Replacement Auto Pilot Advice

[Jurgen]

Hi all, hope someone can point me in the right direction re the above.

Am replacing the Raymarine ST4000+ Auto Pilot on my Sealine S37.

A local electronics installer has recommended the Raymarine Evolution EV 200 system, have also seen a recon SPX10 system on eBay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Raymarine...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item51b85b1a76

I know the eBay Auto Pilot is both re con and old tech but am mostly interested in a system that works and works well.

Fully understand that you gets what you paid for but is the older tech good enough for most of us.

Also how easy is this kit to install, do you have to have a degree to install it or can it be done by someone with a basic understanding of electrics.

As always advice and offers to install welcome.

Regards

Andy

 

[Tranona]

That item on ebay is just the control head, course computer and compass. That is a new price for old stock. You will also need a drive unit which will cost almost as much again as the core pack. Better than the wheel pilot I think you have currently, but should be at twice the price! + bigger installation job.

 

[Greg2]

I replaced the old ST7000 control head with an ST6000 bought off eBay. To be fair a modern course computer had already been installed and interfaced with the old kit so it was fairly straightforward. The point is that buying recon or decent used kit is very cost effective and more than good enough for leisure boating...but I think you already get that!

 

[steved]

I bought some autopilot kit from the ebay seller mentioned above, had a couple of issues with the display and hydraulic motor, but they were exchanged without any problem. Whilst I'm reasonable handy with the DIY stuff on boats I would recommend having this type of eqmt professionally fitted.

 

[spannerman]

As mentioned in an earlier post I was on a Raymarine course yesterday and they talked to us the Evolution AP, I'd definitely recommend it as its a doddle to set up, there is no compass swinging or self learning procedure, it calibrates itself the moment the owner drives from the quay, it you simply drive between 3 and 30 knts and it will adjust itself to you boats characteristics within 10-15 mins, and continually self checks thereafter.
Damn, thats the fun part of AP installations gone now, the calibration trip. If you are removing the old AP then it would be DIY to install the new one as the hydrualics will be the same, just a new pump, course computer, compass, and very nice control panel.
The feed back from customers has been very positive.

 

[Jurgen]

As mentioned in an earlier post I was on a Raymarine course yesterday and they talked to us the Evolution AP, I'd definitely recommend it as its a doddle to set up, there is no compass swinging or self learning procedure, it calibrates itself the moment the owner drives from the quay, it you simply drive between 3 and 30 knts and it will adjust itself to you boats characteristics within 10-15 mins, and continually self checks thereafter.
Damn, thats the fun part of AP installations gone now, the calibration trip. If you are removing the old AP then it would be DIY to install the new one as the hydrualics will be the same, just a new pump, course computer, compass, and very nice control panel.
The feed back from customers has been very positive.

Have been thinking that way myself, a bit more expensive from the kit side of things but possibly future proofed?

 

[PCUK]

I believe your old system is a wheel type pilot rather than inboard. If you're fitting a new pilot then get a hydraulic drive type (assuming you have hydraulic steering!) This will be a pro job to install but will give you the best performance.

 

[Jurgen]

I believe your old system is a wheel type pilot rather than inboard. If you're fitting a new pilot then get a hydraulic drive type (assuming you have hydraulic steering!) This will be a pro job to install but will give you the best performance.

Have had a quote from Colin White in Dartmouth so think I will use his services