Tiller Pilot Question

[Major_Clanger]

I'm considering a secondhand Autohelm 2000 with remote compass and controls. I've been told these are more rugged than the self-contained version.

Is this true, and is that why they're considerably more expensive? Any other differences?

 

[doug748]

Is it the model with the jam pot control unit? This one:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/sailing-e...-2000-tiller-pilot-good-condition-/1218740395

 

[pvb]

I'm considering a secondhand Autohelm 2000 with remote compass and controls. I've been told these are more rugged than the self-contained version.

Is this true, and is that why they're considerably more expensive? Any other differences?

They're decades old now, so if you do go for one make sure it works OK, as spares are unlikely to be available.

 

[Major_Clanger]

Is it the model with the jam pot control unit? This one:

Link no longer works but yes, it's the type with a jampot compass with manual dial on top.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/sailing-e...-2000-tiller-pilot-good-condition-/1218740395

They're decades old now, so if you do go for one make sure it works OK, as spares are unlikely to be available.

It's listed on eBay as fully working. Good point though, I hadn't thought about spares availability.

I'd look at a more modern self-contained unit, but after years of being in production, it seems they still suffer from water ingress.

 

[doug748]

It's listed on eBay as fully working. Good point though, I hadn't thought about spares availability.

I'd look at a more modern self-contained unit, but after years of being in production, it seems they still suffer from water ingress.

I have had a couple of and liked them. They are not as clever, quick and powerful as modern units but can cope well enough. The problems I have had are with the control box and seem to be mechanical rather than overtly electronic. However, no matter, they are getting on now and parts will be a problem, I have two busted ones in the loft, awaiting a miracle.

If it was £100 or even 150, it might be worth a punt but not at that price for me. The Simrad TP32 seems fairly stout, for about £275 extra to their asking price. A waterproof overcoat helps.

 

[alahol2]

The Autohelm ram is probably the best iteration of their tillerpilots but as others have said, it's getting on a bit.
I'd second the suggestion of the Simrad TP32. They seem to have worked out how to keep a tiller pilot waterproof. The TP32 is powerful and fast enough to steer under virtually all conditions that I sail in. Whilst I am on the boat the tillerpilot lives outside fully exposed day and night. I've never had a problem with water ingress on any of their products.

 

[James_Calvert]

There's a slightly more updated Autohelm 2000 with a separate pushbutton control box.

You can afford a spare or two for the price of the new ones with separate rod arms.

 

[Sybarite]

The Autohelm ram is probably the best iteration of their tillerpilots but as others have said, it's getting on a bit.
I'd second the suggestion of the Simrad TP32. They seem to have worked out how to keep a tiller pilot waterproof. The TP32 is powerful and fast enough to steer under virtually all conditions that I sail in. Whilst I am on the boat the tillerpilot lives outside fully exposed day and night. I've never had a problem with water ingress on any of their products.

I have a Simrad 22 on a Feeling 920 and it gives good results most of the time. I use a clear bin bag on it just in case after having had m
an AH 2000 give up the ghost 2 months out of warranty.

The repair estimate was more than the new purchase price!

"You shouldn't have allowed it to get wet.. "