Looking for Autopilot for Cal 30. s1 Raymarine wheelpilot?

HyperJoe · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006

I am looking for a quality type autopilot for a 30 Catalina. I presently have a Garmin 478 GPS and im looking at the S1 Wheelpilot, which are NMEA 0183 compatible devices. What does it mean that they are NMEA compatable?

Are there any other autopilots comparable or cheaper? What do you recomend for under 1100 bucks.

THanks

Joe

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006

There are two NMEA standards now. NMEA 0183 is the older standard, and is essentially an RS-422 standard. IIRC NMEA = National Marine Electronics Association

You don't say whether your boat is wheel or tiller steered.

HyperJoe · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006

Wheel. Why would the new S1 wheel pilot only support the new NMEA 0183?-Thanks '-)

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperJoe

Wheel. Why would the new S1 wheel pilot only support the new NMEA 0183?-Thanks '-)

The NMEA 0183 standard is the older standard. I don't know what the S1 autopilot supports, never said I did... however, alot of the autopilots still have to be updated to the NMEA 2000 standard.

I believe Practical Sailor had a recent test of autopilots that might be worth reading.