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Old 04-10-2014, 16:51   #1
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Simrad Rate Compass vs Fluxgate Compass

The basic question, is the RC42 worth the $200+ difference in price from the FC40.

The "system" currently has B&G T7, 3G Radar with RI10. It will eventually add an AC12 based AP system with linear drive.
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Old 04-10-2014, 17:18   #2
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Re: Simrad Rate Compass vs Fluxgate Compass

I have the same exact setup in my Sabre 36 - NSS7/3G/RI10, Autopilot is composed of an AC12,RC42,RF25,AP24 with a Raymarine Type 1 linear drive.

The RC42 steers the boat nicely even in a rolly sea state. I have it mounted down low under a settee, near the mast. I don't have much to compare it to but I didn't consider the FC40. I was looking at the Airmar H2183 but decided on the RC42 for ease of calibration (using the NSS7).

Best of luck.
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Old 04-10-2014, 17:24   #3
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Re: Simrad Rate Compass vs Fluxgate Compass

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The basic question, is the RC42 worth the $200+ difference in price from the FC40.
Yes. Very much yes. So much so that you should hire someone with a baseball bat to hit you on the head if you try to buy the FC40.

I don't know why they still sell the FC40, unless it is for purposes other than controlling an autopilot.

Don't skimp here - a rate compass pays GIANT dividends in an autopilot system. The difference is night and day. Black and white.

Get the RC42, or another rate compass like a Maretron, Airmar, etc.

Did I mention that saving $200 on the FC40 will be a huge mistake you will regret?

Mark

EDIT: I just noticed you have a Cascade 36. I have sailed on one of these and they are very responsive boats (a real surprise if you let go of the tiller for a second!). A rate compass will tame this thing down to barely moving the rudder at all. A non-rate compass will have you swinging back and forth and yawing like an amusement park ride. You will probably mess your pants running in large seas with a non-rate compass on this boat.
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Old 05-10-2014, 18:33   #4
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Re: Simrad Rate Compass vs Fluxgate Compass

Ok...ok....put the baseball bats away, I'll get the RC42!

Like most people I'm always looking for ways to save a hundred or two when I can. This looked like one place it might be possible. But if the performance variance is that good I have no problem spending the extra bucks.

Now I'll just patiently wait for a good deal to show it self on one.

Thanks for the info all.
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Old 06-10-2014, 08:06   #5
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Re: Simrad Rate Compass vs Fluxgate Compass

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Now I'll just patiently wait for a good deal to show it self on one.
Now is boat show time - see if Simrad, or one of their dealers, is offering discounts for the shows.

Mark
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Old 06-10-2014, 09:31   #6
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Re: Simrad Rate Compass vs Fluxgate Compass

I sailed a boat that had no rate, then we upodated the system. The benefit was obvious. Get one if you believe you need one. They work as advertised: more accurate steering, less hunting, less energy consumed.

b.
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