Raymarine sp1 tiller pilot

[fontmell]

Hi advice please
I have brand new still in the box one of above, packing is undamaged
From research it must have been produced early 2000,s Does anyone have comments regarding performance and
Reliability _ I see the electronics box is exposed so may corrode even if mounted inside!
I also assume will work OK after sitting in box 15 years - any contrary thoughts
MANY THANKS JERRY

 

[RichardS]

Should work fine.

I don't know the SP1 but I would expect the electronics box to be well sealed, although if the cover is removable I would probably remove it to check the condition of any rubber seal and to grease it liberally with silicone grease before reassembling.

Richard

 

[BabaYaga]

SPX something possibly?

 

[BrianH]

Presumably from your title this is a tiller drive unit but, as such, I couldn't find it listed in Raymarine's discontinued tiller pilot products.

Also, your comment "I see the electronics box is exposed" doesn't quite fit a tiller pilot system - but could be applied to the S1 SmartPilot wheel pilot computer that has a box open at the base for attaching cables, with clip cover, for mounting in a protected position.

I installed a Raymarine S1 SmartPilot system (Product Number: E12180) wheel pilot that was introduced in the US (from where I sourced mine) early 2006, while the earlier model ST4000 Mk 2 was still being advertised by European vendors at more than the cost of the new, enhanced system. That original system had consisted of a wheel drive unit and a separate ST6002 controller, while the S1 SmartPilot system contained both those original units but also a fluxgate compass unit, a rudder sensor unit and the SmartPilot computer.

Despite the fairly unanimous critical comments for Raymarine wheel pilots mine has been in regular use since 2006 right up to today when I could leave the helm to prepare lines and fenders for harbour entry, with no problems. However, it is used well within its capabilities, just as a third hand in usually benign conditions.

 

[Rafiki]

What you have is the computer part of a Raymarine SmartPilot. It should work even after 15 years. I have just installed a second hand one and it works perfectly. There are other parts required for a complete system; electronic(fluxgate) compass, rudder reference unit, the control head/screen and of course the "ram" to move the tiller or the rudder quadrant for a wheel steered system.
The Smartpilot was said to be a more reliable system than the SPX which replaced it. Ideally the system has a rate giro, some, more expensive versions had this, but an external one can be added.
You need to download the Raymarine installation,or is it called commisioning manual.
The unit needs to be installed inside the boat - it must be in the dry, and if it has a rate gyro it is important it us installed the correct way up.

 

[fontmell]

Many thanks the replys-is the smart pilot tiller marketed for larger sail boats than st4000. Including yaw/giro

Am surprised pcb is exposed but based on above will install in cabin

Thanks all

 

[Rafiki]

I agree that it seems strange that the PCB is exposed , but it means that it can easily be slid out and also enables the cabling to easily be connected. as each coloured strand need to be connected seperately there are in fact a lot of connections. It is designed to be installed inside a cabin or at least in a reasonably dry locker. Installed the correct way up, the case protects the PCB from drips.

As regards your question about the ST4000, I am not familiar with that sytem. Don't forget 1) this is a superceded system ( sild up to about 10-12 years ago??) 2) the box with the PCB which you have is only the computer/ brains of the system. Do not confuse this with the control panel with the screen and buttons to control it and do not confuse it with the "Ram" or "Tiller Arm", it is the power in these items that determines what size rudder it can move.

 

[BrianH]

Many thanks the replys-is the smart pilot tiller marketed for larger sail boats than st4000. Including yaw/giro

Am surprised pcb is exposed but based on above will install in cabin

Thanks all

You don't say what else is in the box (if any) beside the computer; as Rafiki explains, that is only one component of the system. The following diagram shows the first incarnation of the SmartPilot system that I fitted in 2006 and later versions included a gyro module for more accurate control. I believe the gyro unit can be fitted to the earlier models but have not bothered as I have always found the control adequate for my needs.

​

I fitted the computer unit under a panel in an open doghouse that keeps dry whatever the weather or sea state and a cockpit cover is used when moored; it still functions perfectly after 11 years of use.