Raymarine S1 Tiller Pilot - Recommendations/Gripes

[Opie91]

Looking at buying a Raymarine S1 Tiller Pilot. 29 ft and 9000 lb displacement. I'm just a weekend guy so there wont be any long runs with it, just looking for a little "hands off" time.

[Chief Engineer]

I like mine......works well....just follow the directions in calibrating it.

[bayview]

Water has found its way into the main bearing of the tiller arm/ram/piston.
Mine is only 18 months old. First signs of trouble was a horrible noise.

Not to worry I thought as I had a spare tiller arm from my previous 4000+ . Unfortunately this was seized solid with the same problem. Ended up pulling the original apart and rebuilding the race with a piece of tin can until I could go shopping and purchase bearing replacements and fit.

The water appears to be entering the tiller arm from the push rod end.

Any one else with this problem?

[Ex-Calif]

I am completely happy with mine. The original one failed but I don't know how old it was. The new one seems more robust and I think the spec was upgraded slightly.

The only gripe is that the auto tack feature is a bit slow. The ram doesn't have enough throw to turn the boat sharply enough and we'll usually get caught in irons. I could move the pivot point back on the tiller but then the loads will be higher on the unit.

With your 9,000lbs displacement you might consider the ST2000.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

With your 9,000lbs displacement you might consider the ST2000.

I am looking at the S1 Tiller Pilot. It has the course computer, remote fluxgate compass and built in control head. The max displacement for the unit is 13,000 lbs.

Raymarine Marine Electronics - S1 Plus Tiller Pilot

I looked at the ST2000, but the S1 seems a little more robust and since their X-5 unit came out the S1 can be had for a deep discount (around $630).

RAYMARINE S1 TILLER PILOT E12190 $628.89 -ULTIMATE PASSAGE

[daddle]

Raymarine Pilots are worth what you pay for them. Kinda carelessly designed for serious work. But popular and 'good enough'. I've owned several. And still use them on 2 boats.

The tiller pilots should be stored pushrod down in a dry place, I think. So they drain what leaks into their silly seals. I've put many hard miles on them. Follow the instructions and keep the GAIN and RESPONSE as low as possible.

I'm pretty sure NOBODY at Raymarine has ever been out on the water...what goofy junk.

[Opie91]

Not really looking for a serious autopilot. I don't spend that kind of time on the water. My wife is a reluctant helmsmen, she does a great job but would prefer not to. We have two small kids to keep and eye on also. I just want to be able to eat a sandwich with two hands so the tomato does not end up in my lap.

I would love a below deck auto pilot, but it is just not in the budget right now.