Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board

Re: Auto Pilot

Posted By: jp
Date: Wednesday, 15 March 2006, at 8:52 p.m.

In Response To: Auto Pilot (david jones)

You can't go wrong with the SIMRAD product. The head units all basically do the same thing (They get you where you want to go) The junction boxes change as you move up. Some have 1 or 2 navigation inputs, some have features we small boat owners will probably never use.
With SIMRAD pilots the most difficulty is compass location, pump size, and set up. If your pump is to small it can't steer the boat (sounds easy right- The rpu 80 is about the smallest pump I'd use on the B31 ours works great) The compass should be well away from moisture and magnets (its a compass this makes sense) Buy the pilot wherever you feel is the best, have someone you trust that has worked with the product before do the install. This is your steering we're talking about. If your brave and used to working with hydraulics/electronics have at it. Don't use barbed fitting, the first time a guest tries to over steer the pilot without disengaging it you will blow the hose.

If you've got extra money and want a kick ass pilot try the Nautamatic TR-1, easy install plus the compass unit is also a heading sensor that interfaces with todays newest product for MARPA and Radar plotting, I've used one for 4years now on our little boat with no issues, the control unit is also smaller then the SIMRAD.

Good Luck

KR
JP

Messages In This Thread

Auto Pilot
david jones -- Wednesday, 15 March 2006, at 6:51 p.m.

Re: Auto Pilot
jp -- Wednesday, 15 March 2006, at 8:52 p.m.

Re: Auto Pilot
Walter Kaprielian -- Thursday, 16 March 2006, at 12:12 a.m.

Re: Auto Pilot
Capt. Dave Kosh -- Thursday, 16 March 2006, at 10:08 a.m.

Re: Auto Pilot
Doc -- Thursday, 16 March 2006, at 9:58 p.m.