Belize 43: Info for Autopilot

[filaviasail]

Hello, sorry my englisch is not good.
I have a Belize 43 with Autohelm 4000 or 6000 i am note sure. I will soon cross the atlantic from Gibralrtar to Carabiem, the sea and wind is down wind and big wave's will be pussing all the time. I need info about Autohelm 4000 and 6000 for this sea condition, it is possible to adjast this tipe of pilote? The sails ave to be trimmed and how?
Sorry is a big info replay
Ciao Gianni

[DotDun]

My Belize had the Raymarine ST6000+ (until I upgraded to the ST70 and X series). The manual for the ST6000+ is at:
http://www.raymarine.com/SubmittedFi...st6000plus.pdf

My experience with autopilots running down wind with following seas is not very good, the autopilot struggles. You can increase the autopilot response, but it's still slower than a human at the wheel.

Good Luck!

[Silver]

I used a AH 4000 on my cat. It couldn't cope with running down conditions. The wheel drive also wears out mechanically (the pivot rollers become oval and the belt tension is not maintained so it will slip). The AH 6000 is another story alltogether but will drain your batteries soon.

[holmek]

Crossing an ocean with an electric self steering is crazy, too much battery charging necessary. Get a windvane, Aries, Monitor or Fleming and a sheet of corrugated plastic, the kind used for advertising signage. There is one with aluminium facing, making it stronger but still lightweight. Make yourself an OVERSIZE vane to be more responsive to low apparent wind, ( you could even add a strip of spinaker cloth bunting at the top, just to help rattle the vane and encourage it to move in light air) and don't be too fussy about staying on course.Broad reach across your track.

[filaviasail]

sorry is very difficult to understand if you all use difficult word. i think wind pilot cane not be installed in a belize fp because the speed is fast for them, and the position is low. i have solar pannel for electric tipe i need to know wich is the best make for down wind. ciao gianni

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by holmek

Crossing an ocean with an electric self steering is crazy (...)

They have a cat.

It is normal and 100% fine to go with autopilot. Energy is not an issue - two engines, two alternators and a good charging system will do.

Energy appetite of an autopilot will be very reasonable when the boat is trimmed well and the AP set right.

b.

[filaviasail]

My question is still the same: i need to know wich is the very BEST AUTOPILOT for Belize 43 no problem for the cost i need the TOP in the world !! Please info. Ciao Gianni

[svcambria]

My own bias for autopilot, the Alpha (testimonial page):

Alpha Marine Systems - Testimonials

Mine has been bullet-proof since 1982.

Michael

[filaviasail]

Very interessing do you know if in Italy or Europe thre is a importer for this pilot? Ciao Gianni

[filaviasail]

Info about this autopilot??? Autopilots - www.nexusmarine.se

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by filaviasail

Info about this autopilot??? Autopilots - www.nexusmarine.se

Looks Silva to me, isn't it. Silva's good stuff.

The only thing they seem to miss is a gyro circuit, otherwise they are as good and bad as any other major brand.

BTW I am not sure the gyro thing is a must in case of a multi, is it?

barnie