Recommendations for CD33 auto pilot

[Marvin Brandt]

We are searching for a reliable auto pilot for our CD33. Are there any recommendations that you would suggest.

[seadog6532]

I have had an autopilot on my last two boats and would not go without one again. It's one of the best additions you can make to your boat. As far as what unit to get, they all work pretty well as long as you get one rated for your size of boat. If it will use a belt, get one with the shortest belt that will work. All belts will stretch and a shorter belt will stretch less.

No autopilot will overcome bad sail trim, but a well trimmed boat will not make the unit work much.

On my last boat the rudder shaft sheared and it took me over half an hour to figure it out because the boat was so easy to trim perfectly. It was a C&C Corvette with a full keel and a center board. That unit was WP5000 with belt drive and it's the same unit we have on Arianna.

We will be mounting an Aries windvane this weekend and We have 2 WP5000 units. 1 for primary and the second as a back up. The plan is to do some off shore sailing and we don't want to have to use battery power to steer the boat, but the electric unit is great for whe running the engine or for day sails.

Hope this helps.

Mark and Anna of Arianna CD30K #112

[Bill Goldsmith]

One major fork in the decision tree is whether to go with a wheel pilot or a below-deck pilot. For everyday coastal cruising a wheel pilot is just fine. For anything more adventurous you might want to consider a below deck unit.

Pros of below deck pilots:
--It does not depend on the integrity of the wire rope from the wheel to the quadrant. If there were a failure of the wire, the pilot could steer as a backup.
--Considered to be more reliable and long-lasting that wheel-pilots, although I have no data to cite.
--Much of the gear is protected from the elements, contributing to a longer life.

Cons of below deck pilots:
--The below deck units are MUCH more expensive than wheel pilots. You have to buy the brain, the drive and the control head separately. The installation is much more involved than a wheel pilot which you can generally do yourself. Installing a below-deck unit could involve glassing in a strong point for attachment and fitting hardware directly to the quadrant.

[Paul D.]

I have a 25 year old Benmar Ceatec below deck pilot which is pretty bomber but it does freak now too much so I am considering a replacement too.

Though this old box was built to military specs and Raymarine supposedly still makes new parts for this unit, since the mounting was done poorly I would need to rebuild the bedding for the pilot and I am not crossing oceans (though I must not tempt fate on Lake Superior) so I am considering a Raymarine X-5 wheelpilot

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... &id=949691

Defender has it for under $1,200 at the moment. They are listed for up to 16,500lbs of displacement and we are at 13,300lbs and I doubt I have 3,000 pounds aboard. It may be worth a call to raymarine. I do not have any knowledge of reliability for these vs Simrad or other units but they seem to have a solid design and engineering history plus I like their refined simplicity. That would be my recommendation from someone who is looking too.

Good luck,
Paul

[mike ritenour]

On LaVida (CD33), a RayMarine 4000 Wheel Autopilot (with the 20' remote) has been great asset for motoring and minor leave of absence from the helm. It works well in most encountered seas but without the sailing computer, it does not learn conditions as they develop.

Amp drainage, with the 4000 is measurable and always a concern on a long passage.

I'm not sure one coud fit a below deck autopilot system on a 33. Space is very limited.

I've enjoyed a lot of nm with "Windy" a Monitor Windvane, which I consider a far more valuable asset onboard, than any electrical device. "Windy" has provided flawless service for almost 12 years now!

fair winds
rit

[Marvin Brandt]

Thanks for the info Mike,
I am considering the Raymarine X-5, but I'm concerned about the displacement limit of 16,500. Do you think that this should be of concern?
The previous owner sold the Monitor that was mounted on "Dolce"

[mike ritenour]

Marvin,

I've not had any experience with the x-5 but it looks like a good unit.

As I mentioned, I never use my autopilot in a sailing condition, only motoring.

The 16,500 is a limit that any cruise loaded 33 will exceed, but it might be ok.

I'd give all the mfg's, your considering, a call and see what they would recommend.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

rit

[Boyd]

My ancient Autohelm3000 quit and I am installing a new X-5 WheelPilot right now. It will be a month or so before I know how it works, if you can hold off till then on your decision. The main difference between the new X-5 and the older version is the X-5 doesnt require a rudder position sensor. The rudder position sensor was so big that its virtually impossible to install in the space of my engine compartment. Raymarine must have gotten so much negitive feed back that they changed the design.

Send me a PM in a month or so and I will share my experiences.

Boyd
s/v Tern
CD30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale,Fla.