AutoHelm 4000 autopilot

[JohnMoshakis]

Hi,
I was wondering if anybody was using a AutoHelm 4000 with a Cape Dory 36 ? If you are what sea state are you using it in ? If you aren't then what are you using ?

Thanks,
John

[Jeff Barnes]

John,

On my CD36 I use a Raymarine ACU-200 controller and Type 1 mechanical linear drive (below deck). I had this system on a previous 36 and absolutely no problems. I have never had a wheel pilot, such as the Autohelm 4000, although I have seen one or two CD36's with them.

Jeff

[JohnMoshakis]

John,

On my CD36 I use a Raymarine ACU-200 controller and Type 1 mechanical linear drive (below deck). I had this system on a previous 36 and absolutely no problems. I have never had a wheel pilot, such as the Autohelm 4000, although I have seen one or two CD36's with them.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the reply.

I tried raising the main and reefing. While reefing the autohelm quit, it was about 15kts. From what Ive gathered so far I shouldn't be using it for that. I've also tried being close haul under sail in about 8-10 knts and it was ok with that.

I would like to single hand and wondering what equipment I should be thinking about for self steering.

Cheers,
John

[Steve Laume]

I sigle hand all of the time on my CD-30. I have an EVO 100 with a wheel drive and a Monitor wind vane. The Evo 100 is an excellent control head but the wheel pilot might struggle on a CD-36 in high winds. I am talking about winds where you would need to reef. The wind vane will handle anything but a no wind situation. The combination of the two works out extremely well. The linear drive should do a much better job than the wheel pilot, Steve.

[JohnMoshakis]

I sigle hand all of the time on my CD-30. I have an EVO 100 with a wheel drive and a Monitor wind vane. The Evo 100 is an excellent control head but the wheel pilot might struggle on a CD-36 in high winds. I am talking about winds where you would need to reef. The wind vane will handle anything but a no wind situation. The combination of the two works out extremely well. The linear drive should do a much better job than the wheel pilot, Steve.

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the reply.

[Cathy Monaghan]

The Cape Dory 36 is too heavy for an ST4000. You’ll need a below-decks autohelm with linear drive.