John,
You could indeed have a tuning issue, but autotillers are notoriously bad at handling following seas, particularly if they are at an angle to the stern. When you are steering the boat, you are anticipating the rythmic motion - the autotiller just keeps trying to compensate after the fact, and usually fails in the effort - but if the feedback is well tuned it will do much better. An affordable autotiller with good AI in addition to PID control would probably make its inventor some nice coin. The 'affordable' part is the kicker. The tuning is probably more important to the installation angle error that you note. They are also sensitive to anything that might affect the magflux compass - which is to say any nearby metal mass, stereo speakers, etc.
My previous hot rum drink comment notwithstanding, the expectation for an autotiller should be as an extra hand for when you are busy for a few moments away from the tiller, not to keep you on course without input for mile after mile - unless seas and breeze are both fairly steady. For this reason, I think the much-touted GPS interfaces don't add a lot of value.
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Jan 10, 2007 8:35 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Raymarine ST2000 Tiller Pilot
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Jan 10, 2007 8:35 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Raymarine ST2000 Tiller Pilot
CarlI installed a ST2000 two years ago. I had no prior experience (installation and use) with an auto tiller. I think my expectations were too high. It does the job but not in above average wind conditions and rough water, especially following seas. Otherwise it is a worth its weight in gold. I am still unsatisfied with its ability to hold a steady course in what I consider normal conditions. It seems to be "searching" for the proper heading. Of course I have to admit that I am not sure I have fine tuned the various adjustable settings. Additionally, when I installed it, I think my measurements were about one inch off from the proper installation (right angle to the tiller). Sorry, no pictures available. BTW when you install yours and it you need a mounting socket for mounting in the fiberglass drop me a line and will be glad to ship you one. Had to purchase an additional socket and they only came in a quantity of five. Need not ask why I needed to purchase additional sockets.Good luck.John Jennings
s/v Escapade
83 C-27, 5267
Standard/Dinette
I/B Diesel, 5411
Middle River, MD
