ST6002 Question

[Roniszoro]

I am likely purchasing a boat with a Raymarine ST6002 wheel pilot. Does anyone have experience with this unit?

The boat displaces 16,000# which is the top limit of the pilot per Raymarine. But Raymarine also says that one should figure the boat's displacement at design weight plus 20% when choosing an autopilot. So, per Raymarine, the boat is "under auto piloted".

I'm sure that the ST6002 will be fine for most conditions. But I'm thinking, particularly as I sail off shore, single handing, with some frequency, I should be budgeting for a serious below deck auto pilot or perhaps for a wind vane for when it blows and the ST6002 when there is light wind or when motoring.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[robert sailor]

Your thoughts are correct, the wheel pilot is not suitable for offshore sailing except for the mildest conditions.

[Pete7]

Last Spring fitted the latest Evo 1 wheel pilot because we won't be crossing oceans anytime soon, my yacht is well within the weight limit and it was half the price of an under deck system which I suspect is the main reason why your yachts previous owner fitted it.

The components fetch an astonishing prices on e bay each Spring with just the wheel drive both Mk 1 and your Mk 2 often over £250. The control head and box of brains a similar amount. So if you do change take a video and lots of pictures to show the whole system working and sell as a complete system to help offset the under deck system.

Pete

[Paul L]

If you are doing significant offshore passages, get a below deck AP as others have said(don't limit yourself to Ray equipment), then keep the wheel pilot as your backup.