Tiller autopilot recommendation please!

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West Coast

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Looking for recommendation for a new tiller autopilot for 34' gladiator (similar to UFO 34) - tiller steering can be on the heavy side. Previous autopilot was auto helm 2000 I think, separate control head and motorised arm.

What would you recommend as replacement?
 
The old one was almost 20 years old! Certainly a new one from ray marine would probably be fine, but interested to know if folks have recommendations from the many other makes now available.
 
well pbo did a group test in the April mag. But the group was only Raymarine and Simrad as those are the only two tiller pilots available in the UK....
 
Well they gave the Simrad the best buy status because it's a bit cheaper but noted that if you want an LCD display and the ability to hook up with GPS and wind instruments then it has to be Raymarine.....
 
if the 2000+ is spec'd up to your size then go for that (imo). It effortlessy holds its line, doesn't hunt like others paddling the helm to & fro & killing the battery. You can make it follow a nmea wind direction of you can wire it there. Some will say the casings leak, I can't say I've found that, but give it a jacket if it worries you.
 
The Simrad on test was the TP10 which may be a little under-powered for a 34'er with a heavy helm. Although, I use one on my 8.5 ton steel boat and have had no problems with it so far (touch wood and spit three times over the guard rail!
 
Try the search facility, Pages of postings before on the exact same question.
Raymarine ST2000+ is my recommendtion. I had a Simrad:(
 
Worth having a look at the Raymarine website to check suitability. http://www.raymarine.com/default.aspx?site=1&SECTion=2&Page=87&Parent=5
The ST2000+ nowadays is the self-contained unit for vessels up to 4.5 tonnes, although many don't consider it suitable much above 3 tonnes! The "direct" replacement for your old pilot is probably the X-5 (6 tonnes) or X-5 GP (7.5 tonnes). I've heard it said that you should allow around 20% increase over the quoted displacement of the boat to allow for crew and supplies.

Rob.
 
NigelBirch said:
Well they gave the Simrad the best buy status because it's a bit cheaper but noted that if you want an LCD display and the ability to hook up with GPS and wind instruments then it has to be Raymarine.....
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The for the OP's yacht they will be going for something like the Simrad TP32 which can steer to wind/waypoints and can take inputs from NMEA 2000 and 0183

No LCD though. But which compass do you steer to, it's compass or your steering compass?
 
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ianfr said:
Has anyone ever seen the wind vane for an ST1000 or 2000? The manual claims you can use one, but I have nevere ever found one?

Ian
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I think you're referring to 'wind trim' mode where it uses info from the masthead wind 'vane' (assuming its all networked together properly) to hold a steady course relative to wind angle. :)
 
Boo2 said:
Sunrunner (UFO 34) has an Autohelm 4000 and I wouldn't want to go lighter than that.

Boo2
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That figures - the tiller steering on these boats can be heavy so thinking the smaller output types might be false economy.

Thanks all for replies - asking on behalf of my sister- in- law (who has kept on the boat my brother had since he died 5 years ago!) who has asked for help in choosing the replacement - made harder as it is not my own money I am spending!
 
West Coast said:
Looking for recommendation for a new tiller autopilot for 34' gladiator (similar to UFO 34) - tiller steering can be on the heavy side. Previous autopilot was auto helm 2000 I think, separate control head and motorised arm.

What would you recommend as replacement?
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Is the boat type a Wauquiez Gladiateur 33?
 
West Coast said:
Yes, based in strangford.
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I bought a Gladiateur last year which came equipped with an Autohelm 2000. If you look up the raymarine website this appears a little underspec for a boat of the displacement of the Gladiateur (5000kg) however it has worked fine on the few occasions we tried it out last season. The ST4000 would be a better if more expensive option and would no doubt give a bit more control if you see yourself using an autopilot in heavy weather. However this model has been withdrawn by raymarine in favour of newer designs of which I have no experience.
The key to success with any self steering system particularly one which can drain down your batteries is to use it with a balanced set of sails thereby reducing power draw.
 
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