We own a CD 33 sloop(Hull #90) and we are considering installing a Raytheon Autohelm ST4000. We sail in the Great Lakes primarily so there is no issue of off-shore work. Does anyone have experience with this unit? Dick Wiesen
wiesensl@aol.com
Auto pilot for CD 33
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Ed Haley
Re: Auto pilot for CD 33
I have had an Autohelm ST4000 on my CD28 for five seasons and regard it as crew. I sail alone quite often and without the autopilot, I'd be a very busy captain. Otto (the autopilot) steers while I go forward to do a myriad of chores without rushing around, such as raise the main, adjust halyards, pole out the jib, drink a beer, etc. Otto holds ship's course without a hitch, with some exceptions.
On a beat or on a reach, Otto is great. However, running before the wind or broad reaching there is a tendency for a wide variation in course direction that Otto steers. There is a good chance of accidently gybing unless you sail with jib alone. Then it works great.
The control panel itself was sent back once for repairs as the digital readout panel was not quite waterproof. The newer model fixes that deficiency. The gear housing attached to the wheel was sent back for repairs because of a plastic gear that wore out. Autohelm now uses aluminum gears. I guess I was one of the pilot pilot testers to find design flaws.
I like the unit and it performs well. I'm happy with my decision to go with the Autohelm ST4000. The service at Raytheon was outstanding (they repaired the gear housing and had it back to me in three days as I was leaving for a two-week sail). Installation was a breeze and the operator's manual is easy to follow.
I don't have experience with the other units available, however the unit's invisibility (no motors ot belts above or below deck) has a lot going for it.
eghaley@twcny.rr.com
On a beat or on a reach, Otto is great. However, running before the wind or broad reaching there is a tendency for a wide variation in course direction that Otto steers. There is a good chance of accidently gybing unless you sail with jib alone. Then it works great.
The control panel itself was sent back once for repairs as the digital readout panel was not quite waterproof. The newer model fixes that deficiency. The gear housing attached to the wheel was sent back for repairs because of a plastic gear that wore out. Autohelm now uses aluminum gears. I guess I was one of the pilot pilot testers to find design flaws.
I like the unit and it performs well. I'm happy with my decision to go with the Autohelm ST4000. The service at Raytheon was outstanding (they repaired the gear housing and had it back to me in three days as I was leaving for a two-week sail). Installation was a breeze and the operator's manual is easy to follow.
I don't have experience with the other units available, however the unit's invisibility (no motors ot belts above or below deck) has a lot going for it.
eghaley@twcny.rr.com