Purchasing a used autopilot Course Computer - what are the major innovations in recent history?

antaris

antaris

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What I mean by that: my trusty, old school, wheel-mounted, Autohelm 4000 still works, but it's time to upgrade. I am looking at Raymarine's from 8-15 years ago (which are affordable).

Are all course computers created equal? Are some better than others? Any particular sets/models that are "hot" or "not"? At what point in time do things get better (more efficient, more precise) or are they all the same? I noticed, for example, that the Fluxgate Compass looks practically the same, over the last 30 years. Having said that, I am sure that the brand-new, white-robot-thingy is superb (9-axis sensors and all), but quite dear.


So, the questions:

1. Any Course Computers that are now older, yet proven?
2. Does the Control head matter? (other than being compatible with CC)
3. Should I bite the bullet (and my VISA card) and buy new? Are they really that much better?

More particularly, I am planning to pair with a Type 1 Short linear drive and... NMEA2000/0183 Wind data (Garmin system with some annoying adaptor, I guess). Boat is 9-ton Gin Fizz ketch, very balanced, fairly nimble (for its age and weight).

Apologies if this is too broad/wide/non-specific, but I gotta start from somewhere! Cheerio
 
The main advancement in my opinion is the multi axis gyro's that the latest systems employ.

The algorithms are better for sure, but that's an incremental upgrade.

A Raymarine evo1 came with my boat, it's good, but you can't play with it other than choosing one of three pre set profiles. Which is annoying.

If you want something you can play with properly and tweak to the nth degree I reccomend the units from simrad / navico group your able to control everything. The work boat uses a AC70 course computer and a AP2004 head unit which is excellent. The slightly smaller units use the same software so I'm sure they will perform just as well.

In terms of the drive units themselves not much seems to have moved on in 20 years!
 
I fitted an SPX30 (off eBay) to replace the old Autohelm system. It works fine with an updated fluxgate compass, an i60 wind sensor and the existing Type 2 linear drive. It has a built-in gyro, though only single axis, and is a big improvement on the old AH system.
 
jwfrary said:
The main advancement in my opinion is the multi axis gyro's that the latest systems employ.

The algorithms are better for sure, but that's an incremental upgrade.

A Raymarine evo1 came with my boat, it's good, but you can't play with it other than choosing one of three pre set profiles. Which is annoying.

If you want something you can play with properly and tweak to the nth degree I reccomend the units from simrad / navico group your able to control everything. The work boat uses a AC70 course computer and a AP2004 head unit which is excellent. The slightly smaller units use the same software so I'm sure they will perform just as well.

In terms of the drive units themselves not much seems to have moved on in 20 years!
Click to expand...

the Gyro seems to be the only (visible) difference, it is true. As for the Simrad ones... very very expensive gear! (I am sure that they're good, too)
 
antaris said:
the Gyro seems to be the only (visible) difference, it is true. As for the Simrad ones... very very expensive gear! (I am sure that they're good, too)
Click to expand...

Yep, it is expensive! But equally very capable we use it every day for commercial activities so it has to be right and have the right features, no drift and offset track mode for instance are killer features for us.

I guess you would be looking at the raymarine s3 course computer and 6002 control head if you were looking at an incremental upgrade.

My brother changed his s3 out for an evo not long ago and reports a marked difference in course keeping in heavy seas (same helm pump) i guess the evo is able to react smarter and quicker and therefore better at course keeping
 
jwfrary said:
My brother changed his s3 out for an evo not long ago and reports a marked difference in course keeping in heavy seas (same helm pump) i guess the evo is able to react smarter and quicker and therefore better at course keeping
Click to expand...

Thank you for the feedback - so the Evo line seems to make a difference... I was afraid of this! As the S series (S3G with gyro, for instance) are still fairly expensive in the used market.

There are few comparative tests, as the installation is so complex.
 
So as a numpty wannabe here is a question.

On the forums plenty of people say "my pilot gave up in a heavy quartering sea.....".

However I cannot imagine that on the Vendee globe they ever handsteer. I don't know exactly what they use? NKE? Higher end Raymarine? Something secret.....?!

Do the Raymarine Evos have the wherewithal to steer in most conditions? What dictates that?
 
roblpm said:
So as a numpty wannabe here is a question.

On the forums plenty of people say "my pilot gave up in a heavy quartering sea.....".

However I cannot imagine that on the Vendee globe they ever handsteer. I don't know exactly what they use? NKE? Higher end Raymarine? Something secret.....?!

Do the Raymarine Evos have the wherewithal to steer in most conditions? What dictates that?
Click to expand...
On race boats like that it is specialist autopilots - and I suspect “secret sauce” extra development tweaks in the top boats, where it may be Eur 100k or more for the autopilot. Arguably they now can steer better than a human - particularly in the dark.

PS. Per the OP’s question in post #1, any comments on autopilot effectiveness are pretty meaningless without an indication of the boat type and autopilot type. Many old tiler pilots are extremely basic and ineffective in waves, many new style below deck ram style autopilots are great, benefiting from the development rolldown from 20 odd years of Open 60 solo racers.
 
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