Auto Pilots

[Wyoming]

I'm cashed up and it's burning a hole in my pocket, so its time to seriously consider an autopilot for a CruiseCraft with a 130 HP Yammi. Does anyone out there have any experience with such a device?

I can see some merit in fitting a Navman 3380 or a 3100, a slightly lesser creature. I would also need to fit a Hy Drive steering set and I figure on the whole shooting match, fitted would be around $4,200.

My one worry is that these units need feedback in respect of the engine's angular position and it needs a mechanical device, sitting the well and connected to the engine's steering mechanism and I feel that this is rather exposed.

I would be grateful for any first hand knowledge, recommendations and tips.

Thanks
Neil

[Smithy]

Fitted a Coursemaster C80i to our Signature 702. No delicate bits at all. Fluxgate compass had to mounted on a bulkhead, we made a bracket up for the steering motor, black box can go anyway out of the way, autopiloted fitted in an old tacho hole and you just T into the hydraulic lines. Simple really. Might not go a Coursemaster again though I believe their price is pretty sharp in the marketplace. We had a few teething problems solved by a new chip. Lots of heartache and testing down the drain when it must have been the chip the whole way through. Aussie company if that sways you one way or the other. Would definately consdier a TMQ next time and going trough Trymax. Mate just ended up with a C80i even after my stories. He came down to it and the Raymarine. Raymarine doesn't rely on the compass, just GPS input and one adverse comment by someone else we know in the industry turned him off. Navman would be fine, not sure where it sits with price. Use one of them on another boat and it does the job. Simrad is suppossedly the best. Try and mount your motor in a water proof spot away from the helm if possible. If not be prepared for a constant grrr, grrr, grrr from the motor each time it adjusts.

[Smithy]

Actually I could get funny here and say when is it ever going to be calm enough to use George on a CC?

[Wyoming]

...very nasty Smithy!!

I just snuck out to the boat show and I did a deal - purchased a Navman 3380 with the correct pump, brackets etc for $2,550. I have to be happy with that!