Will my husband make the boat ugly?

[captnnero]

Originally Posted by JudyZ

We have been boating for over 11 years now. Now that we have a new boat, I don't want to have it looking like a junkyard with too many additions to the cockpit. Just FYI, I passed my BS&S course with a 99%, so Mitch I find your suggestion that I learn how to sail a little condescending.

That being said, SailingDog I saw that picture but it is such a closeup you don't have a feel for the entire look. The other thing I question is that the throttle lever is on the right and would the Autopilot interfere with the ability to shift into reverse to dock. (I steer for docking he handles the lines).

Dear Judy,

There is no substitute for a formal education. Congratulations on your high grade in the BS&S course.

Steering under engine power for close quarters for docking is an important skill. However that's not the same as handling the helm under sail power in a variety of conditions and traffic. You won't need to worry about that gear shift for that. For a fun challenge try sailing onto or off of anchor. If the engine fails someday it's a good skill to have. There is no subsitute for experience. Besides you'll get better sail trim with a good helmsperson instead of an autopilot.

Mitch, keep your chin up.

[SailorMitch]

Judy,

Sorry if I sounded condescending. 'Twas not my intent. I was only going by your words, which came across to me as though you were a bit disengaged from the boat. I'm glad you are engaged, took the course and want a larger boat. When it comes to condescension, there are far worse offenders on here than anything I've said. Besides, sarcasm is more my thing.

As for your boat, I agree with Sailingdog that the Simrad will fit even with the folding wheel (also a great invention.) The unit also should not interfere with the throttle/gear shift if the wheel does not interfere with it already. Too bad there isn't a decent pic of the set up somewhere. I'll look for a pic of my old P-27's set up but it will take me a while.

[SailorMitch]

Nero -- My chin is always up, even though I have owned TWO boats with wing keels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Judy -- please note the sarcasm.)

[HyperJoe]

With all of the money you spent on the boat I would install a S1 Raymarine AH. Much better of a product! The AP your looking at breaks belts often.

[SailorMitch]

I've had this same unit on two different boats (two different units) dating back 5 or 6 years and have never had a broken belt. The unit on my first boat is still going strong in fact, and that is the older of the two units by a good 3 years.

[hellosailor]

Judy, meaning no offense but have you & the hubby really talked over the need for an autopilot at all? When properly trimmed, if properly designed and rigged, a sloop like this should be able to hold her course with no one on the helm at least in good weather and calm seas. An autopilot isn't going to hold in anything much stronger. Which begs the question...Why bother at all?

Someone has to be on deck at all times (except perhaps for very short periods) to maintain a watch while you are in motion. Folks sometimes don't--but legal standards all over the world call for keeping a "proper watch" at all times. As long as you are there...so you watch the wheel and set the wheel brake to help hold the rudder centered, or you steer a little. No big deal. World cruising and crossing empty open oceans...the autopilot becomes more important. I don't get the sense that's what you intend, though I may be wrong.

But more so, why go half heartedly? Hunter has a reputation for being a beginners' boat, which is NOT a bad thing since it makes sailing affordable for many folks who just couldn't or wouldn't invest in something like a Hinckley or Sabre. But when you start to look at resale value...well, I'd say that investing in any autopilot could be a total loss at resale time, if the buyer is looking for a budget boat.

On the other hand, if an autopilot impresses them...I'd guess they'd pay more for an invisible installation and a more robust grade of autopilot. Below deck.

I'd go whole hog, or no hog at all. But that's just me, and your mileage can and will vary. I'm sure!

[achue]

As you can see it is close as one would expect for this size boat. Yet the cost of the below units is 2x the cost of the Simrad. Besides I want to get a larger boat in a couple of years and don't want to sink loads of money in this one.
you sound like the perfect wife.....

[SeaWithin]

This may be helpful:

Simrad WP32

[captnnero]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Judy, meaning no offense but have you & the hubby really talked over the need for an autopilot at all? ...
... Hunter has a reputation for being a beginners' boat, which is NOT a bad thing since it makes sailing affordable for many folks who just couldn't or wouldn't invest in something like a Hinckley or Sabre. But when you start to look at resale value...well, I'd say that investing in any autopilot could be a total loss at resale time, if the buyer is looking for a budget boat.

Hello Hellosailor,

Meaning no offense of course to you or Judy, I have a few comments. Remember that they've been boating for 11 years so this isn't a beginner boat.

Since this appears from the photos to be a fairly clean new boat the autopilot cost is nominal compared to the resale value in a few years. In the meantime if they do a lot of sailing the quality of the experience can be much improved on long transits whether under sail or power.

As a yacht broker I can say that if they do sell in a few years, the cost of the autopilot will be far from a total loss. The mere presence of the autopilot will make it easier to sell to most buyers so it will sell faster. Most buyers will not view it as an "ugly" factor, but as a definite plus feature. If the seller becomes too motivated, the absence of the autopilot could in fact accelerate a price reduction.

Besides, the buyers never complain because a boat has an autopilot.

[CptZ]

Captnnero, I think you have hit it on the head here. We enjoy sailing, and at this time we are not ready to cut lines and leave for good. So we weekend and daysail a lot. The addition of an autopilot just makes life easier. That being said, Judy is afarid that by adding one it will make the boat look cluttered. That I can agree with!

Why have I decided on this unit? Well after 4 calls and 2 e-mails unanswered by Raymarine I gave up! I would rather have a unit that when it breaks, and all mechanical things will break, has customer support behind it.