Raymarine Tillerpilots

Neraida

Neraida

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1 Jun 2003
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www.neraida.org.uk
Hi,

We have an ST4000+ autopilot for Neraida (Beneteau First Class 8) as Raymarine said that a 2000series wouldn't do the job on such a "flighty" boat such as ours. I notice now, with some dismay that they have now released an "ST1" series tillerpilot with a course computer module, which would be ideal for our boat, and hopefully cut out yawing...

Does anybody know whether it would be possible to retro-fit the intelligent bit on our 18month old system!? (all of our kit is raymarine, and all "seatalked" together)

Cheers

James
 
The only true answer to yawing is 'anticipation' and that can only be provided by the human brain. So in spite of the claims by tiller pilot manufacturers I do not believe these gismoes! (counter measures) actually work. IMHO I would save yourself some money and concentrate on good sail trim and balance and accept that on certain points of sail tiller pilots and most other self steering devices are less than perfect.

Happy sailing and New Year.
 
Upgrading from a ST4000+ to a S1Plus tiller pilot would require the installation of the course computer, and some re-wiring since the "screw" would be powered from the computer box and not the control head. I'm not certain whether you can retain the existing control head, but suspect not and that you'd need at least one S1Plus control head.

It's immaterial anyway I reckon, since Raymarine appear not to offer an upgrade pack, and it would be cheaper to buy a complete S1Plus and sell on the ST4000+ than to look at buying a separate course computer, since the parts to upgrade are more expensive than the complete S1Plus.

The question as to how effective this would be in any case, I can't answer! One advantage would be that if you have a radar, you'd get a NMEA "fast heading" output from the course computer to help stabilise the radar.
 
Hi Sir
try fitting the rudder reference unit to assist in the yawing. I dont think you would notice the difference then to the S1. You CAN get an S1G (Gyro fitted), but not worth the money for you me thinks. I think the R Ref will help.
Joe
 
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