Simrad autopilot

[nickfabbri]

I have just taken delivery of a new hanse 320. I want to add an autopilot, but the Simrad system with a DD15 motor is about £3000. It seems a trifle steep and does anyone know of a better cheaper system. I intend to upgrade the plotter at some point but as i have just has the simrad is20 instruments added to the boat i am reluctant to change brands as there are compatability problems

 

[boatmike]

There are cheaper ones but they won't perform as well. Simrad pilots are made by Robertson and in my opinion are more reliable and better performing that any other autopilot on the market for that sort of price. You will also get service and spares for it when it gets old. I just had my software upgraded at nominal cost to give me high speed rate stabilised output from the compass. My pilot is 12 years old! If you go to Raymarine you will find the kit obsolete and no longer supported at half that age. Get yer wallet out and buy the best. You wont regret it!

 

[Mrnotming]

tbell@octopuseurope.com .

Hi Nicky71.This above email address is for Tim Bell the MD of this Company. I found him most helpful and he may be able to help you with a cable drive system controlled by a Raymarine control head.The system is known as an octopus drive. Good luck with the new boat!

 

[Mrnotming]

Hi Nicky71 again!!

Found the link I was looking for, so there is a good description of the kit.I was quoted a figure in Euros about €2000 or thereabouts.Control head can be anybodys, and a rudder reference unit is usually built in to the Motor drive gearbox.http://www.docksideonline.com/view.cgi?id=198

 

[Mrnotming]

and it is £1149. here:http://www.jgtech.com/shop15.htm