I find the autopilot is my most used accessory. I wouldn't want to leave the dock without it. I installed an ST 4000plus wheelpilot 11 years ago, soon after buying the boat. I didn't make any adjustments but followed directions and went sailing with it right after. Changed the belt last year, as preventive maintenance, though the old belt was fine. Other skippers tell me the linear drive model is better and worth the extra bucks.
The only complaint I have is that sometimes, the steering wanders more than I would like, which I think is a sensor/control issue, not a drive issue. In following seas, sailing downwind, a swell can lift the stern and turn the boat onto a reach, enough that the sails power up and we lose balance, the helm struggles to get back to course. I don't fault the autohelm, I know I could drop the main and she would steer better downwind with just the genoa. Just learned Raymarine is upgrading their autopilots this summer and introduce a new model: http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=7008 Chuck Resolute 1990 C&C 34R Atlantic City, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "dwight veinot" <dwightvei...@hfx.eastlink.ca> To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2013 11:31:14 AM Subject: Re: Stus-List Autopilots When I purchased my Raymarine ST 4000 plus MKII wheel pilot I think the below deck units were much more than twice as expensive, like 3 to 4 times. Does anyone know if the newer Raymarine X-5 sail wheel pilot offers big advantages over the ST 4000 plus MkII? Dwight Veinot C&C 35 MKII, Alianna Head of St. Margaret's Bay, NS From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of djhaug...@juno.com Sent: March 24, 2013 11:50 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Autopilots Pete, Why would you say that? I researched the hell out of autopilots before buying mine (as I do with everything...I can be a little obsessive) and it became apparent to me that, you really get a lot of bang for your buck and people that own them are generally very happy with them. Hell, there are 4 or 5 listers that have them and posted they are very happy with them? I know a below decks system is better but, its a lot more money, over twice if I recall. I'd love to have one but, for the sailing i'll be doing over the next few years, I took the money saved and got some wireless wind, speed and depth instruments this year! No Offense meant or taken, just like it when people elaborate. Someone searching for an autopilot might be swayed by such a statement. when it will be fine for their situation. I dunno, I don't think they would be as big as they are if they sucked as bad as that statement would lead one to believe... Anyway, back to our normally scheduled banter... Danny Lolita 1973 Viking 33 Westport Point , MA ---------- Original Message ---------- From: "Pete Shelquist" <pete.shelqu...@comcast.net> To: <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List Autopilots Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:25:08 -0500 Friends don’t let friends buy Raymarine… From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Edd Schillay Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 11:02 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Stus-List Autopilots Listers, Last year, during the voyage to the C&C Mystic Rendezvous, I discovered my 20+ year-old Robertson Autopilot wasn't working. Before I take on the task of disconnecting, shipping and paying for servicing, I'm also considering replacing it with a newer energy-saving and efficient modern option. I see Raymarine sells a SPX-5 p70 system for around $1,500. What do you use on your boats? Any thing that I should be aware of? All the best, Ed d Ed d M. Schillay Starship Enterprise C&C 37+ | Sail No: NCC-1701-B City Island , NY Starship Enterprise's Captain's Log No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2240 / Virus Database: 2641/5699 - Release Date: 03/23/13 _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
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