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Bluedog
USA
37 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 14:10:46
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I have been close to the point of adding an auto-pilot for the past couple of years but haven't been impressed by the price/products available. I have Hynautic 50 dual station system on a 40' gas powered boat.
Has anybody recently installed a system on their boat?
The Northstar system looked good but seems to have dissappeared.
Thanks,
Tim |
Tim Hinson
Blue Dog |
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Wingspar
USA
1271 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 14:38:20
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I just finished installing Raymarines system into my 42' diesel boat. It worked well even in 3' beam and following seas.
Dave N |
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nwaring
USA
1321 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 14:59:31
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What brand is your GPS? I would use the same brand. I have an older Autohelm on a Hynautic 50 two station setup and I have a Garmin GPS network. All I can do with my auto is point it in the right direction and engage (which work fine).
Good luck
Niles |
"Interlude"
87 Mainship 36DC
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Edited by - nwaring on Jul 28 2010 15:01:04 |
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Capt. Bill1
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 15:09:22
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I like SIMRAD/Robertson myself.
But I've also had good luck with Raymarine units.
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The two most common elements on Earth are oxygen and stupidity.
Creationism is to science what storks are to obstetrics.
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JimPend
2159 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 15:35:16
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| I would never connect a GPS and auto-pilot, you don't get a check on course. A mistake on the GPS most likely will go unnoticed, until it might be too late. I always program my GPS to warn me of a waypoint coming up and then set the auto-pilot on the new course after checking my chart and plotted course for agreement. I realize that I boat in an area that requires very accurate navigation, maybe you don't, but still practice in using the proper technique is good. |
Jim P. |
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Wingspar
USA
1271 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 16:32:57
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I have to disagree with Jim on connection the autopilot to a gps. I always have as it is the best way to steer a straight line especially with the winds and currents that we get in the San Juan islands. If there were a failure in the GPS, the autpilot kick out back to manual.
It should never be a problem as I or someone is ALWAYS at the helm.
Dave |
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JimPend
2159 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 19:17:15
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| Wingspar, do it the way you want, I don't care, just tried to tell the RIGHT WAY. I've seen many people killed on Lake Erie doing it your way. We have to know where we are and where we're going, some people don't have to be that good at navigation, some should have known, they are dead today. |
Jim P. |
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Anthem
USA
140 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 19:28:50
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You can still practice proper technique by acknowledging any new waypoint before the GPS undertakes it - or not using multiple waypoints at all. However, saying not to connect a GPS to an autopilot is a bit extreme in my point of view. I believe most people who install autopilots these days are expecting navigation via chart plotters/gps and not just compass headings. . . .
That being said - what equipment do you have onboard right now ? Sometimes you want to stick with the same brand of autopilot as it'll give you an additional feature or two that you won't get with disparate brands. Sometimes those features aren't very useful to you (or not desired). In its most basic form, autopilots generally only need a few items - they connect to a rudder drive system, have a rudder feedback unit and a gyro/compass helps. With GPS/navigation, then they also take coordinates via NMEA 0183 (almost all), and some of the newer units (NMEA 2000).
The more well known autopilots out there will all do you fine. Simrad AP24, Raymarines X-30, Garmin GHP10, etc. There are other good ones that are not as well known like (ComNav, etc). All are pretty good and will do what you want (especially coming from not having one).
You will probably be looking at a T2 hydraulic type of pump to control your rudder system. That will probably cost as much as the autopilot if you don't already have one. |
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JimPend
2159 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 19:44:57
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| I say, do it your way, I haven't seen a GPS that can stop me from going over reefs, in the mean time, I'll do it the right way. |
Jim P. |
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caltexfla
2600 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 19:56:49
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I don't agree with Jim's hard headed approach most of the time, but do on this one, especially on inland waters. You have to stay in command of the boat. Crossing oceans, I can certainly see the benefit of a GPS/AP merge. My one experience with trying to use it on a beautiful GB 49 in the San Juans just about put the thing on he rocks twice. On my boat, that "nav" button NEVER gets pushed. Me and my first mate Otto can steer that way point, current and wind and seas be damned, just fine.
Getting back to the OP, kind of hard to wrong with any the major brands; Garmin bought the Gladiator TR-1 line which is a nice simple unit as well. I have used ComNav (love those), Ray, Simrad, and Roberston (current boat, older unit) with no problemas, and as inferred really liked the TR-1 on a friend's boat.
George
Hatteras 56MY (Robertson AP200DL)
Boston Whaler 130 Sport (I think I'll just stick my foot in the wheel spoke and point 'er over that way..) |
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Billylll
USA
8035 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 22:10:30
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I would look at the Garmin rebranded Gladiator TR-1.
I have no need for an auto pilot but if I did since I have modern Garmin plotters I would use the TR-1. It doesn't use a rudder sensor which can be a major point of failure with auto pilots.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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Sandy
USA
6040 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 00:32:18
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Strongly disagree with Jim. That's your right way, which is fine , not THE right way whatever that is . Using the Nav ( to a WP) function can be much safer and economical than simply using the Auto function . Nav can steer close to zero cross-track whereas Auto is subject to effect of wind and current and wave action and can get offset substantially from the originally intended track. Either use demands good setup & a close watch at the helm with attention to surroundings and actual course.
I still prefer the Simrads but just had a 10 yr old remote control head go toes up yesterday. Anyone have a nice AP 21 they need to upgrade from? |
Sandy |
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Bluedog
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 12:01:22
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Thanks you for all the feedback. I do not have a drive pump, so one of my main concerns is getting that connected without making a mess. Also I have seen conflicting info about whether a check valve is needed. The Hynautic book indicates it is not needed..
Another thing is, I tend to move between the up and down stations often during a normal trip (either out of boredom or hunger), so I don't want to have the thing set up on top and not be able to make changes when I am downstairs. Tim |
Tim Hinson
Blue Dog |
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Wingspar
USA
1271 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 14:14:02
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Tim, Most systems allow two or more control stations so you have full control from either helm.
One guy at my marina has a wireless remote for his autopilot as he likes to sit up at the bow.
Dave |
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Topic |
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Auto-pilot choices for an Older Boat