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JETTEST · 14-02-2013, 11:37

I've got an old navico wheel pilot system installed (previous owner) and it works well holding a heading. Its on my E-32 sailboat. I assume it has an internal compass.

The head, which is mounted right of the helm, has a green standby/auto switch and a grey nav button with two green "tack" arrow buttons. It has a green lever on the left side of the helm that engages the servo to the wheel.

Anyhow, when I hit NAV it holds a heading and when I hit the tack arrows it adjusts a degree in either direction as it should. My question is, is there any way that I can couple it to a Chartplotter to nav on a preselected course?I currently just use heading mode and manually input course corrections.

I dunno how old it is but I'd assume OLD. I don't see any inputs except the black cable leading to it which I assume leads to a computer somewhere. I haven't tracked it down yet.

Anyone familiar with this unit that can verify whether it has a course following function or if it's just a heading tracking variant? I don't have a manual or the model number.

Dunno whether to upgrade to an SPX-5 or whether I can make do for a while longer without spending 1600 bucks. My Chartplotter/radar is current generation raymarine with seatalk..

captmikecoin · 14-02-2013, 12:37

If it were me, I'd keep them separate so that you are forced to monitor your course and each course change.

Cheers,

Mike

JETTEST · 14-02-2013, 13:06

Not crossing any oceans or sleeping while navigating... Just like the "gadgetry" and the ability to fish off of other locations on the boat underway...