Raymarine S1G vs SPX-30 Autopilot

[haydude]

I have an S1G Autopilot which works fairly well, apart that sometime I have to adjust some parameters to match the sea condition. Having the opportunity to upgrade to a newer Smartpilot X-30 I was wondering if I would get any improvement. Looking at the manual, the functions are exactly the same. The SPX-30 has Seatalk NG, but none of my other instruments have, so that would not be a plus for me.

Is there anything else in the new SPX line that makes an upgrade worthwhile? Has anyone who went from an SxG series to an SPX series noticed any improvement?

 

[claymore]

Not done an upgrade from one to another but the SPX 30 is wonderful and has not needed any adjustments once set up
Hope that helps - I got a lot of help from Greenham Marine.

 

[Bomlo]

I don't think you would see much improvement. The S1G is a modern autopilot with "rate gyro".

Upgrading from a autopilot without "rate gyro" can be very worthwhile.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Is the S2 more powerful than the S1 or the other way round?

 

[Bomlo]

Is the S2 more powerful than the S1 or the other way round?

The force/moment on the rudder is determined by the drive unit. The S2 can supply more power (15 vs. 6 amps) and thus power a larger drive, but if the S1 is sufficient for a given drive there is nothing to gained from using a S2.

For boats under 9000 kg the S1 (or preferably the S1G) should be fine.