Auto Pilot for DF200APX

[Splash]

Hi guys.

What auto pilot setup is recommend for this motor ?

I will be using Simrad MFD ias well if this is any help?


Splash

[Any_Weather]

Gday Splash, I run all Garmin gear except for Furuno sounder so I run the Garmin auto pilot. I would imagine simrad probably offer one also. It is hands down the best money you will spend on your boat if you are going to be doing any sort of miles or trolling.

Cheers
Lee


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[Splash]

Thanks Lee.

Yes, I’ll be doing lots of trolling.

How has Auto Pilot benefited your boating / fishing experience?

What tips / traps exist for fitment of an Auto Pilot unit (no brand specific)?


Splash

[ranmar850]

Moose will know more about this than me, re specific integration-- if you decided to go Simrad for your MFD's, the Lowrance one will work, IIRC. As I run Raymarine, I use theirs. It integrates perfectly, and, if you plan on doing a lot of trolling, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Same for travelling long distances, particularly heading offshore to a blank horizon. If you are heading to a specific waypoint, rather than a set heading, at least with the Raymarine setup, it automatically compensates for set and drift. Any good pilot should. Just being able to stab Auto on the controller to carry on a heading and free your hands up is gold.
Usual disclaimers about always having someone on watch, if solo, don't leave the wheel at speed, etc.

[Splash]

Thanks.

Il look into this.

Do you know if the AP units can ‘spot lock’ onto positions ?


Splash

[Any_Weather]

Gday splash, yeh I do believe they can spot lock however it is very expensive and hours would mount up pretty quickly


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[NAGG]

Hi guys.

What auto pilot setup is recommend for this motor ?

I will be using Simrad MFD ias well if this is any help?


Splash

Why would you want autopilot when you are going to be trolling - trolling usually doesn't involve straight runs ..... you are either following a contour or temperature break .

Also why are you asking about spotlocking from an auto pilot ? ...... if you want to spotlock for your snapper fishing - go for an electric motor

Chris

[ranmar850]

The kind of autopilots which can spot lock are the ultra expensive types like the Yamaha system, which are generallly fitted to multi-engine setups. Spotlockers are a whole different subject. I would still defend the use of autopilot for trolling--if you are only running two-handed, you stay straight while the lures are going out in the pattern, which is very useful. Then, you might be simply criss-crossing a certain depth range, across the tide, very good for that. If I'm running along a seabed ridge, I'll typically hand steer to get a gentle s pattern rather than dead straight. You can actually pre-set patterns, even circles if you wish. I get on a boat without one, I immediately miss it.
All i'll say that is if you argue against autopilotds, you've probably never had the use of one. I know someone who fitted one on a twenty five year old tinny after fishing with me for a week on a trip , jusgt blown away by how all-round useful it was.

[Splash]

Great discussion by all - thank you.

I’ll pass on the spot lock idea but still likely to have an AP unit installed. Seems like great offshore tools..

[Greg P]

100% agree with Ranmar - once you have an autopilot installed you wont want another boat without one again. They are especially fantastic for fishing solo once hooked up and allow you to clear lines, direct boat while you play the fish with a remote and make travelling long distances offshore easier. Being also able to plan a route over your marks is great and allows you to concentrate on birds, allows you to circle around bait schools or hook up areas where the fish are holding (wahoo and Mackies etc), watching other boats in vicinity and the fishing lines/lures themselves. Very important though to have some sort of safety device to cut off the engine if you fall out which can be either the standard lanyard or a Fell Marine MOB system like I run.

[robothefisho]

Do the raymarine autopilots allow you to overpower the pump with the steering wheel? If wanting to avoid an obstacle while on autopilot can you just turn the wheel without first disconnecting?

[Danf]

Do the raymarine autopilots allow you to overpower the pump with the steering wheel? If wanting to avoid an obstacle while on autopilot can you just turn the wheel without first disconnecting?

If a rudder sensor unit is connected then the autopilot will respond with an immediate reaction to hold course. If running on "virtual rudder", then there may be a slight delay before the autopilot corrects itself after the heading sensor detects a change in direction.
My unit with the rudder feedback responds instantly to any steering wheel adjustment. I have the Raymarine control head mounted nearby on the dash, it has a "standby" function and I also have a master switch on the dash that isolates the power to the hydraulic pump.
Some of the entry level autopilots require an MFD to interface and control the autopilot functions. I think some may have some sort of kill switch included. My unit also can accept course directions from the Simrad plotter through the NMEA/SeaTalk ng network.
I like running with the control head as I can set a magnetic course and adjust the dial to suit direction.

[ranmar850]

Originally Posted by robothefisho
Do the raymarine autopilots allow you to overpower the pump with the steering wheel? If wanting to avoid an obstacle while on autopilot can you just turn the wheel without first disconnecting?

yes, they do, as below. No real effort needed, will just attempt to return to original heading when you stop manually inputting.

If a rudder sensor unit is connected then the autopilot will respond with an immediate reaction to hold course. If running on "virtual rudder", then there may be a slight delay before the autopilot corrects itself after the heading sensor detects a change in direction.
My unit with the rudder feedback responds instantly to any steering wheel adjustment. I have the Raymarine control head mounted nearby on the dash, it has a "standby" function and I also have a master switch on the dash that isolates the power to the hydraulic pump.
Some of the entry level autopilots require an MFD to interface and control the autopilot functions. I think some may have some sort of kill switch included. My unit also can accept course directions from the Simrad plotter through the NMEA/SeaTalk ng network.
I like running with the control head as I can set a magnetic course and adjust the dial to suit direction.

+1 for the control head. I run the P70Rs, with the knob, easy to make incremental changes of one degree of heading change if necessary. You really only use Auto, which just keeps steering on the heading you are on at the time, or hit Standby to turn it off. There is also a red autopilot icon top RHC of the MFD you can also hit to disconnect. Making larger course changes ( +20 degrees? ) is quicker with the pilot on standby, just go to new desired heading and hit Auto.

To steer to an actual waypoint, you select the waypoint on the touchscreen, select Go To from the menu that drops down, then pull out the sidebar on the MFD. You have the option there of Steer to Nav or Steer to Heading. Steer to Nav takes you to the waypoint selected, Steer to Heading is just the same as hitting Auto, you keep going on your current heading.
I haven't actually used a Route on it yet, although I have created a few. I tend to make mine very safe, so you could run them in the dark if necessary--normal daylight use means you can cut corners safely.

[Splash]

Anyone here use the hand held remote from the Furuno AP that allows the boat to steer in the direction of where the remote is pointing…?