Suggestions for autopilot on a budget-30' Wheel

[Sailon1]

Greetings,

Fitting out my Pearson 30 for singlehanded light cruising, I'm looking at
an autopilot as an essential component. The boat has an Edson pedestal wheel and a CYS wind vane (all the components for the CYS are on the stern-not in the cockpit).

The EV-100 Wheel Pilot Pack ad popped up, and I see that new retail is about
$1400.

Does the EV-100 kit include everything needed as far as components and hardware?
Is the EV-100 considered a sound, reliable system?
What other brands should be considered?
Is installation relatively simple?
Should I consider buying a used unit?

Will there still be room for my drink holder?

Thanks for your input; I appreciate your help.

[gmakhs]

I have EV 100 TILLER PILOT I will tell you my idea of it .
Tiller arm (probably doesn't matter on your case )
Rated for 6.000 kilos but broke twice on my 2.100 kilos boat , not well thought design doesn't stop at limits.
Electric : supposly cables and connections are waterproof I have an issue with water intrusion at the connection with the compass in the locker (maybe installation mistake so I don't blame raymarine )
Electronic :
Here is the biggest problem of the unit , at the beginning everything works perfect the autopilot needs some calibration which is difficult to figure out how to do from the manuals but with little trial and error you manage .but after 3 days on my boat and while autolearn algorithm is working the autopilot becomes worse (on my case redicously over stearing) and.i have to make a factory reset .
I contacted raymarine multiple times and never received a response on how to address this issue .
Power consumption is very low and I am happy with it .

In general not worth the money but I don't know if there is anything better on the market , for sure not CNG and if you choose another brand make sure you gonna have warranty.

[Pete7]

I added a review after two years of using our Evo 100 on a 31ft yacht. Very happy with it.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ws-136885.html

Not sure I would buy secondhand because most are the older versions so miss out on the latest developments but still cost a lot secondhand.

You won't need a tea cup holder because there is no need to put a mug down, just reach over a press a button to change course.

Comes in 4 big boxes with everything you need. Fitting straight forward, just take your time to read the manuals and plan out the location of each component. I mounted the P70 control panel in a single navpod bought off e bay.

Also consider the US CPT Pilot.

Pete

[Sailon1]

Thanks, Pete, for the information. I've received some useful feedback
on the autopilot and it's all starting to make sense.

[SV Siren]

A lot of people who own CPT wheel pilots swear by them. The are a stand alone, but I hear rumblings from people now and then who have integrated with their nav. systems on their own.