I bought Pegathy, a 38LF, in Florida 2 yrs ago. Sailed it up to Baltimore
mainly outside using the old ST3000 autopilot (Walter) that came with the boat.
It's a belt drive wheel unit. Worked very well, except for one night on a run
in 25kt winds with an 6-8 ft pretty confused following sea left over from
sub-tropical storm Beryl. That night (Charleston to Beaufort inlet, main alone
and dolphins alongside) we had to steer.
In all other conditions, balancing the boat was crucial to getting the
autopilot stable, and the sensitivity adjustment was very important, too. I've
found that Walter can handle up to about 18kts apparent on the Chesapeake,
higher if the boat is very well balanced, in which case I hardly need it.
Balanced, Pegathy will sail close-hauled all by herself even in winds up to
20kts apparent (135 Genoa, no reefs). I think she goes faster if I don't touch
the wheel - it's amazing to watch her go up in the puffs and down in the lulls.
As far as I'm concerned, the LF 38 deserves its reputation for wonderful
sailing characteristics.
The system also does very well on a close reach. Walter sailed the boat up the
Bay at hull speed about 40 miles and missed the mark by a couple hundred yards
at the end, even though the ST3000 does not connect to the chartplotter. Never
touched the wheel or the autopilot, though I did adjust the sails. We outran
the trawlers. Luck had something to do with that one. Downwind course holding
is worse than upwind, of course. Replacing the unit is on the to-do list, but
lower priority, given that most of my sailing is on the Bay.
Bottom line - I'd try the X5 before spending money on a new unit, unless you
expect long trips in high seas and strong winds. I'm guessing that you'll
eventually replace it, like I will. Per other threads, I may name the new unit
Otter.
Congrats on buying a wonderful sailing boat.
Dan Sheer
Pegathy 1980 LF38
Rock Creek off the Patapsco
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Eugenio
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 3:19 PM
To: javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', '[email protected]');
Subject: Stus-List Raymarine X-5 wheel autopilot on a 38 Landfall
Hi,
After many years of enjoying (and fixing/upgrading) my C&C 29 I have am
upgrading to a 38 Landfall. I few years ago I installed an X-5 wheel
autopilot on my 29-1. The old specs for the X-5 put a 38LF right near the
upper limits. I am planning on moving the X-5 over to the 38LF before
selling the 29-1. Does anyone have any experience with how the X-5
performs on a 38 Landfall under sail? I am sure it would perform fine
under engine power, and I have learned with a tender vessel like a 29-1,
that good sail balance is key to a happy autopilot performance, so I would
think that giving the stiffer sailing characteristics of the 38LF that the
X-5 may perform fairly ok. Input from 38LF autopilot users is greatly
welcomed._______________________________________________
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