Replacing Autopilot

[AirBoyzT]

Hello all,
I currently have an Autohelm ST4000 that is on the fritz and can't fine parts to save my life. I was looking at upgrading to a Raymarine EV-100 wheel pilot. Any thoughts on this unit? Seems reviews are scarce.

[onestepcsy37]

also consider the cpt autopilot. i've had mine ten years and love it.

www.cptautopilot.com

[AirBoyzT]

That does look like an easy install and looks like it could be fixed easily. Can you lock the wheel with it?

[Mhorowitz]

When I did this upgrade I opted for a Raymarine under deck unit. My boat had overpowered the wheel pilot and the under deck unit can always handle the boat. CAL 39 1981. Just a thought.

[AirBoyzT]

Originally Posted by Mhorowitz

When I did this upgrade I opted for a Raymarine under deck unit. My boat had overpowered the wheel pilot and the under deck unit can always handle the boat. CAL 39 1981. Just a thought.

Yea I see what you are saying, my current autopilot worked fine, I believe the control unit went out and can't get parts for it anymore sadly

[Mhorowitz]

If it handles the boat the new wheel pilot is easier install and cheaper but while you were thinking about it is the time to be sure that the under deck unit might provide benefits Good luck w ur project.

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by AirBoyzT

That does look like an easy install and looks like it could be fixed easily. Can you lock the wheel with it?

not sure what you mean by 'lock the wheel'. call cpt at the phone number listed on their website. you'll probably get jeff, the engineer who owns the company. really super guy. i know he will answer all your questions.

i've never had any repair issues; they are really overbuilt. my boat is 37 feet and 20000 lbs and it steers it like a toy. we just made a 48 hour downwind sail bahamas to florida, 5 foot following seas and 15-20 knot winds, and it steered the entire way without missing a beat. and downwind can be tough on some autopilots. the only maintenance involved is to grease the clutch assembly once in a while. for spares i carry an extra belt and a pair of clutch screws, but i've never used either.

i think an under deck autopilot may be overkill for a 31 foot boat. i thought about installing one on my boat but i've been so happy with the cpt i've put that idea on the back burner.

[AirBoyzT]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

not sure what you mean by 'lock the wheel'. call cpt at the phone number listed on their website. you'll probably get jeff, the engineer who owns the company. really super guy. i know he will answer all your questions.

i've never had any repair issues; they are really overbuilt. my boat is 37 feet and 20000 lbs and it steers it like a toy. we just made a 48 hour downwind sail bahamas to florida, 5 foot following seas and 15-20 knot winds, and it steered the entire way without missing a beat. and downwind can be tough on some autopilots. the only maintenance involved is to grease the clutch assembly once in a while. for spares i carry an extra belt and a pair of clutch screws, but i've never used either.

i think an under deck autopilot may be overkill for a 31 foot boat. i thought about installing one on my boat but i've been so happy with the cpt i've put that idea on the back burner.

Think I may get this one. I like the simplicity of it.

[onestepcsy37]

simplicity is also the reason i like it. let me know if you talk to jeff at cpt.....

[stillbuilding]

Hey, that looks interesting. I could install the drive below deck and keep control at the helm ( i have an unusual steering system on this particular boat).
Thanks for drawing my attention to it.

[AirBoyzT]

Anyone know if the EV-100 Wheelpilot will work with a Garmin Chartplotter (More specifically a Garmin 545)

[irwin37]

If you get a new pilot I could use the old wheel drive for a good price.

John

[AirBoyzT]

Originally Posted by irwin37

If you get a new pilot I could use the old wheel drive for a good price.

John

I would gladly do this, I just can't guarantee it works. I am thinking the control is the problem, but unsure. I won't be installing the new autopilot until march, so I will let you know.

[AirBoyzT]

Any suggestions on where to order the raymarine EV-100 without paying sales tax. I was just going to get it from west marine here, but they don't stock them and said to order from them online, so might as well order from somewhere else.