TMQ autopilot

[Floppa]

I am planning to buy a TMQ AP45 autopilot and connect it to my hydraulic steering. Anyone with experience on this autopilot. Is it a good system that you can recommend?

 

[fishermantwo]

I have had a TMQ autopilot which drives the hydraulic steering for years. I think all the commercial vessels in my port have the same unit. Mine is an AP 4. A few years ago I had to replace the O rings in the hydraulic pump where the electric pump shaft connects. The O rings were just standard automotive parts. I have spent less than $2 on it over 10 years of hard use.

 

[Floppa]

Does that mean that TMQ has a very good autopilot system? What is your own experience of TMQ? Does it work as you have expected?

 

[fishermantwo]

My auto pilot works for a living. It runs for several hours a day. On the way to the fishing area it is driven by the Gps and saves fuel by taking me there by the most direct route. Its capable of steering the boat even at idle speeds in rough windy weather while we are in the poling racks. Its the best deckhand I have ever had and has paid for itself many times over. Doesn't talk back, drink coffee all day and is there waiting for me every morning.
It cost about $3000 and if it didn't work I wouldn't even bother going to sea.

 

[Floppa]

Thank you for your very nice answer. It would be interesting to know if you use only the fluxgate compass that comes with the autopilot, or if you have connected a gyro. I want to know if the fluxgate is good enough for proffesional use.

 

[fishermantwo]

The fluxgate is more than adequate