Autopilot Advice Needed

[CapnCrunch]

I recently bought a '83 Lancer 44' motorsailor that had been sitting on the hard for several years. I have rebuilt one of her two Perkins 4.236s and, since the other one is performing well too, I am now focusing on the autopilot system. The system in place is the Navico H8000 and while the elements of the system look to be in good shape, I'm unable to test it because cable that connects the programmer to the unit is missing.

The system uses an Octopus model 2012 pump which seems to be working. I also replaced the original transducer with a Garmin b60 transducer connected to a Garmin GPSMAP 741xs display.

From what I'm reading, it looks like this group wouldn't recommend my trying to get the Navico system running so I'm wondering what y'all would suggest.

I will be retiring in 2 years and my current plan is to live aboard in the Caribbean for a couple of years, then head through the canal to Hawaii. I'm not rich but I don't mind spending the bucks necessary for a good, reliable a/p.

What say you?

[brantleychuck]

I have a 40 foot motor sailor. Major refit. After much thought I am about to order from Peligic auto pilots. It's a very basic unit. It will work with your hydraulic pump. It comes with your own auto pilot guy, Brian . At $640 I'm getting two. Using the second one with a electric drive motor mechanical backup up steering system. The primary one will work the hydraulic helm using the basic hydraulic pump.


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[Lepke]

Often ebay has parts for sale if you want to try and get it running for now. Also Craig's list. Marine electronics dealers may have old ones sitting around.
I have Furuno that runs great but is expensive.

[CapnCrunch]

brantleychuck: Thanx for the advice. I'm putting Pelagic in the mix to look at but the price is so cheap that it worries me! LOL Have you heard much about these products.

lepke: I've read so much negative about the Navico system that I don't think I want to waste any money trying to bandaid an old system together. especially since they no longer make parts for the system.

[brantleychuck]

Not much on the internet about Pelagic. I exchanged emails withe the owner, Brian. Followed up with a phone call. Very responsive. I just ordered 2 units . It will be awhile till I can personally report on performance


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[UNCIVILIZED]

At that price, I'll be curious to hear feedback myself.

[River Cruiser]

Following


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