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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Autohelm ST1000 Plus

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/28/2002 : 02:52:16

I'm considering buying the Autohelm ST1000 Plus tillerpilot that Sailnet has on sale for $399.00(including a free remote), but I was wondering if anybody has any concerns/problems with this autopilot. I have talked to one person and he has not had any problems with this particular model. Sailnet states that the maximum boat displacement for this autopilot is 5,450lbs, but the manufacturer, Raymarine, lists the maximum boat weight as 6,600lbs which seems to be plenty for a loaded Cat 25. Any opinions out there?

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

Metoac
Deckhand

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23 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 08:06:32

I'm also thinking of buying a Tiller Autopilot. I have been considering the Simrad TP20CX. From what I understand the Autohelm ST1000 Plus would be undersized for the weight of a C-25. For that reason I started to consider the Simrad TP20CX. (Sailnet has the Autohelm ST1000 or the Simrad TP20CX for $400.00 both with free remotes) The Simrad TP20CX is rated for a max boat displacement of 11,000lbs.
I have been trying to get some feedback on the Simrad units but have not been able to locate anyone who has any experiance with the unit. There have been several people on this forum who have purchased the Autohelm 2000 for use on C-25s and they seeem very pleased.
PLease let me know what you decide to do.
Ted Schulte

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 10:46:32

Ted,

I considered the Simrad TP20CX due to the increased displacement that it can handle, but I have a few concerns about this unit.

1) Can it accept GPS data? Neither Simrad's nor Sailnet's website states that it accepts this data.

2) BoatUS sells the TP10 and TP30, but not the TP20 and West Marine doesn't carry the Simrad autopilots, period. Why?

3) The Simrad Website doesn't even describe the TP20, only the TP10 and TP30. Why is that? Is it the red headed step child?

4) The Simrad Website states, "Designed for tiller-steered sailboats up to around 11,000 lbs (aprx. 35 ft.), the TP10 is a high power, no-nonsense autopilot which can comfortably outperform all challengers in its class.", but according to their spec's 8,140 lbs is the max displacement for the TP10. Which is it, 11,000 or 8,140?

All this doesn't exactly give me a warm and fuzzy feeling for the Simrad TP20.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 03/28/2002 10:48:37

Edited by - dlucier on 03/29/2002 16:11:05

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 12:28:26

I've had an ST1000 for three years, and it's unquestionably the best modification I've made to my boat. Sitting at the tiller for hours on end is just plain boring. More importantly, when I singlehand the boat, which is most of the time, I can go to the head, get a snack, go sit on the foredeck, or whatever and let the tillerpilot steer.

I've had no problems with the ST1000 being able to handle the boat in anything except very rough weather and big seas, when it tends to overcorrect. But in those kind of conditions you would want to be in charge yourself anyhow.

My other caveat is don't drop it hard on the deck. I did that last fall, and broke the fluxgate compass. Otherwise it's rugged and worthy.

Brooke Willson

Edited by - on

dave andersen
1st Mate

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85 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 12:39:26

I installed the Autohelm ST1000 on my fin keel C 25 last January.
I'm no wizard electronically, but I would say it is an easy install.
I put the pivot point on the starboard seat and hung a connecting
fitting below the tiller. Performance: Superb in all airs. Though
the biggest wind I've used it in is 20 knots. It is a great item
and I think it has more than enough thrust to handle the C 25.

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 13:50:55

I purchaced my ST1000 from Sailnet three years ago and I agree with Brook and David. Very good unit and not over powered by the weight of the boat. The ST2000 is probably a little over kill, but it would probably handle the really rough weather better as it responds faster. I like to hang onto the tiller in the heavy stuff.

Brook, I have had the same experience with the over correcting. I think this can be reduced with the rudder gain and damping settings. It would be interesting to have everybody list where they have these settings at, so we could all compare. I am going to the boat Friday to give my college daughter and some friends of hers a day sail. I will try to remember to get these settings and post them.

Ed Montague on 'Yahoo'
1978 #765 SK, Stnd, Dinette ~_/)~

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 21:14:17

The Admiral has just approved the purchase of the Autohelm ST1000 Plus tillerpilot and it has been ordered. It has been designated as my 2004 Father's Day gift(all gift holidays falling before that one have already been taken with previous boat purchases). Since I purchased my Cat 25 last September, I've been buying "I Need" items(lines, blocks, electrical inlet, paint,...etc), and I enjoy purchases of that nature, but this autopilot and the used spinnaker I bought a couple of days ago come from the "I Would Like" list which really pegs the joy meter! YEEEEEEEHAAAWWWW!!

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

albert
Captain

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USA
262 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 21:34:47

Don,

Check out the following thread:
http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=755

It describes my autohelm 2000Plus installation.

Albert Iturrey
al@comhertz.com
Abacus': http://www.comhertz.com/abacus

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 22:00:09

Albert,

Thanks for the link and the information. I'll probably install it the same way. I like the idea of using the coaming compartment. Excellent! Thanks.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

Ken Cave
Navigator

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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 23:23:04

During my many years of sailing, I have owned three Autohelm units, and have had great success with each one. The service on Autohelms is the best I have ever had!

On our Cape Dory we inherited two Autohelms, one a 2000+ and a 1000+(now this boat weighs 13000 pounds!!)

