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Sabbatical II · 21-12-2010, 11:54

I'm up to making a decision on autopilot brands for the new yacht. I'm installing Furuno electronics. I like the idea of having all the one brand of gear so we have the fewest problems with each component talking to the other and so that when there is a problem, we have even fewer problems with diagnostics. That is my only reason for considering Furuno I have heard no report of how they perform in the field or how they rate against a Coursemaster which is the builder's suggestion. The boat is 42' 12.5t (light) and the steering will be hydraulic because of the centre cockpit design.

Can anyone please help me?

Greg

Sabbatical II · 22-12-2010, 10:49

Is there anyone out there with expeience of Furuno hydraulic autopilots?

**s/v Jedi** · 22-12-2010, 23:01

I doubt Furuno manufactures the hydraulics they sell. My 1st choice would be Simrad/Robertson and Furuno my 2nd choice for AP. Your hydraulics is already there because your steering is hydraulic. All you need is an extra pump. If they list several options for boat size and you're close to the next bigger option, I would buy that bigger option pump.

I have a WH Smith pilot with commercial component-hydraulics and about 4 years ago installed a Simrad Robertson using that same system. The Simrad has become the primary system and the WH Smith the backup.

cheers,
Nick.

44'cruisingcat · 14-03-2011, 13:53

I have a coursemaster cm85i. (I usually call it the curse master.) I cannot recommend it. I don't want to say too much, since I'm about to start what I think will be a long battle with them, but suffice to say, if I was offered a refund, I'd grab it in a flash.

Sabbatical II · 10-04-2011, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

I have a coursemaster cm85i. (I usually call it the curse master.) I cannot recommend it. I don't want to say too much, since I'm about to start what I think will be a long battle with them, but suffice to say, if I was offered a refund, I'd grab it in a flash.

I've heard mainly good things about Coursemaster provided the unit was sized adequately. Are you able to shed any more light on the subject yet?

Greg

44'cruisingcat · 10-04-2011, 20:17

That's the strange thing: I had heard only good things about the Cursemaster too. But I have nothing complimentary to say about it.

I've taken video which I will upload onto you tube - ie. video of it alarming it is off course when it isn't off course. This alarm needs to be cancelled every 30 seconds or so.

Video of it alarming that it is off course when it actually is off course, but is applying ZERO rudder to correct itself. Or it's off course to starboard, and has 2 degrees of STARBOARD rudder applied!

I'd honestly have to rate it as the worst piece of electronic equipment I've ever owned.

Seriously my advice is, don't buy one!

**David M** · 10-04-2011, 20:21

For the electro-mechanical parts of your steering system look at Hynautics-Teleflex. For your autopilot controller I highly recommend Furuno. Furuno is not a company that manufactures steering components. They do make good autopilot controllers. Many smaller commercial boats use Furuno because of its reliability.

Sabbatical II · 10-04-2011, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

That's the strange thing: I had heard only good things about the Cursemaster too. But I have nothing complimentary to say about it.

I've taken video which I will upload onto you tube - ie. video of it alarming it is off course when it isn't off course. This alarm needs to be cancelled every 30 seconds or so.

Video of it alarming that it is off course when it actually is off course, but is applying ZERO rudder to correct itself. Or it's off course to starboard, and has 2 degrees of STARBOARD rudder applied!

I'd honestly have to rate it as the worst piece of electronic equipment I've ever owned.

Seriously my advice is, don't buy one!

Wow, your obviously passionate about Coursemaster and thanks for the tip.

Lancerbye · 10-04-2011, 20:59

If your looking for good quality check out Auto Nav. They are also widely used in commercial applications. The PO installed this one in around 2000. I single hand so it is used alot. Never had any problems.

Cobarblue · 17-04-2011, 18:51

I have been made aware of the problems you seem to have, could you contact Coursemaster to discuss.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

That's the strange thing: I had heard only good things about the Cursemaster too. But I have nothing complimentary to say about it.

I've taken video which I will upload onto you tube - ie. video of it alarming it is off course when it isn't off course. This alarm needs to be cancelled every 30 seconds or so.

Video of it alarming that it is off course when it actually is off course, but is applying ZERO rudder to correct itself. Or it's off course to starboard, and has 2 degrees of STARBOARD rudder applied!

I'd honestly have to rate it as the worst piece of electronic equipment I've ever owned.

Seriously my advice is, don't buy one!

**GordMay** · 18-04-2011, 04:27

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Cobarblue.

May we presume that you represent Coursemaster?

JJB · 18-04-2011, 05:08

We've always had Furuno everything autopilot included, I don't have a bad thing to say about anything Furuno, their customer service is amazing.
We've just added some Raymarine gear as well, but Furuno is still the main staple.

savoir · 18-04-2011, 05:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleebana

Is there anyone out there with expeience of Furuno hydraulic autopilots?

Furuno hardly make any autopilot drive units. If you want hydraulic, take a look at Simrad any of which will work just fine with a Furuno Navpilot.

I am extremely happy with my Navpilot 500.