Tillerpilots - which one?.

[Rabbie]

I have used Raymarine +1000 in my last 2 boats and was very satisfied. I am considering the Simrad TP10 (I have a 24 footer) and there does not seem much difference except the price - about £50 cheaper for the Simrad. Any Simrad users care to advise me?. Thanks.

 

[knewboater]

Have had a TP10 for 2years and so far so good, across the channel and south coast cruising, works well and simple to use, can`t connect to gps etc. but I don`t want to. good luck with it.

 

[Rabbie]

Thanks Richard. All I need is a help with the steering chore single-handed. That will do me!. Cheers. Rab.

 

[isha]

bought a new TP 30 and used it last season. very pleased with it. The Tp 30 and I think the TP 20 also can be connected to gps.
Dave

 

[starboard]

Hi Dave, hows life in Invergordon,not missing the RNLI too much I hope. I have the Autohelm 1000plus and works great and will interface with NMEA so data from the GPS can be fed to it. I believe the TP20 no interface but a cheaper unit. Pay your money and take your choice.

Paul.

 

[lockwood]

I have also been looking for a basic tillerpilot for my 22 footer. I always sail single handed, so it would be nice to be able to go and make a brew without worrying about the course.

I am a bit puzzled as to how the basic units work withour gps integration. Do they just hold the tiller straight - or do they have a compass and steer to a bearing?

I am thinking about just getting a tillermate (www.tillermate.com) as a cheap and cheerful temporary helmsman. Anybody had any experience with the tillermate?

 

[Anonymous]

Do be sure to check the speed from centre to full travel and the maximum force that the sytem is rated for (though I am not suggesting that the TP10 is worse, just suggesting that you check those points very carefully).

 

[simonfraser]

they have a compass, it works fine, for "long" term use you may wnat a spare one.

 

[MIKE_MCKIE]

I have a rather old (second or third hand) TP10 on a 26' long keeler & it works fine. It is easy to use, steers well & subject to wind & sea will tack, leaving me to play with the sheets & winch. (I have a long cockpit, so trying to do both is like doing the splits, not a pretty sight!) It also helps with maintenance, as you can always find small jobs to do while on passage & not physically tied to the tiller. All in all a very worthwhile investment, especially as I got it from the YBW For sale site for about 45% of new cost!
Good luck with the search.

 

[cameronke]

Hi Rabbie
I believe some places (Compass for example) are giving a free remot control with the Raymarine unit.
Soon to be introducing a wirless remote!

Regards
Cameron

 

[nigcha]

Re: Tillermate.
I am the designer of the Tillermate (www.tillermate.com) and am very interested in comments of users and potential users. We try hard to listen to what people want and have several developments underway (including cheaper units) which are intended to address comments made.

If anyone has a worry, or wants to know anything about the unit then please phone for a chat. No obligation, no sales talk, we'll just try to answer queries and worries.

Regards