Any auto pilot advice? brands?

[GetReel]

I'm in the midst of putting in new hydraulic steering and I'm researching auto pilots and any feedback or experience is appreciated. I'm looking for a reliable point and shoot type unit without a whole bunch of bells and whistles for fishing and inshore runs. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[ocuyler]

Hey Jeff,

Looking forward to seeing you in AC.

I installed the RayMarine ST 5000+ in my Carver 325 in 2002 and absolutely love it. I had help with the install as it had to come from the flybridge down into the aft bilge where the linkage is. Because of the windage of any flybridge yacht, an autopilot makes open water crossings much less stressfull and saves considerable fuel compared to steering a GPS or compass course.

The inboard hydraulic version (about US $1,250) should be easier to install in your boat and will be your best electronic investment. It wires seamlessly with any GPS for amazingly acurate arrival at your waypoint. It will also follow any route running on the GPS, making all the turns for you. Our runs from Sodus Bay to Alexandria Bay (about 90 miles with 46 waypoints are autopilot all but the first and last 100 yards.

The SportPilot looks pretty interesting for boats like our 23's. I'm sure there are other OEM's with great products also.

[ January 12, 2004, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

[PipeDreamsMarine]

"Windage"... Mr. Cuyler could please tell us the formula that you used to calculate the windage of your vessel thus determining that it was factor....

Is it the same as the beer to work factor used when working on Seacrafts?