Need an Auto Pilot

[Reelhookedup]

Hi Guys. I need a good Auto Pilot for my Parker 2320. I had the Raymarine S1000 on my last boat I didnt like it. I couldnt get down lower than 2mph or it would lose the GPS signal. I want a unit Like some of the Simrad units with its own Compass that can also run off GPS, so I can go 1mph if I need to. I also want to install it my self I cant have the boat layed up in a marina for a week, I have charter trips. So any info on units and what I need for installation would be great. Thanks Sean

 

[UnWired]

One Word.... Simrad AP26.

Wait, that's 1 word and some random letters. That's what we have... and if the boat ever sank, I would dive down just to retrieve the auto pilot.

 

[bent monkey]

I have a simrad on both of my boats and they are great but I just do not understand why they cannot make the rudder feedback (SLF12) unit last more than one season. It is the piece that mounts to the ram and is a 'tube' that has a stainless rod which goes in and out as the ram moves providing rudder feedback to the unit. I have even talked to Simrad and they have told me that "some guys put grease in there to waterproof it". I just do not understand. I have replaced 2 and refuse to buy another one until they improve their design. Anyway, take a lok and you will see other guys with the same issue.

 

[EDGEWATER]

Does autopilot work well at trolling speeds of 2.5 - 6.0 mph?

 

[bent monkey]

Does autopilot work well at trolling speeds of 2.5 - 6.0 mph?

If I remember correctly it did, but I have not used it in a few seasons.

 

[EDGEWATER]

I'm thinking about this instead of a second station for my 2320.

I fish solo and when trolling I can generally set lines or bring in a fish while maintaining a steady course. But - in heavy chop and wind the boat gets turned around pretty quickly.

I guess the performance of the auto pilot would be mostly in the software - how far aff course it gets before making a correction, how quickly it corrects, does it over-correct at low speeds - etc.

I figure an auto pilot and a remote control would be the ticket over the second station - if it works like I hope it would.

 

[bent monkey]

I'm thinking about this instead of a second station for my 2320.

I fish solo and when trolling I can generally set lines or bring in a fish while maintaining a steady course. But - in heavy chop and wind the boat gets turned around pretty quickly.

I guess the performance of the auto pilot would be mostly in the software - how far aff course it gets before making a correction, how quickly it corrects, does it over-correct at low speeds - etc.

I figure an auto pilot and a remote control would be the ticket over the second station - if it works like I hope it would.

The controller is connected via coiled cord and it does nearly reach the stern of my boat which is nice. Now I am convincing myself to buy another feedback unit as I just put the RayMarine A780D on the boat and want to tie it all together via NMEA. Love the A70D, it really is a great unit and would like to build routes and have the auto pilot do the work, dammit, I might as well as buy another one, life is too short. Well, not sure if I am helping you any but you helped me in deciding to buy another disposable feedback unit.

 

[EDGEWATER]

Uh - your welcome? I like spending other people's money - :mrgreen:

I was told there is a wireless remote available.

 

[bent monkey]

Well great, now I will have to spend more money for the wireless!!!!!
I'm combing the web right now looking for a good price on feedback unit. :x

 

[bent monkey]

I think Furuno AP has remote control (no wire).

I do like my Simrad when it works and the control does have a really long coiled cord, just wish they had a better water and corrosion resistant feedback unit. I am going to take a look at the Furuno's before I buy another feedback unit for 300+, do you have a Furuno?

 

[bent monkey]

I don't have an autopilot.

Bought a DF from charter capt. who had Simrad AP. He had/has the same problem. Simrad wouldn't help. I read (THT ?) some take device apart and maybe waterproof on their own. Simrad wouldn't sell repair parts. Customers have to improvise.

Exactly, Simrad won't help. They do make a great product, I have one of their autopilot's on my 40' boat and it has been flawless but when it comes to the feedback unit they really need help, it just does not make sense to me that they would produce such a less than quality piece of equipment. Anyway, it's my fault as I did not do enough research before purchasing it, but if I had looked around and saw other guys having the same issue I would have looked at Ray or Furuno.