Autohelm

[andrewoliv]

I have decided to install an Autohelm on my boat (Mariner 28). It will be a wheel mounted version. (Raymarine X-5 wheel). Does any one have any experience with this model? Pros and Cons?

Also, I have a Garmin 4208 Chartplotter and can integrate with the Autohelm. I dont see myself ever using this feature but would like some feedback. If I were on a long cruise (several days), which I never plan on doing with this boat, I can see where it would be useful. I am a day-weekend sailor who spends the nights in a slip, on a mooring/hook.

Also I am being quoted $1300 for the unit and $1700 for the labor. The labor seems excessive.

[speciald]

It should be a do-it-your self installation. I installed a wheel pilot many years ago and the only hard parts were drilling holes for screws in the pedestal and centering the hub on the wheel. Plus you will need to run power to the unit of course. The Garmin plotter will out-put either NMEA 183 or 2000 to the autopilot - worth doing particularly if sailing short handed.