Autopilots - Any comments on brands

[rwells9999]

I'm in the process of collecting any information on Autopilots. I have a 5.6mtr Bar Crusher which does about 200k/trip. Much time is spent behind the helm going to or coming from, so I thought it might take some of the drudery and fit a Autopilot. Have just collected all the bumph from the Sanctuary Cove boat show and was wanting some input from skippers who have had them fitted and the good and bad points on the brands they have.
Robin

[Grand_Marlin]

For quality and ease of use - Raymarine

Their new S1000 Pilot would be ideal ... Thats what I'm fitting to our cat

Cheers

Pete

[fish2eat]

bump

[wethooters]

I have the S1000 fitted to my new 6.3m Platey. Works a treat and very simple to fit. All parts are included in the kit to fit to most types of hydraulic steering. I thought the rubber mounts for the pump were a bit weak so I mounted it on some plastic (breadboad material) but it does make a bit of noise when idling or trolling. I may now go back to rubber mounts. The S1000 is very simple and only needs a GPS signal. Only problem is the boat has to be travelling at 3 knots before it gets its bearings and maintains course. Once set the boat tracks straight. I find it makes long trips less tiresome and great for trolling when set to do circles or figure 8's. I would hate to do without it now. Downsides are the control unit turns off after periods of inactivity (ie stopping to fish for say 30 minutes) and it has to be turned back on & pick up a signal.
Worth every cent IMHO