[C320-list] Raymarine Evolution EV-100 Wheel Autopilot

[Jack Brennan]

For anyone who is interested, this link talks about what I was trying to explain in my earlier post.

Under normal conditions with properly set sails, the autopilot should only be making minor course adjustments.  In rough conditions, you should be at the wheel anyway to anticipate and deal with problems as they arise.

https://www.sailingworld.com/how-to-find-balance/




Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone



-------- Original message --------
From: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan333 at outlook.com>
Date: 1/9/23 5:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Raymarine Evolution EV-100 Wheel Autopilot

Hi Ken:

I've had a somewhat different experience.

I've used the EV 100 on four long trips of 600 miles or more in Florida.

It's fine as long as you recognize it's limitations.

Anything more than 20 knots or 6-foot seas should make you consider hand steering, although it will do fine in some rough conditions.

I used it for a time last spring doing a 140-mile run from Key West to Boca Grande in 25-knot winds and 4- to 10-foot beam seas.

Ultimately, it struggled so much
that it tore the bracket off the pedestal, although the unit itself was fine.

I found it doesn't do well with large seas behind the beam.

The challenge ultimately is being able to balance the sails. If conditions don't allow that, the EV 100 needs to be turned off.

The 320 is such a well-balanced boat in normal conditions that the autopilot hardly works at all.

That will continue until those following seas start grabbing the fat stern and throwing it around.

Have some good sailing this year. We're heading either to the Bahamas or Pensacola this spring.

Jack Brennan




Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone



-------- Original message --------
From: Ken McCrimmon <kenmccrimmon at hotmail.com>
Date: 1/9/23 2:14 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Cc: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Raymarine Evolution EV-100 Wheel Autopilot

Hi jack
I have the EV 100 installed and it fine for day sailing on the Great Lakes. I would not trust it for off shore sailing or for long trips

Ken

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 9, 2023, at 1:53 PM, upwego at yahoo.com wrote:
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> Presently using the ST 4000 auto helm and looking to upgrade to a new auto pilot system.  Looking for any user input from those that updated to the newer Raymarine Evolution EV-100 Wheel Autopilot. Did the newer wheel drive unit significantly improve over the ST4000 or should I bypass the wheel drive and go directly to a below deck steering system?  Plan to sail off-shore Fl and to the Bahamas.
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> Thanks for your input.
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> jack
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> s/v wetted bliss
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> #441