 1 My wife and I sail mostly along the coast of San Diego. Thanks in advance Jack
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Good starting list.
Jack: You have a good starting list. I would add the Spin-tec furler too your list (sold on this site). In my opinion it is better than the ones you have on your list and will probably in in the middle as far as the cost goes. I also may add that the WP30 is a great autopilot. I have heard good things from most of the owners
Jack: You have a good starting list. I would add the Spin-tec furler too your list (sold on this site). In my opinion it is better than the ones you have on your list and will probably in in the middle as far as the cost goes. I also may add that the WP30 is a great autopilot. I have heard good things from most of the owners
Choices
I think the Pro Furl products are very good with good support. Good things with both autopilots. My personal choice is the ST 4000. Looks less bulky on the wheel and handles my 14000 lbs well.
I think the Pro Furl products are very good with good support. Good things with both autopilots. My personal choice is the ST 4000. Looks less bulky on the wheel and handles my 14000 lbs well.
ST4000
I have an earlier model of the ST4000 that's performed very well for me. The remote is essential so you can tuck yourself in under the wdodger.
I have an earlier model of the ST4000 that's performed very well for me. The remote is essential so you can tuck yourself in under the wdodger.
WP-30
I have had both. I had the raytheon on a 27' and the Simrad on a 34'(present boat) but my preference has been the WP-30. Mainly for the ease of installation, cost, and customer support. I found both to work equally well. I also suggest getting the remote. Watch for deals, as I have seen the remote offered (free) on occasions.
I have had both. I had the raytheon on a 27' and the Simrad on a 34'(present boat) but my preference has been the WP-30. Mainly for the ease of installation, cost, and customer support. I found both to work equally well. I also suggest getting the remote. Watch for deals, as I have seen the remote offered (free) on occasions.
Simrad, Harken...or Pro-Furl
I vote for the Simrad autopilot -- great gear, very dependable -- and either the Harken or Pro-Furl. Great thing about Harken is the folks are top-notch in customer and technical service and you can actually get Peter Harken on the phone if you want. The gear is also superior as well. Pro-Furl is also good stuff and installation is straight-forward enough -- as well as on the Harken -- where you can do it yourself if you want..but, if you do, learn to use StaLoks. I have never heard of any problems with either the Harken or Pro-Furl furlers. I just don't know the Shaeffer at all, hence no opinion there. Good luck.
I vote for the Simrad autopilot -- great gear, very dependable -- and either the Harken or Pro-Furl. Great thing about Harken is the folks are top-notch in customer and technical service and you can actually get Peter Harken on the phone if you want. The gear is also superior as well. Pro-Furl is also good stuff and installation is straight-forward enough -- as well as on the Harken -- where you can do it yourself if you want..but, if you do, learn to use StaLoks. I have never heard of any problems with either the Harken or Pro-Furl furlers. I just don't know the Shaeffer at all, hence no opinion there. Good luck.
I'm installing the wp30
Totally confusing isn't it? I finally broke down and ordered from sailnet.com and recieved my unit in just 4 days. On sale right now, includes remote and no shipping, no sales tax. Looks like a good unit, wish it had a digital display, but as pionted out to me by other sailors, I'll be installing a GPS and that will give the the display I want. Have not yet connected the wiring yet, but ran the units wire down the pedestal guard tubing and will be connecting to power source next trip to lake. I'll let you know how it works when I complete the install.
Totally confusing isn't it? I finally broke down and ordered from sailnet.com and recieved my unit in just 4 days. On sale right now, includes remote and no shipping, no sales tax. Looks like a good unit, wish it had a digital display, but as pionted out to me by other sailors, I'll be installing a GPS and that will give the the display I want. Have not yet connected the wiring yet, but ran the units wire down the pedestal guard tubing and will be connecting to power source next trip to lake. I'll let you know how it works when I complete the install.
Simrad and schaefer
I have had scheafer furlers on my last 2 boats- no problems at all. I removed an st4000 and installed a simrad(below deck). too many people are not happy with their autohelm st4000s
I have had scheafer furlers on my last 2 boats- no problems at all. I removed an st4000 and installed a simrad(below deck). too many people are not happy with their autohelm st4000s
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