Auto Pilot Question (IP29)

[Amani Jnana]

Hi guys (and gals),

My delima: I need to install something to help keep the boat pointed in the right direction while I'm up on the deck of my new (to me) Island Packet 29, messing around with the sails etc.

The boat's GPS has nmea 183 input, and the steering system is a wheel with rack & pinion. I've maxed out my budget on this boat so I'm trying to find the least expensive solution. On the other hand reliability & quality usually translate to the lowest cost over the long run, so I guess what I'm looking for is an autopilot with less bells and whistles. Any suggestions?

Also, the boat is 32' LOA and weighs about 14,000 lbs when fully loaded.

All USEFUL suggestions much appreciated!

A.J.

Sailing Crystal Blue

[Sailmonkey]

We installed this corepack

http://www.humminbird.com/Products/SC-110-AP-Kit/

With a raymarine type 1 rotary drive. Our boat is quite similar to yours in layout and weight. We've crossed the Gulf of Mexico with it and I couldn't be more please! The price and specs are what initially caught my eye, but other than the blue halo that needs to be blacked out around the course knob it's been a great AP!

[Amani Jnana]

Ouch! I just looked at it. My heart skipped a few beats. It's $2000+

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm guessing you don't quite understand how tight my budget is. Am I being unreasonable in looking for something in the $1000-$1500 range?

Looking at that system, I think I could do without the display screen.

I started out looking out at tiller pilots (too weak, not enough leverage, etc.), and I'm now looking at wheel pilots in order to keep costs low.

I don't like the extra junk attached to the wheel in an already tight space, but I'm poor and need a solution!

A.J.

[Sailmonkey]

Everything that's able to steer a boat weighing 14000 lbs and do it reliably is going to start around 2-3k.

Here's another example of a simple system, a little less with the drive included, but still breaks 2k!

http://www.jefa.com/autopilot-f.htm

The CPT is another option. Alas it's also right at 2k, but installation is quite simple.

http://cptautopilot.com/order.php

[Sailmonkey]

I should add that there is this.

http://www.defender.com/category.jsp...687&id=2028710

I've got a special place in my bowels though for these types of pilots.

[Frankly]

I have used a Benmar chain drive (old, old technology) with a Raymarine X-5/6001 and fluxgate for a number of years. In a real blow with bad sail trim the clutch in the Benmar will slip, but easing the traveler solves this problem. You can sometimes find the Benmar drives on ebay and all the rest is always on ebay. Benmar in California will sell you a rebuilt drive if you can't find one. Chain/ sprockets from McMaster Carr. All in less than $1K, maybe $1,300 if you have to go to Benmar.

If you want to see some some install pictures go to IP Homeport or IPYOA. Best part my stereo/ FM uses more electricity than the AP under normal conditions.

A Raymarine wheel pilot will work, but it is nice to get all that off the wheel.

If you will check on the aft end of the steering shaft (back at the transom) you should find the keyway with the key ready to go.

[laika]

I'm not sure if there's a quadrant steering option offered by these guys, but they are legit. Good company, well built and fairly priced:
https://pelagicautopilot.com/

[a64pilot]

I have a CPT on my 38' and so far it has been flawless, just don't expect complicated and fancy cause it is neither.
It is nothing but a hold a heading pilot, interfaces with nothing.
I believe a Raymarine wheel pilot may work on your boat, but a CPT is not much more.
I bought it with the idea of adding a real autopilot later, but so far it does all I need so I may just buy the boxes to have spares and just use the CPT

[Lepke]

There are many used autopilots for sale. Ebay has them and many marine electronic companies that install often take older ones in trade. Ports and docks that cater to commercial fishermen is another place to look.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I should add that there is this.

Marine Wheel Pilot Systems

I've got a special place in my bowels though for these types of pilots.

Why? how many hours have you got sailing with the latest Raymarine Evo series?

Pete

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Why? how many hours have you got sailing with the latest Raymarine Evo series?



Pete

None, I've been soured by wheelpilots of the past.

[Pete7]

The reason I ask is I have just fitted one so will be interesting to use it this season.

Pete

[a64pilot]

As long as the boat is smaller or more accurately the steering loads are low, what's wrong with a Ray wheel pilot?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

As long as the boat is smaller or more accurately the steering loads are low, what's wrong with a Ray wheel pilot?

The wheel pilots have a series of plastic rollers/gears in the wheel that are fine for a while, then sound like mayhem, then become a pile of loose parts when you try to repair the mayhem sounds.

If the helm is really well balanced these autopilots are fine. But for a boat with a barn door rudder they're awful.

[DeepFrz]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

As long as the boat is smaller or more accurately the steering loads are low, what's wrong with a Ray wheel pilot?

I was watching a vlog and the guy was praising his wheel pilot, Raymarine. Then one day when he was half way between Norway and the Shetland Islands his auto pilot broke down. That's whats wrong with wheel pilots. They are good in sheltered waters and for day sailing or sailing where one can put in for repairs if needed but I wouldn't want one on the open ocean. We see way to many threads on CF about broken wheel and tiller pilots.