Tiller Pilot Simrad or Raytheon?

[Guest]

We intend to buy a Tiller pilot for our Hurley 22, went to Soton Boat Show got the brochures etc.

Initial choice is between Raytheon TP10 or Simrad ST 1000, obviously price is an issue however would like some feed back from people who have used either or both. Issues like Waterproofing have heard some bad stories, service support sailing in Solent Area, Acurracy, heard they can be 15deg out, basically all info will be gratefully received.

 

[Johnjo]

On my Sabre 27.
I have a Simrad T.P.20 ,An excellent piece of kit,
Does every thing you expect of it, Lower power consumption I believe
than a Autohelm, Needs watching in a following sea, But I believe say the same
of all makes, Had it 3 years now, On my boar it really earns it's keep,It is not fitted with a visual compass, This is not a drawback as most of us have
one fitted somewhere on the boat or ought to. Never had any problems at all
with it, Very simple to use just point and go or on this model interface with a G.P.S . Thou on a sail boat this is of limited use unless motoring.
Hope this helps , All the best whatever you decide on.

mike

P.S if anyone from Simrad reads this a free sail to wind unit would nice
for the testimonial.

 

[dickh]

Have a Autohelm 4000 on my boat when I got it, works well, don't go for the cheapest - go for the slightly larger model and you can interface to a GPS.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Paragon]

Have Hurley 22, have TP10 - both great!

TP10 copes with H22 easily. Fit 12V deck socket at rear of cockpit, brass (TP10)socket in starboard cockpit coaming and S/S peg in the tiller. Needs the 30mm extension but works a treat (so far!)

I have heard of problems with leaving the TP10 lying on the boat all winter etc but I'm going to take it home. It's a treat to watch as well!

Regards

John

 

[Guest]

I would like to thank you all for your replies, looks like a TP10 for us,

Better start get best pricing.

thanks again

 

[charles_reed]

Both are adequate pieces of kit for occasional coastal use but useless for serious single-handing, because of water ingress through the keypad ruining the PCB.

Navico software tends to be more sophisticated and Autohelm engineering more rugged.

I'd go for the cheapest but don't try using it in heavy rain.

 

[Guest]

I have been pondering the same thing for some time. I have just ordered a Raymarine ST1000+ for use on my Etap 22i. The main reason for choosing this (slightly more expensive) option was because my brother has an old (~8years) Autohelm device. When he had a problem earlier this year he rang Raymarine and received perfect service. I also like the idea that I can connect the ST1000+ to my Garmin 48 and play! I know this is not really required but us boys love their toys. I agree with a previous post that the display is not important but it seems to help me. I sail off the Normandy coast with very strong tides and the display is COG which can be quite different to boat heading.

 

[Guest]

To add to my previous post, the TP10 seems to be £199 everywhere I checked. I paid £236 for the ST1000+ from MES in Bristol. I think this was a special price for the boat show. I spoke to Debra who was very helpful.

 

[jmundayuk]

My Autohelm ST1000 is 'crap' water gets in when raining so need to take home and dry in airing cupboard plus I have had it repaired every year for last 3. admittedly does heavy mileage and when working works well. Tip turn the speed down if got problems with following sea will be fine but overcorrect when motoring

 

[LeonF]

I have an St4000- came with the boat. Works very well. I agree with the poster who said get one thats rated higher( for boat weight) as It wont have to struggle. The best bit is getting it interfaced with the GPS. I have had mine lock onto waypoints in dense fog, a great help when you are shorthanded.

L.A.R.Ferguson

 

[Seapepper]

I have always used Autohelm, but bought Simrad last year.
1.It doesnt seem as robust as autohelm
2.It doesnt run as smoothly as autohelm, it judders.
3.It is not quick enough for my boat...however, a Hurley 22 will be much steadier than a UFO 27, so the slower tp10 will probably manage.
4.If I was to buy another autopilot, (which I think I might have to do before too long) I would definitely go for the Rayethon Autohelm and get the one with a hard over time of 4.5 seconds. I think that the speed of response of an autopilot is the key issue, but it is a lot more expensive. (I have kept my very, very old autohelm for a backup unit, thank goodness)

Hope this helps.

 

[beneteau_305_553]

I've just completed a single handed transatlantic with a Simrad TP 10 fitted to my Beneteau 305 (32 ' ).

For single handed sailing tiller pilots are great but I do miss the LED display of the Raytheon that I had on my previous yacht. The simrad seems more waterproof and uses very little power.

The control was great. I sailed for days without adjusting the course and the track was absolutly straight ( on a magnetic heading ! ). You have the control over gain and sea state if you need it but i found the default settings right for most conditions. Even sailing fast downwind in big swell a good course was held.

see the simrad web site for the tech specification.

Either unit will make sailing safer and more enjoyable if my experiences are anything to go by

PS fit a radar reflector and commercial ships can then see your steady course and will keep clear!

Richard