Advice on Autopilots

[George Segal]

I have just bought a '95 36 MKII and am thinking about installing an autopilot. A relatively simple one should be adequate. Raytheon, Navico and probably others make a unit that is installed on the wheel pedestal. They are, reportedly, easy to install and cost less than $1,000. Do they work well? Does anyone have good or bad experience with these or other autopilots?

[David]

George, Your decision to go with an autopilot will not be regretted. It makes single-handed sailing a breeze. Avoid the models that are belt-driven, they can slip under heavy loads. I know there are fixes that can help that, but why fix when you can enjoy. I fond of the Autohelm series by Raytheon. Remember that autopilots these days can easily be interfaced with other electronics on board. Good Luck!

[PJ Walchenbach]

George: I had auto pilot installed by the dealer the second season I owned my MKII 36. If I had it to do again, it would be the first piece of gear I installed. It makes sailing so much more enjoyable. For example, now I can engage "Ray" and play with the shape of the main my self rather than trying to explain what I want to others. I had the Raytheon 5000 below deck model installed. There are no moving parts above deck. I highly recommend this system. I also got the remote control which I absolutely love. On pleasant long crossings I can sit on the foredeck, lean against the mast and sail the boat.One of the coolest features is where Ray sails to an apparent wind angle and not to any given waypoint. The boat just keeps driving along while following the wind.I have a few friends with belt driven systems. They (the systems) are relatively unreliable. Save your $ and get a non-belt system.Feel free to email me if you want more information.Paul Walchenbachs/v Mata HariSeattle, WApjwalch@sprynet.com

[Art Golden]

Go for it! - It makes crusing that much more enjoyable. And I agree, get the remote.

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Be sure to get the one sized for your boat if not one size bigger. Sometimes the loads they recommend aren't really realistic. I'd go one step up in size just to be on the safe side. You'll truly enjoy the freedom it will give you. Have fun with it!LaDonna

[Bob 1986 Catalina 36]

I have the Raytheon 3000 it is a belt system and it works ok but is unreliable at times. I would agree with the others and would not get a belt system but an auto-pilot is a must.

[Keith]

I have the autohelm 4000ST on my 91 Cat and it works very well. I sail on inland lakes so there is not the overload problems that ocean sailing can bring on. I would highly recommend the 4000st if you are not going out to sea. If ocean sailing is what you are looking for, you will have to spend the extra bucks and put in a below deck unit. Would I put another one on if mine broke? In a heart beat!!!

[Craig Cody]

My 1985 Cat36 came with an Autohelm 4000ST. While it is adequate, it will be replaced with a below-deck unit and remote should replacement ever come up. I have had an autopilot on my last two boats, and it would be the first piece of equipment installed on any boat I own. I have interfaced mine with my GPS and other instruments, and am going further with an interface to a nav program on my laptop. I could theoretically go from here (Santa Barbara) to any harbor on earth and never touch the helm. I would rather steer her myself, but the autopilot sure makes things convenient.

[Michael McCann]

George;I have a 93 C36 equipped with the Autohelm 4000 ST. I have been up and down the coast of Washington from Astoria to Seattle. I have encountered all conditions of wind and waves. The autohelm has performed very well. My friend has the 4000 on his C42, and he has sailed the same waters as I, and he has had no trouble. The 4000 model is belt driven, it's enclosed within the unit, but it is belt driven. If you think you will be doing alot of long distance offshore sailing, install a unit below deck. If you are only going to do coastal a 4000 will serve you well.Mike

[Mike s/v Chute the Breeze]

Mike Mc is right the 4000 is really a belt driven AP also.. but I agree with most that it is your best bang for the buck and they work very well in most conditions.. I use the 4000+ on my 38 with very little problems, but then again I don't usually do more than 100 to 200 miles at one time and I'm not off shore..bottom line I'd replace it with another one just like it..IMHOMike

[Ernie A]

Hi, George--I can suggest you consider the Autohelm ST-4000 as being better quality and less exposed to problems than the ST-3000.I installed an Autohelm ST-4000 on a 34' all by myself - fit then plug-and-play. It's a great unit and well-supported by Raytheon Marine. Its a terricific piece of equipment to have on board -- there is more to sailing than helming. If you have Autohelm instruments, it interfaces automatically -- as well as with the GPS and RADAR that are probably down the road for you. I now have an ST-6000 on my C-42 and suggest that a below deck unit is a porbably bit of overkill (power and $$) for a 36'.Enjoy your new deck-hand.Ernie AprilWindCatcher

[Chris Bloor]

George, we agree! Our C-42 came with an Autohelm 4000, but like Ernie April ( Hi, Ernie!) we're going to install a 6000 probably next season. While the 4000 is theoretically large enough for our boat (approx. 10 tons), it sometimes struggles in larger waves and winds. Like LaDonna suggested, one size up is probably a better bet! But we wouldn't trade it for the world! Like most of us, I love steering to see just what we can get out of her -- so does Bob, even more than I do -- but what I like even more is turning on the autopilot, grabbing a Coke, and sitting on the stern seat (on the high side!) with a good book! Good luck with your decision, and happy sailing!Chris BloorS/V Great Escape IIIC-42 #372