Seek comments: Raytheon autopilots

[adiosboys]

I am outfitting a boat and have heard negative comments aboutthe reliability of the Raytheon ST7000 and ST6000 series autohelms. I was given a recommendation to go with Robertson rather than Raytheon. Comments please.
Thanks,
AdiosBoys

[hamiam]

I have had 3 Raytheon wheelpilots over the years. Mainly the ST4000 which is appropriate for 30-35 boats. Generally, I have been very happy with the product. While no perfect, it is fine while motoring and when the helm is in good balance sailing. With any autopilot, make sure the fluxgate compass is free from magnetic influence. I had a boombox near mine and had to move the boombox as the magnets in the speakers where throwing the heading off. Good luck.

[Bluesmoods]

The Raymarine 7000 and 6000 are both very good reliable pieces of equipment. . They both do a great job under sail or under power. I bought the 6001 with 150 corepak. I am delighted!
(I bought at www.everythingboatsforless and made out real well too).

What type of seas do you usually navigate in?? How heavy is your vessel?. These questions need to be considered when making the determination as to which system is best for you.

Regardless, go with Raymarine. You will be very happy I am sure.

Art

[lecomte38]

I installed the Simrad Robertson AP22. VERY HAPPY. It handles my 38'' 18,000 lb boat in all conditions all the time reguardless of sail trim, sea state, following seas etc. This was the best upgrade I have ever done. (I removed and sold a AP4000 that would marginally handle the boat if everything were perfectly balanced with constant wind and calm seas.)

[gmaurer]

Last year, I installed a Raymarine autopilot on my 28 foot Ericson, and performed the installation myself.
The support I received from Raymarine through their Website was less than expected. Also, under Raymarine''s advice, I have had to make numerous (and unexpected!) changes to the unit''s internal settings in order to get it to track acceptably.

[newuser]

I have a 6000 unit on our 41 foot and am very pleased. The only problem I ever had was when some visiting children flipped the circiut breaker in the aft cabin and it started acting funny. Strangely, it still had some signal but not enough from the GPS to stay steady. Good luck with your choice.

[kimberlite]

i have had raymarine (raytheon-autohelm) Pilots on 4 boats. They have all worked wonderfully. I have 10,000 Blue water miles on my last boat and no problems.

I just Finished an atlantic crossing with my new boat 19 metric tons and no problems with the pilot. In fact we ran for 7 days with a spinnaker up - 24 hours a day on the pilot. I have a spare course computer if you are interested. it is a spare from my last boat.
please e-mail Kimberlt@optonline.net.
eric