Simrad WP32 Wheelpilot - anyone used one?

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David_Jersey

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I did a search and saw a few negative comments about Simrad in general, but little on the WP32 (although their was at least one happy user).

Anyone got one / used one? Apart from being a bit cheaper than the Raymarine it just seems a neater installation (and easier to fit!).

Simrad WP32


SImrad WP 32

(BTW were Simrad or Raymarine or someone else the old Autohelm folk?)

I will try and do a poll for the lazy amongst us!

The Links are also for my benefit!!
 
Got one (on a 31ft Hanse which is around 5000Kg) and it has worked fine over the last 18 months. Having said that it has only been used for fairly light coastal stuff. It does seem to flex a bit when operating but nothing has broken so far. Only adverse comment I came across when researching was potential need to replace drive belts every couple of years if used heavily.

Only real downside (or upside depending on your circumstances) vs the Raymarine is that it doesn't have a separate display to show course etc. Works fine on magnetic course, driven by Garmin 172C GPS/Plotter and in wind mode when interfaced to Simrad IS15 wind instrument.

Hope this helps.
 
PM me if you would like a copy of the manual in pdf format. I'm not sure if you can still get to it now that the Simrad website has been reworked following the sale of the yachting business a while back.
 
I use mine on a 32 foot Dehler, and have absolutely no complaints. He works OK, holds the ship's course even in rougher circumstances and is relatively quiet. But he (she?) is using (much) more amperes than Simrad says, and it is (especially when the boat rolls) a bit overreacting. Doesn't cost as much as the raymarine one as well.
 
I have a WP30 which is ohhhkay.

The model is the same as the WP32 but does not have NMEA... It does keep excellent course and stops you having to mess around with belts and clutches etc etc. It is a good size, quite amazing how such a small motor has so much strength.

My one complaint.

bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt bzzzzt

All the day long!!!!

The thing never seems to settle down, I would not mind but when trimmed well my boat needs very little adjustment. To save from going nuts I often turn off the autopilot leaving it engaged so as to lock the wheel. It will be 10 to 15 minutes before a serious course change is required, I just don't know why the autopilot computer thinks it needs to move the wheel back and forth every second, moves that do not actually register at the rudders.

It is supposed to learn, but this thing is a Neanderthal in the classroom, I have tried calibrating and damping, none of which appears to help.

This is the same complaint that I have heard from other owners too.
 
Well, I am a bit deaf (honestly!).

But what swings it for me is no belt and it being "ready to go" - most of the time it will just be used to keep her on course for 5 mins whilst I set the sails or bring the fenders in etc.

Cheers for the input though.
 
The constant rudder tweaking is a fair criticism. Even in a flat calm under engine it does seem to be a bit hyperactive. I assumed that a bit of tweaking would calm it down but maybe not.

I haven't tried so far but might have a go this season.

For the intended use in this case it will be fine.
 
Re: Manual available at...

Got one last fall for trip in Caribbean. The belt broke 3 times in very rough conditions and were very expensive to replace from Simrad. Finally found a place (Motions Canada) that sells a compatible belt for one third the price.

I just bought a second WP32 for backup and I've heard that on the new ones the clutch and belt are beefed up. You can also get a kit from Simrad to do this on the older versions of the WP32.
 
Cheers

Got one on order now - hopefully will work out, but if not I am sure I will share!

I did think about a below decks autopilot, but can't really justify the cost - given the intended use.
 
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