Had planned to install an Autohelm 2000 for use in Chesapeake Bay.
Salesmen advise that the 9000 displacement is too close to the limit for a 2000, and that I should go to a 4000. My boat is not over- loaded with gear, and I hope not to sail in any gales. Any advice from any users?
AEWebster@aol.com
1980 CD28 Autohelm
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Mike Everett
Re: 1980 CD28 Autohelm
Dr. Pepper, also a CD28, had an Autohelm 1000 when we bought her. W've had no problems using this particular model. I think the reason is that the CD, compared with most others, requires very little steering effort to hold a course.
everett@megalink.net
everett@megalink.net
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Lyn Heiges
Re: 1980 CD28 Autohelm
Ann,
We have an Autohelm 1000 on 1981 CD28 MOON CHILD (#307) and it was placed on there when first acquired (1981) and works just great. I think what Mike Everett says about the loading is the key. I am completely happy with the 1000 and one thing which is neat on the "old" models was the external compass knob which allows you to minutely adjust the bearing as the sea state changes. I usually operate it in the "rough" sea state mode which doesn't draw as much current because it has longer periods between corrections. There is even a "U" cut in my starboard seat cushion to allow it to operate on those "plush" occassions when you have landlubbers with soft rear-ends on board in the cockpit.
Would highly recommend this unit to anyone!
I never put an autopilot on our CD27 and now being spoiled, I could kick myself!! I used to use lines with loops in the end to hold the tiller in position with the other end cleated to the genoa/jib sheet cleats in the cockpit. Worked great, but not as well as the Autohelm!
Best Regards,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT
lheiges@compuserve.com
We have an Autohelm 1000 on 1981 CD28 MOON CHILD (#307) and it was placed on there when first acquired (1981) and works just great. I think what Mike Everett says about the loading is the key. I am completely happy with the 1000 and one thing which is neat on the "old" models was the external compass knob which allows you to minutely adjust the bearing as the sea state changes. I usually operate it in the "rough" sea state mode which doesn't draw as much current because it has longer periods between corrections. There is even a "U" cut in my starboard seat cushion to allow it to operate on those "plush" occassions when you have landlubbers with soft rear-ends on board in the cockpit.
Would highly recommend this unit to anyone!
I never put an autopilot on our CD27 and now being spoiled, I could kick myself!! I used to use lines with loops in the end to hold the tiller in position with the other end cleated to the genoa/jib sheet cleats in the cockpit. Worked great, but not as well as the Autohelm!
Best Regards,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT
Ann Webster wrote: Had planned to install an Autohelm 2000 for use in Chesapeake Bay.
Salesmen advise that the 9000 displacement is too close to the limit for a 2000, and that I should go to a 4000. My boat is not over- loaded with gear, and I hope not to sail in any gales. Any advice from any users?
lheiges@compuserve.com
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Russ Campbell
Re: 1980 CD28 Autohelm
I had an old Autopilot 2000 on my 1977 CD 28 when I bought it. It was an old one with a separate compass unit. It didn't last too long before it would only turn in one direction. The problem turned out to be the bearings in the actuator arm. These are recirculating ball bearings and are virtually impossible to replace. I have however just bought a new Autohelm 2000 to replace it. I mostly use the autopilot for steering while motoring and for short stretches while singlehandling. I think the 2000 will work just great as long as you trim your sails correctly and don't expect it to steer the boat in big winds or seas. Good Luck
Russ Campbell
camroll@together.net
Russ Campbell
Ann Webster wrote: Had planned to install an Autohelm 2000 for use in Chesapeake Bay.
Salesmen advise that the 9000 displacement is too close to the limit for a 2000, and that I should go to a 4000. My boat is not over- loaded with gear, and I hope not to sail in any gales. Any advice from any users?
camroll@together.net
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Ed Haley
Re: 1980 CD28 Autohelm
Ann:
I installed a 4000 wheel pilot on my CD28 and think of it as crew. It's indispensible for long hauls over the Great Lakes. It has a damping circuit to adjust the correction sensitivity and interfaces nicely using 0183 interface to a GPS for tracking to a waypoint. When I singlehand, I can tack through 100 degrees without touching the wheel while sheeting the jib. It shines when going to windward but when running, I have to strike the main and use the jib alone to avoid accidental jibes. The nice part about the equipment is that it's all behind the wheel; motor, clutch and gearing.
I don't know what the 1000 or 2000 is like, but check to see if it can be linked to a GPS (if that's a consideration for you.)
Last summer, after a 25 mile beat on a single tack, the clutch mechanism refused to disengage as I was about to enter Confederation Basin in Kingston, Ontario. I lost my steering, in other words. And just like in the movies, we were about to get hit with a line squall. After mounting the tiller that I keep as an emergency on the rudder post, I quickly removed the mounting nut of the steering wheel and everything came off slick as a whistle. Steering was back to normal. We came into harbor uneventfully and anchored just before we got hit.
I'm relating all this to you because on the following weekend, I had to sail almost 200 miles to participate in the Youngstown Level Regatta and I sure needed to have that Wheel pilot working. Autohelm assisted superbly by having a 1 day turnaround of repairs on my unit (needed a new belt and clutch shaft) and I was in business. They were very responsive.
Ed Haley
S/V Jasmine
CD28 Hull #272
eghaley@dreamscape.com
I installed a 4000 wheel pilot on my CD28 and think of it as crew. It's indispensible for long hauls over the Great Lakes. It has a damping circuit to adjust the correction sensitivity and interfaces nicely using 0183 interface to a GPS for tracking to a waypoint. When I singlehand, I can tack through 100 degrees without touching the wheel while sheeting the jib. It shines when going to windward but when running, I have to strike the main and use the jib alone to avoid accidental jibes. The nice part about the equipment is that it's all behind the wheel; motor, clutch and gearing.
I don't know what the 1000 or 2000 is like, but check to see if it can be linked to a GPS (if that's a consideration for you.)
Last summer, after a 25 mile beat on a single tack, the clutch mechanism refused to disengage as I was about to enter Confederation Basin in Kingston, Ontario. I lost my steering, in other words. And just like in the movies, we were about to get hit with a line squall. After mounting the tiller that I keep as an emergency on the rudder post, I quickly removed the mounting nut of the steering wheel and everything came off slick as a whistle. Steering was back to normal. We came into harbor uneventfully and anchored just before we got hit.
I'm relating all this to you because on the following weekend, I had to sail almost 200 miles to participate in the Youngstown Level Regatta and I sure needed to have that Wheel pilot working. Autohelm assisted superbly by having a 1 day turnaround of repairs on my unit (needed a new belt and clutch shaft) and I was in business. They were very responsive.
Ed Haley
S/V Jasmine
CD28 Hull #272
eghaley@dreamscape.com
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Jerry Hammernik
Re: 1980 CD28 Autohelm
I bought my 28 last season and it had a 1000. I've had no problems with it so far. It handles the boat just fine. I think anything more than a 2000 is gross overkill.
Jerry Hammernik
Lion's Paw CD28 #341
dauntles@execpc.com
Jerry Hammernik
Lion's Paw CD28 #341
dauntles@execpc.com