T&T: AutoPilot Recommendations

[Steven Dubnoff]

At 09:13 PM 11/20/2006, you wrote:
>I'm afraid my Robertson AP1000 Auto Pilot (Krogen 42) has seen its last
>days and support is almost non existent.  I'm starting to look at options
>for replacement and would appreciate any input or advice from this
>experienced, knowledgeable group.

Powerboat Reports recently ran a head-to-head test of autopilots 
running on the same boat.  Their clear winner was the little known 
Nautamatic Gladiator TR-1.  I spoke to their rep at Pacific Marine 
Expo last week and I was fairly impressed.  The chief design engineer 
on this thing used to do such things such as anti-missile systems, so 
controlling motorboats seemed to be a fairly minor problem to him.

This autopilot has some clear advantages, one of which, shadow drive, 
seems particularly appealing. This is a sensor in the hydraulic lines 
that knows when you are trying to take control with your wheel and 
gives it to you.  Let go of the wheel and it will take control back 
-- just the thing for dodging logs and such in a natural manner.

Critically, and here I rely on the Powerboat reports article, it 
simply does a good job of steering your boat.   There are no fussy 
controls like the Comnav.  It simply works.

Their second choice was the Simrad, which is an arguably good pilot 
as well, but if I were buying a new one (and I am sorely tempted), I 
would go with the Gladiator.  It will even steer you boat backwards 
(a task which seems to be of use mostly for fisherman).

The Powerboat Reports article can be purchased from their site for 
ten bucks.  I think it is worth it.

         http://www.nautamatic.com/

         http://www.panbo.com/yae/archives/001418.html


Best,

Steve






Steve Dubnoff
1966 Willard Pilothouse
www.mvnereid.com
sdubnoff@circlesys.com