Autopilot

[salty]

We are looking at B&G, Robertson, and Raymarine below decks autopilots.

We're being told that Raymarine has increased their quality.

Looking for anyone with experience on any of these or other below decks models to provide comment.

[Pblais]

I've a Simrad / Robertson hydralic below decks now. My neighbor also has the exact same unit on his 37 ft Trawler. They work very well. Robertson is now part of Simrad. All these companies eat each other these days. Not sure what Raymarine is up to on decent auto pilots but you have to think they want a part of the business. The wheel based units do a job for the small price you pay, but they don't hold up in heavy weather or for very long.

Mine has an interesting story. The PO before the last PO actually installed the unit. What she did not know was that the hydralic piston was defective and so she never got it to work. The last PO tried to get it to work too so eventually boxed it all up and sent it across the pond to the factory. They of course dicovered the problem. They replaced the whole unit and sent it all back for free. The unit has been fine since. So at least they stand behind it even when the original owner is long gone.

[irwinsailor]

I have a 1999 raytheon something 6000. It is great under power but very sloopy under sail. I understand that it can be adjusted, if it can not then I would recomend a different unit.

[AnchorageGuy]

Salty, Take a look at Whalepilots by WH Autopilots in Washington state. They are magnificent under power and sail. I have never talked to an owner that had a failure although I am sure they must break down some time. The Dashews have been sailing their Deerfield 65 around the world with one and rave about it. Be cautious when owners tell you how great the service department is for some very well known autopilots. That means they have had a great deal of contact with them. When you deal with WH you deal with the owner of the company. He gave me his home phone number in case I ever needed to contact him. Try that with B&G or Raymarine. Chuck