[C320-list] AP Option

[jim brown]

Helps a lot and thanks. 

Jim Brown




________________________________
From: Ralph Winkler <ralphwink at aepro.com>
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 5:18:19 PM
Subject: [C320-list] AP Option

Option on the RM AP.  I have the old style AP on Wind Dancer #394 here in WI and it's worked very well since install of the rudder reference that several of us RM AP owners did an couple years ago.
An Option:  We also have a boat in Punta Gorda FL and I committed the sin of all sins in buying a 25 ft lobster design trawler power boat for Charlotte Harbor and the ICW.  I waited for six months last summer, fall and winter for the new RM Sport Pilot to come out.  This system uses the same software as the X-5 sailboat model.  I went to the Miami boat show in Feb. '09 and RM still could not advise shipment.  Tired of waiting I bought a Simrad AP14 (this is a wheel design for a power boat) but they have a model for sailboats also.  The Simrad system you would likely get is under deck installed, the power version is behind the helm.  I have the Simrad wired into the NEMA on my C70 plotter and Radar (same set-up as on our sailboat above but with a C80 plotter) and it works flawless.  Tracks routes and waypoints flawlessly.  Frankly, if I was going to redo Wind Dancer, the sailboat, with a new AP I'd likely go with the Simrad set-up.  Cost is about ballpark
 with RM.  You need to talk to Simrad Tech Service on the right model for a C320.
Don't know if this helps or confuses the issue.
Good luck.


Ralph H. Winkler