Auto Pilot recommendations

[Meat Without Feet]

What do you guys recommend for an autopilot for a 2100SE with an F150, Hydraulic Steering, etc. (as per my siggy) ?

Thanks a million in advance.

 

[FishPimp]

the Ray Marine S1000 rules.
Easy to install and great for trolling and searching for working fish from the bow.

 

[TheOtherLine]

For the money, the S1000 is hard to beat. It does have it's limits though.

I had heard that, at very slow speeds, or at higher speeds when headed into the wind or current, that, if the vessel was doing less than 2-3 knots over ground, that the AP would not work.

It hasn't happened to me yet but I have the newer software in my unit and I rarely troll at less than 2 - 3 knots so it was not an issue for me.

I love having AP on those long runs. Sure don't get as tired.

I'd buy one again if mine broke.

 

[BradV]

not to completely derail the thread but what do most people use their autopilot for? Trolling strictly? I find myself with the pilot house altering course to get a better ride than going a straight line to my destination.

 

[TheOtherLine]

I rarely change course just to avoid directions. Only time I do that is if the seas are directly on my beam and they are big.

For me it's a point A to point B utility.

 

[BradV]

How far do you typically run? We go about 2 miles offshore here and you have to zig zag around boats.

 

[Sleigher]

I've had good luck with the Robertson units I believe they are now all Simrad units.
I also had a Navico unit with a rotary helm. It steered the boat straight as an arrow.
Definitely spend the few extra minutes to integrate with your gps it will make a great tool even better.
We often run long distances so, as mentioned before, it is critical for fighting fatigue.
A short trip is usually 25 miles each way.
Long trips can be 100+ each way.
Auto Pilot is a must for me.

Peter

 

[TheOtherLine]

How far do you typically run? We go about 2 miles offshore here and you have to zig zag around boats.

Not uncommon to run out 25-80 miles out. I usually don't even turn it on until we are offshore at least 5 miles. We have a lot of crab traps marked by buoys closer to shore.


With the remote, zig zagging is easy. Just press the <or> in the direction you want to go. Each press is 1 deg. Hold it down for, i think, 3 sec = 5 deg.

When you get past the boats, just hit the mode, track and you are back on route.

 

[Meat Without Feet]

Thanks for the replies guys. I usually go out about 20-30 miles. Average round trip is 80 miles.