autopilots

[Linda]

Hi, I have a CD 26, and am considering installing an autopilot, as I am usually shorthanded, and often sail singlehandedly. I would be grateful for any info/input regarding this idea. Has anyone used the Raytheon Autohelm, and if so, which model? Is it something the owner can install, or best left to the professionals? Thanks! Linda



CD26LA@aol.com

[Darin Bartram]

Hi, I have a CD 26, and am considering installing an autopilot, as I am usually shorthanded, and often sail singlehandedly. I would be grateful for any info/input regarding this idea. Has anyone used the Raytheon Autohelm, and if so, which model? Is it something the owner can install, or best left to the professionals? Thanks! Linda

I have the Autohelm ST1000 on my CD26. I love it. I can use it in all but the strongest winds. It is especially handy when motoring. I've gotten so used to it, that I am starting to trust the auto-tack feature on it (you push two buttons simultaneously, and it tacks the boat, in either direction, about 105 degrees).

I can't comment on whether you can install it yourself--mine came on the boat when I bought it. The base is mounted on the starboard cockpit seat. The other end of the autopilot attaches to the tiller. That part looks a little tricky, because the installer put a metal spacer on the tiller to raise the connection point up about two inches, so that the autopilot would be horizontal during use.



dbartram@hunton.com

[Mike Everett]

There are several previous posts on the topic on this bulletin board, including what size is right.
It seems that lots of Cape Dory owners use Raytheon Autohelms. They enjoy a good reputation for customer support.
We use an Autohelm 1000 on our CD28, and it works fine for us, although it could be considered a bit underpowered for hard work at the tiller. (We've had no problems, but then, we wouldn't use an autohelm if the seas were rough.)
The installation (on our boat) requires a bit of straightforward wiring, drilling a couple of holes in the tiller for the working end of the machine, and drilling through the fiberglass above the cockpit seat to mount the socket for the stationery end of the machine. It requires some care to line up the socket base, autohelm, and tiller attachment in a straight line. Any reasonably skilled do-it-yourselfer could install one but, since I'm not, I'd ask the amiable Font of Wisdom at the boatyard to assist me. It wouldn't take much professional



everett@megalink.net

[Mike Everett]

time to complete the project.



everett@megalink.net

[Bill]

In a review I read in Practical Sailor, they (FWIW) chose the Navico model over the Autohelm! After having read the coments posted here I would like to ask, what made those with Autohelm (where they had the purchase choice) chose Autohelm over the Navico? In fact if I remember correctly, PS did a later review of the Autohelm 1000 or 2000 + and still didnt think very much of the product.

Just curious, as one day, I too will be adding an AP!

Thanks
Bill



cd25d@rhapsodysails.com