Auto Pilot

[mmcguire2002]

I'm considering purchasing and installing an auto-pilot for my boat. Curious what others would recommend that have them on their 340's or similar vessels. I currently have a Raymarine GPS Chartplotter which I plan on keeping. All input appreciated on what to purchase, as well what to be aware of when installing. Thanks!

 

[Kreole Kid]

Michael my 340 came with the Raymarine Auto Pilot. I have to admit, I really don't use it at all, But I think for a long range cruise, it should be worth the money. My buddy that has a Regal just installed a wireless remote for his auto pilot (we have the same one) and was showing us how he can now steer the boat from the bow. Obviously in open water and at idle. I thought it was cool, but, I wouldn't dare do that for obvious reasons.

Sorry Michael but for the life of me I can't remember the model number of the Auto Pilot. Let me get some Crown Royal in me and hopefully It'll come back to me.:thumbsup:

 

[mmcguire2002]

Michael my 340 came with the Raymarine Auto Pilot. I have to admit, I really don't use it at all, But I think for a long range cruise, it should be worth the money. My buddy that has a Regal just installed a wireless remote for his auto pilot (we have the same one) and was showing us how he can now steer the boat from the bow. Obviously in open water and at idle. I thought it was cool, but, I wouldn't dare do that for obvious reasons.

Sorry Michael but for the life of me I can't remember the model number of the Auto Pilot. Let me get some Crown Royal in me and hopefully It'll come back to me.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the info. Most of my cruising is open ocean and from 2 to 6 hours, so auto pilot would be nice. I have been having trouble justifying the cost, but am starting to think I may treat myself to it.

 

[Four Suns]

Long hours at the wheel require an autopilot... How else ya going to nap?

 

[mmcguire2002]

Long hours at the wheel require an autopilot... How else ya going to nap?

Exactly...it was your post that inspired me.

 

[Kreole Kid]

Alrighty, the Crown Royal is kickin in:grin:

I have the ST6001 Head Unit.

Hope this helps:thumbsup:

 

[jmunro123]

I had a Comnav 1420 installed last year. Installed it was $2,700 including taxes. It drives the boat straight and connects to the GPS. Simple, low cost and reliable. This model is used on service boats from what I am told.

 

[BOATER JOHN]

Michael I just had one installed last month.Raymarine P70R auto pilot with rudder indicator tied into existing C80 .
Don't know how I like it yet as boat is in storage till spring.

 

[Nauti 97]

Michael,
I installed one last yr. in my 370 sundancer
It is a Raymarine ST70 Smartpilot X-10 Type 1.
I Installed it myself. It really wasnt that tough to install (Saved a ton of money)
It hooked right up to My Raymarine C-80 Chartplotter.
We took a 6 hr. Boat trip on Lake Mich. last summer and the auto pilot was awesome.
I locked on a waypoint on the Chartplotter / Gps and the boat tracked right to it.
Sat and talked with my wife and took photo's while the boat did all of the work.
Wouldnt have another boat without it.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Amen to not having another boat without an AP. We use it around here if we're headed more than a few miles up or down river. It's nice to have because it allows you to just sit back and watch, chat with guests, etc.

 

[mmcguire2002]

Michael,
I installed one last yr. in my 370 sundancer
It is a Raymarine ST70 Smartpilot X-10 Type 1.
I Installed it myself. It really wasnt that tough to install (Saved a ton of money)
It hooked right up to My Raymarine C-80 Chartplotter.
We took a 6 hr. Boat trip on Lake Mich. last summer and the auto pilot was awesome.
I locked on a waypoint on the Chartplotter / Gps and the boat tracked right to it.
Sat and talked with my wife and took photo's while the boat did all of the work.
Wouldnt have another boat without it.

Great info. Thanks!

 

[Steve36]

Michael my 340 came with the Raymarine Auto Pilot. I have to admit, I really don't use it at all, But I think for a long range cruise, it should be worth the money. My buddy that has a Regal just installed a wireless remote for his auto pilot (we have the same one) and was showing us how he can now steer the boat from the bow. Obviously in open water and at idle. I thought it was cool, but, I wouldn't dare do that for obvious reasons.

Sorry Michael but for the life of me I can't remember the model number of the Auto Pilot. Let me get some Crown Royal in me and hopefully It'll come back to me.:thumbsup:

Hi Bruce, I just bought a wireless autopilot remote for the same reason. Did your buddy do the install himself. Was it easy? it seems simple. If you can let me know.

 

[copb8tx]

Michael I just had one installed last month.Raymarine P70R auto pilot with rudder indicator tied into existing C80 .

Did you install it yourself or have it installed professionally? Can you share the cost of your project?

I'm considering purchasing and installing an auto-pilot for my boat. Curious what others would recommend that have them on their 340's or similar vessels. I currently have a Raymarine GPS Chartplotter which I plan on keeping. All input appreciated on what to purchase, as well what to be aware of when installing. Thanks!

Keep us posted with with what you end up with.

 

[sbw1]

We installed a Simrad. Dealer advised against Raymarine based upon repair records. We do have Ray radar and chart plotter. The Simrad has been trouble free, does not "hunt" and holds a course over a long distance (60 mile legs) with little cross track error. Most of the time you are within 33 feet of desired course in most sea condition you encounter.