Simrad vs. Navico Tiller Pilots

[jamesmm]

I am about to purchase a new tiller pilot, but have a few questions that were raised by looking at the Sailnet website:

1. The Simrad SIMPT20 (TP20CX) listed at $429.95 seems to have the exact same specs and look as the Navico NVCTP200CX (TP200CX) at $299.88. Someone told me that Simrad bought out Navico, or at least this product line. Is it the "same" unit (or at least comparable)? If there are differences other than name, what are they?

2. I looked at the installation instruction book for the Simrad TP20CX and have figured out that I need a Push Rod Extension of exactly 10 inches. The closest part on the website that I can find is the 300 mm (11.81 inches) Push Rod Extension. Three questions - Will the Simrad extension fit on the Navico rod? Is the Simrad Push Rod Extension predrilled at various places along its length? If not, can it be cut, drilled or otherwise fitted to make its length at the pinhole 10 inches?

Whatever any reader can do to help answer these key questions would be greatly appreciated.

Jim McGillis
Santa Monica, CA

[SailorMitch]

Yes, Simrad bought out Navico a couple of years ago. The Simrad units are the same as the Navico units except for the color of the plastic -- Simrads are black, Navicos are grey. Features and functions are the same. Can''t answer your second question. Sorry.

Steve Mitchell

[pelen]

I have an older model Navico tillerpilot (5500) and it works great. I would like to find a handheld remote for it but haven''t been successful yet.
Sailgal

[SailorMitch]

Sailgal,

Have you checked with the Sailnet store? I bought my Navico wheel pilot from them a couple of years ago and I think they still stock some Navico parts. Worth a try anyway. next stop would be to call Simrad and check with them. At the Annapolis boat show a guy in their booth told me they still have Navico inventory on hand.

Steve M.

[pelen]

I''ll have to check it out. Thanks for the info.
sailgal