[C320-list] Replacement Autopilot recommendation

[Jon Vez]

As a former 320 owner with both the original 4000 and the newer 'grey' version on that boat I had what I thought was a great performing AP system. I had no idea what a substantial difference a linear drive made until I experienced it for myself on my 355.
 I remember running into a couple who owned a 350 at a boat show and I mentioned I had just purchased a 355. The first comment they made to me was 'wait until you experience a real autopilot'. Didn't think much of it until my first sea trial. I can only echo what the other skippers have said in that there simply is no comparison.
I do have the X-10 core pack as a point of difference...

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 30, 2015, at 8:45 AM, Allan S Field <allan.field at verizon.net> wrote:
> 
> Graeme - I have gone through 3 Raymarine wheel drive autopilots before
> finally listening to Scott Thompson (actually, reading his excellent
> write-up) and installing a Raymarine below deck linear drive.  On the first
> sea trial, we put a waypoint into our chartplotter and took off in 25 knots
> of apparent wind close hauled with the response set to 5 (highest) and no
> reefs in the sails.  Had we not disengaged the pilot about 100 yards out
> from the waypoint, a big channel marker, we would have run the marker over.
> The drive is made for a boat of about 24,000 pounds displacement and ours is
> what, less than 12,000?  This was probably the best investment yet for Sea
> Shadow, an already superbly pimped out boat!
> 
> We sail in the shallow Chesapeake Bay where there is considerable chop in
> almost all conditions.  The linear drive holds a true course in everything
> the Bay has thrown at it so far.  I am fairly confident, after over 2
> seasons, that this should be the last autopilot I will need to buy.
> 
> Hope this helps!
> 
> Allan S. Field
> Sea Shadow - #808
> Herrington Harbour South
> Rosehaven, MD
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
> Of Graeme Clark
> Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2015 5:06 AM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Replacement Autopilot recommendation
> 
> 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=
>