Autopilot/capedory33

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

Moderator: Jim Walsh

Post Reply
James Devore

Autopilot/capedory33

Post by James Devore »

We have been disappointed with our autohelm3000. Would like to hear from anyone with something different. We're thinking maybe we'll have to put in a below deck type. If you have one please respond.Jim



capedory33@aol.com
John R.

Re: Autopilot/capedory33

Post by John R. »

James Devore wrote: We have been disappointed with our autohelm3000. Would like to hear from anyone with something different. We're thinking maybe we'll have to put in a below deck type. If you have one please respond.Jim
We've got a 6000 linear drive below deck pilot on our 30. It's been a good pilot, Raytheon is not good on supplying parts for any units that are of any age (5 or over). Other than that no complaints. They could improve on the way in which the display head mounts. The pilot has always performed well. Very important to be sure fluxgate is properly installed and that proper sea state settings are selected when in use. If those two things aren't done correctly you will have problematic piloting. There are lots of other good pilots also...Cetrek, Robertson et al. I would check them all out carefully. I would definitely stick with a below deck pilot.
mike

Re: Autopilot/capedory33

Post by mike »

Jim,

I have LaVida, CD-33, hull #40.

As we do a lot of long distance sailing in her, I purchased a Monitor windvane with the idea of putting a small tiller pilot on the vane base and steer the boat. It worked well, but it wasn't what I wanted.

I chose the ST-4000. Couldn't be more pleased, except for the remote , which West promptly replaced.

"OttO", as my son calls it, has over 4,500nm on it now and it hasn't missed a beat.

mike




mpr@seascan.com
Post Reply