On our second trip out, our 2000 stopped grunting like a pig, and started to squeal-not a good sign.

I called the service department in New Hampshire and told them that I was not the first owner of the unit, nor did I know how old it was.

I sent the unit to them, and three weeks later I got my baby back with no charge!! (I sent them a check for $25.00 to cover the shipping and a thank you letter)

With service like this, how can you not purchase an Autohelm!!

By the way, on our Catalina we used an 800 and a 1000 with great results. Heavy following seas are a no-no for any pilot unit as they tend to oversteer.

Ken Cave

Edited by - on

albert
Captain

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USA
262 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2002 : 02:34:04

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Albert,

Thanks for the link and the information. I'll probably install it the same way. I like the idea of using the coaming compartment. Excellent! Thanks.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Your welcome. Contact me if you've got any other questions.

Albert Iturrey
al@comhertz.com
Abacus': http://www.comhertz.com/abacus

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2002 : 14:50:05

I was wondering exactly what is the "free remote" that Sailnet includes with the tillerpilot? Their website doesn't have any information(model #, picture, spec's,...etc.) on the remote and when I called their customer service the only information they had was that it was a "Raymarine 4 button remote". I checked my BoatUS and West Marine catalogs and they do not list this remote. I searched the Raymarine website for any information and they only had information on the more expensive handheld remote. On Albert's thread, he mentions a "ST50" remote and has a picture of it, but in my search I have not found this remote. Does anyone know if any documentation(ie. model number, operating/installation instructions, replacement cost, length of cable,..etc.) exists on the web. I'm curious as to the value of my "free remote" and it's replacement cost, as well as documentation for it.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

eric.werkowitz
Captain

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USA
283 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2002 : 16:23:38

Don,

The remote I got with my 1000 has at least 20 ft of cord. It is thin and about 3x6 in. with (I think) 4 buttons. They allow you to turn to port or starboard 1 or 10 degrees for each press depending on which button you use. Not all that useful, but you can steer the boat from the bow while you are sunbathing! (Unfortunately, you'll always have those annoying jack line marks on your tan.)

Eric Werkowitz
C25 #4969

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2002 : 23:41:14

I think I found the remote. It's an ST60.

If anyone is thinking about getting an autopilot, the sale that Sailnet has going on right now is quite a deal. I paid $399.95 for the ST1000 Plus and didn't pay any sales tax or shipping. If I bought the autopilot and remote at my local West Marine or BoatUS store, it would have cost me 649.98 plus tax($688.97). That's a $289.00 difference!

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

mascom
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2002 : 07:56:29

$399. is hard to beat, but you might consider the extra expense of the ST-2000+.

This depends quite a bit on how/where you sail, but the much larger capacity of the ST-2000 results in handling considerably more tiller loads and responding VERY QUICKLY.

It is particularly noticeable when you are in following seas on a beam reach or run. If you're going a long distance and want to relax a bit, knowing that you can rely on the TP to handle the job is very important. Because of the faster "hard over" times, it is able to handle the variable tiller loads that you have under these conditions without having the boat wallow and drift off heading while making corrections.

I've sailed on C-25's with both; I would still vote for the larger unit for Great Lakes sailing.

Having said all this, I would stress that investing in a Tiller Pilot is about the most rewarding purchase you can make for your boat. It will make your sailing much safer and enjoyable

Edited by - on

capfrank
1st Mate

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USA
31 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2002 : 12:41:23

I have used an Auto Helm ST 2000 for over 8 yrs, 6 days a week, all day long on the Maine coast. I constantly sleep aboard all summer, so night time lights are always used. I sail in fog, meaning running lights are used. The VHF is always on, (required). I also listen to a CD player sparingly. I have one battery, with an electric start 9.9 Yamaha, used for 10 minutes at the start and end of my trips, unless the wind dies down. I do conserve power, by closing lights when not needed. The power consumption of the Auto Helm auto pilot is minimal. It is now made by Raytheon. If you are keep your terminals free of corrision, you should not have battery drain if some type of electrical generation is available, either by out board, or a solar panel. I have a 20 watt Siemens Solar, solar panel, but do not use it too often. So the only "charging" that is done on a regular basis is the out board. I hope these comments have been of use to all.

Fair winds and following seas, _/)
~~~~
Captain Frank P. Grande
Goddess of the Sea Cruises
Sailing Adventures in Maine
www.goddesscruise.com
capfrank@mint.net
207-877-7824

Edited by - on

ltenny
1st Mate

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35 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2002 : 12:59:11

Just FYI, I bought a ST2000 for my 27 at Sailnet a few months ago when they were running a sale; it was $550 including the remote, with no sales tax or shipping charges. I think it might be more now, but they'll probably put it on sale again at some point (or maybe you can talking them into giving you their sale price right now).

Lee

Edited by - on

Rex
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2002 : 23:57:34

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I'm considering buying the Autohelm ST1000 Plus tillerpilot that Sailnet has on sale for $399.00(including a free remote), but I was wondering if anybody has any concerns/problems with this autopilot. I have talked to one person and he has not had any problems with this particular model. Sailnet states that the maximum boat displacement for this autopilot is 5,450lbs, but the manufacturer, Raymarine, lists the maximum boat weight as 6,600lbs which seems to be plenty for a loaded Cat 25. Any opinions out there?

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Edited by - on

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