Replacing old CTREK autopilot

[scottishguy]

Hi, I am looking at options to replace my old ctrek autopilot. I have a 44ft fin keel, spade rudder, sailboat with 10,000kg displacement.

The existing drive is a Lecomble and Schmidt hydraulic unit which I will probably keep. I am looking at the Raymarine Evo options and my boat seems to be on the cusp between the ACU-200 and 400 unit.

Anyone with a similar boat that can give some real world advice?

[sailor1924]

Not to hijack your thread but what are doing with the old Cetrek? I have a 715/ 730 and am interested in spare parts. What kind is yours?

[scottishguy]

Sorry I'm not sure which ctrek model I have and the boat is currently about 1200miles away at the moment so I can't check

[scottishguy]

Did some googling and it look like I have a 930-618 computer, 930- 670 fluxgate compass and 930-727 controller

[sailor1924]

Thanks for the quick response I've got the 609 computer so your equipment isn't workable for me. If you're interested, I would hate to give up my old 609 as it steers the boat flawlessly. I believe that your system would be compatible with the 609 or 619 if you could find one.

[skipmac]

I have a 42' boat with a modified fin keel and a skeg hung rudder. Fully loaded with fuel, water, food, tools, etc probably weighs around 25,000 lbs.

I researched new APs for a while and ended up getting the Simrad (same as B&G and I actually have some parts with one logo or the other). Picked Simrad for a few reasons.

1. Reputation and comments from people on CF that have them.

2. Had a Robertson AP, predecessor to Simrad on a previous boat that was bulletproof.

3. Simrad gear uses standard NMEA2000 connectors but Raymarine uses a proprietary and requires an adapter to connect to other equipment. NOTE: networking wasn't my plan but when I got all the new stuff figured I would connect it all and was pretty happy with the results.

Have about 3000 miles with the new setup and so far I love it. I went with the larger computer NAC3.

[svMarite]

We went with Garmin on our 33k lb. Ketch.

[bstreep]

We have a similar sized boat. You will really need to step up to the 400, as we did. We also kept our old pump. And you will love it.

[scottishguy]

Thanks folks. I've ordered the 400 pack as I like my existing Raymarine kit and value the integration.

[moseriw]

I would say think thrice as the old AP's are damn good - nearly unbreakable and failsave.

I have a Cetec Benmar Coursekeeper 210 and this thing is fantastic and worked fine even in force ten. And the ingredients are simple electronics without any IC's and such.

Ask Mr. google about new AP's - i.e. Raymarine and you will know what I am talking about.

[scottishguy]

I hear you, however my unit has failed twice and spares are becoming rare. I'm gearing up for long distance cruising so windvane will be the primary and the Raymarine for backup and coastal duty.