[C320-list] Replacement Autopilot recommendation

[Chris Burti]

I just installed the EV100 along with a rudder sensor prior to our cruise
and it is far superior to the old ST4000+ including downwind performance in
a quartering sea. Installation was a snap and setup was largely 'plug and
play'.

That said, primarily due to time constraints and to fiscal ones to a
degree, I opted to stay with the wheel pilot. Had I more time and been
willing to spend the money on the required Edson parts and other
fabrication expenses, I would have preferred (and recommend) the linear
drive unit. As I don't do much open ocean sailing, the wheel pilot
suffices. The EV-100 wheel pilot  uses the same drive motor and it does not
have enough power for high winds. I never had an issue with the clutch
popping out as that is adjustable...the unit simply can't handle upwind
sailing in 25 knots of wind. If we ever take Commitment to the Caribbean,
I'll go ahead and install the linear drive unit.

Chris Burti,
Commitment, #867

On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 5:06 AM, Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> wrote:

> My previous 320 came fitted with Raymarine ST4000 wheel pilot, which
> suffered from the usual problem of a disengaging clutch lever and poor
> performance in anything other than light winds and seas.
>
> Seduced by the sales talk of a Raymarine rep at a boat show, I invested in
> their new SPX-5, being assured that it would revolutionise performance. The
> difference was undetectable, the drive motor broke within weeks (replaced
> under warranty) and - not that I really use the feature - even on a flat
> clam day its ability to intercept and follow a course on the plotter was
> dire!
>
> My current 320 has an even older wheel-pilot fitted, a WP10 by Simrad,
> which has broken so I am considering replacements
>
> Raymarine are now  offering the Evolution range, which will supposedly
> ‘revolutionise performance’…uh-oh, haven't i heard that somewhere before.
>
> So to say i am not best disposed towards another Ray product is putting it
> mildly, but if someone has fitted one and can tell me different I’d love to
> hear.
>
> My research tends to indicate that a below decks unit is essential,
> possibly with a rudder reference unit needed as well.
>
> Any recommendations? In particular I’d like to hear how they perform under
> the “acid test” if sailing downwind with a quartering sea.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Graeme
> #366 ‘Jaskar’, Falmouth




-- 
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC