Autopilot

[BobA]

Hi Guys and gals,
I know it is Friday and you are all very busy finding the best jokes to post but I thought that I would post a serious question.
I am looking to fit an autopilot and wondered if any of you could recommend a maker - it would be going on to a 21 foot Mayland and before any of you say why do you want one on such a small boat - it is a bit of a pain when you need a cup of tea or to answer the call of nature and you are single handed as I often am.
You ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

Bob

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[hlb]

Might be a bit over the top but the Autohelm ST6000 is excelent. Makes a wheel obsolete!!

<hr width=100% size=1> No one can force me to come here. I'm a volunteer!!.

Haydn

 

[jimg]

This might be closewr to the mark!

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&SECTion=2&Page=156&Parent=5>http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&SECTion=2&Page=156&Parent=5</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[amf]

Apart from price - also depends how much room you have around your engine. I had a ST6001 fitted to our 25ft Sealine and it needed a very small monkey to fit the drive and rudder reference to the steering ram. (The monkey in question saw it as a challenge after Sealine said it couldn't be done).

Would go for the gyro versions if you can afford it as it does help it from zig-zagging around, esp on a small boat.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[omega2]

I would agree that the sports pilot would be your best option, I assume you have an outboard with morse type steering.

<hr width=100% size=1>J HAMER

 

[gcwhite]

Simrad are also very good. I had one for 5 trouble free years. Exceptional in heavy seas. Also they supply commercial boats.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Velorum]

Sorry - nothing to do with your original query and a bit of a long shot but - what type of Mayland 21 have you got? My first boat was a brown & cream one - last known owner moored at Thames Ditton and sold it last year (I think) just wondering if by any chance its the same boat!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BobA]

It is a Mayland Topaz 630 (2000 model)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Velorum]

Nice boats! Not my ex one unfortunately!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Renegade_Master]

An autopilot like cruise control on yer car, it is'nt actually looking where you are going, so I wouldnt advise going inside for a pee or to make tea when single handed whilst its on. Check out rules of the road.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>