Does anyone have experience with autopilot?

[JimL]

I'm wanting to try an autopilot, such as the Raytheon 1000 that can be connected to the GPS. I am concerned that I don't have enough battery capacity (single large 12V). Has anyone used this type, and do you have a feel for how quickly it pulled down the battery?

Single handing is great fun on the 25, and I usually win all the arguments, as well!

JimL
Odyssey III



leinfam@earthlink.net

[Ken Cave]

Hae no fear about using a battery to its limits! On our Catalina 25, with a group 24 battery, we were able to use an Autohelm 1000, radio, gps, and lights (sparingly) for five days without any problem. After five days on the water, we headed for a marina and a shower-and charged the battery!

Ken Cave
Dragon Tale
Cape Dory #227



bcave@whidbey.net

[Dave D]

Jim,
If you look on www.sailnet.com they just wrote a couple articles on autopilots. They gave some helpful hints on what sizes, type, and power demands that is needed with the units. I know from my personal experience I have to be careful and not use it too much, but I also need to replace my batteries which should slove my power problems. If you have trouble finding the articals let me know, I believe I have them on my computer someplace.

Dave D
CD 25' R&R

I'm wanting to try an autopilot, such as the Raytheon 1000 that can be connected to the GPS. I am concerned that I don't have enough battery capacity (single large 12V). Has anyone used this type, and do you have a feel for how quickly it pulled down the battery?

Single handing is great fun on the 25, and I usually win all the arguments, as well!

JimL
Odyssey III

ddsailor25@ureach.com

[Mark Yashinsky]

As w/ anythiing house battery powered on a sail boat, you are going to have to list your pluses, rate and time of charging (engine, solar, wind, plug-in shore charger) and your minuses, VHF, lights, stereo, nav, autopilot, etc) and run the numbers against your battery capacity. The autopilot will use deplete the battery more over the same time, if it is working more (more corrections) than if it can stay still. Believe there was a recent thread about battery discharge capacity. Search for it.

[Shelby]

Hey Jim, I have used a Raytheon ST1000, for several years now.
The specs say it uses less than an amp per hour, something around .7 if my memory is correct. The BEST accessory I ever bought!!
I ordered an extra power plug, and use the "Otto" on both my boats.
I have nothing but great things to say about the unit!
If I can answer any questions drop me a line.




ssboat@juno.com

[Anthony P. Jeske]

Jim:
I had an Autohelm on my CD28 that would only operate about three hours before the battery voltage dropped to a point where the internal circuits seemed to go "stupid" and the autopilot no longer held a course properly. Naturally the power drain is a function of sea state and how well you balance the sails.
Fair winds,
Tony Jeske
CD-25D #141
San Diego



ajeske@ixpres.com

[Boyd]

Hi Jim....

I have an older Raytheon autopilot on Tern and it is the greatest single most useful devise on the boat. I single or short hand the boat with inexperienced crew a lot an the autopilot is great.

I would do whatever it takes to get enough battery capacity and charging capabilities on board to have one of these.

With lights, autopilot, and refrigerator on my two 27 AGM batteries are pretty flat after a 12 hour run at night. But it is so worth it to sail all night and not have to steer. I raise the anchor by myself using the autopilot.

Boyd

I'm wanting to try an autopilot, such as the Raytheon 1000 that can be connected to the GPS. I am concerned that I don't have enough battery capacity (single large 12V). Has anyone used this type, and do you have a feel for how quickly it pulled down the battery?

Single handing is great fun on the 25, and I usually win all the arguments, as well!

JimL
Odyssey III

Tern30@aol.com

[Shelby]

Anthony, which pilot did you have? Sounds like something is out of wack. MY St1000, has been very frugal in its use of power. Have let it drive my 28, for hours, hours, without measurable drop in battery reserves. I have monitered my batteries, and they do reflect what you experinced.



ssboat@juno.com