Autopilot usage??

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:03 am

When I bought "Phoenix" there was supposedly an autopilot (Autohelm Model 100) on board. Technically there was, but it had been disconnected.. the previous owner had cut the wires connected to the control module when it failed. (This was his response to almost anything that broke.. just disconnect it and leave the parts installed.) I have removed all the components, and was told by the techs at Raymarine/Autohelm yesterday that these components are so old it is almost a waste of money to try to rebuild and reinstall them. There is a possibility that these components are 10-15 years old. The pump unit is supposedly the only component that could be used with present day compoonents, and when I tested it I found corrosion had caused the motor to be frozen, so that is useless. My question is, how many of you who have autopilots use them regularly, and is it really worth perhaps $1,500 to $2,000 to replace everything? I have used them on sailboats in the open ocean, but having something steer your boat at maybe 5-6 knots is a lot different that at 15-20 knots. I never felt comfortable depending on them.. I was always concerned that I was not sure what was in the water ahead of us.. freak waves, trash, fishing markers, etc. I have plenty of other things to spend my money on right now, so this is not on my priority list, but I would appreciate hearing your comments! Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:46 am

The guys that have them seem to love them and use them often. Many that don't have them (myself included) could never imagine needing one. While I don't fish (and therefore don't have a long run to the canyons), I do cruise. My destinations frequently require 3-6 hours at the helm. With all the lobster pots we have up here it would be a waste of money for me. As I usually head south for the cape cod canal, this requires passing Plymouth where you can almost walk on the pots without getting your feet wet. While I never head to Maine (too cold) I understand that they are even worse up there. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

michael · Post by **michael** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:14 pm

I have a simrad AP16 and I use it all the time.I never leave the helm while in auto plus I usually have another person on watch. Next time you are out look at your wake and see how straight of a line you are traveling. With the auto pilot boat runs straight in most sea conditions and speeds. I would never have a boat without one. Michael 33SF

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:23 pm

See, its just like I said. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Jose Jaen · Post by **Jose Jaen** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:25 pm

Agree with both Doug and Michael. For trips down to the Keys dodging crab pots defeats the purpose of the autopilot. However I am extremely happy to have it during 8 uninterrupted hours trips to the Bahamas, throughout which time I take naps while my wife is on watch. For the kind of boating I do I would not be without one. Mine is the same as Michael's and have it connected to both plotters in case one fails. Jose Jaen "Blue Chip" 1993 33FBC Miami FL [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... p_Jaen.jpg[/img]

No Yacht Yet · Post by **No Yacht Yet** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:36 pm

Love my autopilot, No good for lobster pot dodging though but running through the Canal or down Buzzards Bay it's always on. Gives me more time to look around at gages etc etc. I can make 10 or 20 degree corrections from the pad, imediate responce fron it. Would not use it in rough condions. Sit in the helm chair with my feet up. Wish it had a hand held remote so I wouldn't have to lean forward.....Lazy Brian

smanni · Post by **smanni** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:23 pm

LOVE IT. Once I had it a have said I cant imagine being without it!

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:55 am

One of the best investments that I've made. Mike

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:33 am

Don't leave home without one. I never had one until I bought this boat. You may think you don't need one until you get a chance to use one. Charlie

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:24 am

I had one and it gave up the ghost. I used it whenever I could, here in the chesapeake things get tight and there are lots of crab pots. I had the Robertson AP1000 and it had a dial to adust steering and I used that just as the wheel to get around pots. I used it for slow trolling and creek crusing as well. I will have another one at some point, as soon as the repower quits bleeding me[B)] Of course when it takes half the time to get somewhere I may not need an AP[:D] John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:29 am

Carb pots on the west coast of FL and the Keys make it almost impossible to use. However it is nice once and awhile. If mine quits working I won't sepnd the money to replace it. Jeff Now and Then

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:54 pm

Love it!

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:52 pm

I have a Furuno AP and love it. I use it for fishing and cruising. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

kevin gillespie · Post by **kevin gillespie** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:19 pm

i have a raymarine and nobody drives as good as he does or as long.

BillChaser · Post by **BillChaser** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:28 am

I have always enjoyed using it for offshore runs. I believe it offeres safety if used properly. By using it you cna truly dedicate your time more closely to what is going on around you. I do understand that having it can make you lazy, but I find myself more diedicated to concentrating on what is in the water directly in front of me rather than concentrating on wave or sun angle to steer a straight course. It will also increase your fuel effeciency, because it is doubtful that most of us can steer as accurately as the pilot