[C320-list] Raymarine EV100 Wheel Autopilot/B&G Vulcan

[surprise thompson87.com]

I think I was one of the first on the list to install a Raymarine linear drive below-decks autopilot. That was 9 seasons ago and I can honestly say it was the best investment I've made on the boat. The newer wheel pilots are probably better than the one I replaced, but I have no regrets about spending the extra for the below-decks installation.

Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 "Surprise"
Hull 653, 1999

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jeffrey Brown <oceanblues at mac.com>
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2021 3:36 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Raymarine EV100 Wheel Autopilot/B&G Vulcan

I agree 100 %. I have the wheel pilot and regret it each time not spending the money and doing it right.

Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

> On Nov 26, 2021, at 12:29 PM, Doug Treff <doug at treff.us> wrote:
>
> I have the Raymarine EV-100 and I agree with all the others. If I had to do over, I would take the time to install the below deck unit. I find the Wheel Pilot to be underpowered for all but calm seas. I use it primarily when motoring in calm weather or sailing on flat water and light winds. I often have issues with the lever coming disengaged as well. I never leave it unattended for more than a minute or two which kind of defeats the purpose of hands-free steering.
>
> Regarding mixing brands, I have a Garmin MFD and it works just fine with my AP. I can steer a course, to a waypoint, and also relative to a wind angle. the NMEA sentences on the network should be standard and it should work for you.
>
> Bottom line, if I had a do-over, and a higher budget, I would choose a below deck system.
>
> --
> Doug Treff
> doug at treff.us
>
>> On Thu, Nov 25, 2021, at 5:22 PM, Mark Calisti wrote:
>> I’m doing initial research on an autopilot and leaning towards the
>> Raymarine EV100 Wheel Autopilot Pack. Seems like an easier
>> installation, much lower cost than below the deck options, and meets
>> our relatively simplistic needs. I have the B&G Vulcan chart plotter.
>> It does not appear that B&G has a similar “wheel pack” offering. Anyone
>> with the Raymarine/B&G configuration? If so, would appreciate pros/cons
>> we should assess before purchasing.
>>
>> Thank you,
>> Mark Calisti
>> Solomons, MD
>> #749