Which Autopilot?

TNT

TNT

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Ok we have a Dromor Apollo 40, she weighs on paper 9t. Fully laden and full tanks around 11t. We bought a second hand ST4000 2 years ago and the motor burned out 1st time we used it, the weight of the boat was just too much for this system.
So we are looking to buy a new system, wheel pilot with a 12v linear drive.
Recommended to us is the Raymarine SPX10 with linear drive 1 (this is designed for vessels upto 11tonnes) or the SPX30 with Linear drive 2 which can handle upto 15tonnes.
So the question is and there is a BIG price difference between the two........................do we go for the SPX-10 or the SPX30 ??
If anyone has a vessel of the same spec. what are you using?
Any advice would be welcome.
 
TNT said:
Ok we have a Dromor Apollo 40, she weighs on paper 9t. Fully laden and full tanks around 11t. We bought a second hand ST4000 2 years ago and the motor burned out 1st time we used it, the weight of the boat was just too much for this system.
So we are looking to buy a new system, wheel pilot with a 12v linear drive.
Recommended to us is the Raymarine SPX10 with linear drive 1 (this is designed for vessels upto 11tonnes) or the SPX30 with Linear drive 2 which can handle upto 15tonnes.
So the question is and there is a BIG price difference between the two........................do we go for the SPX-10 or the SPX30 ??
If anyone has a vessel of the same spec. what are you using?
Any advice would be welcome.
Click to expand...

There is an alternative WP made by CPT. Pricewise somewhere between the two has a good rep when used on boats larger and heavier than yours. Downside no NMEA or similar connections.

http://www.cptautopilot.com/

uses a Bosch wiper motor.
 
TQA said:
There is an alternative WP made by CPT. Pricewise somewhere between the two has a good rep when used on boats larger and heavier than yours. Downside no NMEA or similar connections.

http://www.cptautopilot.com/

uses a Bosch wiper motor.
Click to expand...

But if I remember well from another post do check for import duties etc,etc. It may bring the cost to near the raymarine unit.
 
TNT said:
So we are looking to buy a new system, wheel pilot with a 12v linear drive.
Recommended to us is the Raymarine SPX10 with linear drive 1 (this is designed for vessels upto 11tonnes) or the SPX30 with Linear drive 2 which can handle upto 15tonnes.
So the question is and there is a BIG price difference between the two........................do we go for the SPX-10 or the SPX30 ??
Click to expand...

We went for one of these.
Rock solid performance since installed - thoroughly recommend the unit (and the Service Centre). Guapa weighs in at 12.6T and more fully laden.

I would not opt for a unit which is just 'borderline' suitable. IMO it would make more sense to go for the SPX30 (or equivalent).
When it comes to an AP, you can't put a price on reliability and the peace of mind that comes with it.
 
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Guapa said:
I would not opt for a unit which is just 'borderline' suitable. IMO it would make more sense do go for the SPX30 (or equivalent).
When it comes to an AP, you can't put a price on reliability and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Click to expand...

ABSOLUTELY agree. We sometimes spend lots of cash on luxury things and ignore the great importance of a good autopilot. That extra crew at the helm that never gets tired.
I realised this when I was considering to update my ST4000 to SPX5 (7000kg boat) and eventually paid the cash and bought the linear type 1 pilot.
 
autopilot.

Sorry if this is a bit off thread,but could some-one explain just what else i would need as well as the hyrdraulic unit shown on the e bay page.
 
glynnffc said:
Sorry if this is a bit off thread,but could some-one explain just what else i would need as well as the hyrdraulic unit shown on the e bay page.
Click to expand...

Something to tell it where to go (autopilot computer) and something to tell that where you are and what direction you are going in - fluxgate compas and, possibly, a chart plotter. The latter is optional - the course computer should come with a control panel that allows you to specify a course to steer but in the absence of a chart plotter, the course computer cannot correct for leeway and currents.

This sort of thing : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Raymarine...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item416328578e - though I'm not totally sure it is compatible with the drive unit that Guapa suggested plus something like : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Raymarine...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3f07f1051a
 
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autopilot

Thanks Maby,
That comes to nearly £2,500.00. Time to cool off a little.
I'm the sort that thought my Tillermate was expensive!!!

I think I should speak to some local fitters and see if I can be confident they know enough to fit it all before I take the plunge.
 
glynnffc said:
Thanks Maby,
That comes to nearly £2,500.00. Time to cool off a little.
I'm the sort that thought my Tillermate was expensive!!!

I think I should speak to some local fitters and see if I can be confident they know enough to fit it all before I take the plunge.
Click to expand...

Indeed - a half decent autopilot with linear drive will not leave you a lot of change out of £3k. Wheel pilots come a bit cheaper, but there are questions about their life expectancy and ability to cope with difficult conditions.
 
We use on our HR 39, full loaded 12 to 13 tons, since 1996 an Autohelm (Raymarine) ST 7000 Linear S 2 for up to 15 tons, never had a problem.
We were told the unit will last forever. Friends had to replace on their HR, build 1994, this winter two carbon brushes, each GBP 2,50 when the computer said : drive stopped. That is normal wear and will happen to all DCmotors of this type, we are really happy with our AP

SV Annabell
Klaus
 
Autopilot

Many thanks for your suggestions. Guapa we like the look of this drive and contacted the manufactures in Devon today who are being very helpful. Coupled with the Raymarine SPX30 and the ST6002 control head I think this is a good system
 
TNT said:
do we go for the SPX-10 or the SPX30 ??
Click to expand...

How heavy is your steering?
The bit that does all the mechanical work (hence will have the higher likelihood of failure) is the Linear drive, so if the steering is quite light a Type 1 would be adequate.
All the bells and whistels that go with the Type 2 and push the price up are IMO a secondry consideration. Also note the increased Power requirement!
From Linear drive pdf
Maximum rudder torque ............Power consumption (ave)
Type 1S 735 Nm (6,500 lb.in) .......18-36 W
Type 2S 1,190 Nm (10,500 lb.in) ...48-72 W (12 V) 66-96W (24 V)
Type 2L 1,660 Nm (14,700 lb.in) ...48-72 W (12 V) 66-96W (24 V)
 
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