Michael,
You'll like the autopilot. That eBay deal sounds pretty tempting. I
have an ST4000, which came on the boat that I bought this past summer.
I'm still figuring-out several features ("Track Control", and others),
but I've enjoyed basic functions quite a bit!
The ST4000 has gone 'Off Track' a few times (maybe, once for every 4
hours of sailing, to be more objective). Maybe I'm not using it
correctly. But if it's a function of size (that is, if a smaller-rated
unit would go off-track more frequently), then I'd vote for the larger
unit.
I can't imagine installing one of these systems! I'm a hands-on guy,
who works with technology, but this seems like a complex system with
lots of aspects that could go wrong (IE - crossed or poor-quality
electrical signal connections, etc).
BTW, if you buy used try to get the manual. I found one on-line, but
quality isn't so great -- just a copy of the manual, scanned into PDF
format. (Fortunately for me, the previous owner later found the
original manual!)
I'd be interested to see what you decide, and how it works-out. I plan
to spend more time with my ST4000 to learn about it's advanced
functions, and would be glad to hear others' tips, advice and
experiences!
Best Regards!
Pete
'Still Fiesty' -- '6171 TR
--- In [email protected], sharon speller <unclesha...@...> wrote:
>
> Sorry about the switch. Yes, the Smartpilot X-5 wheel corepack is
> $943.00 on Defender.
>
> On Oct 27, 2009, at 3:39 PM, mlong9876 wrote:
>
> > I got all excited but unfortunately the autopilot listed on
> > Defender for $377 is the ST 1000 made for lighter, tiller steered
> > boats. I'm interested in the ST 3000 for a wheel. Thank you for
> > checking though.
> >
> > --- In [email protected], sharon speller unclesharon@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Defender has the same one brand new for $377.00.
> > > Sharon
> > >
> > > http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|72126|
> > 29332&id=211583
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Oct 27, 2009, at 2:06 PM, mlong9876 wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > I'm thinking about getting an autpilot (1984 C-27 / wheel) and
> > > > wanted to ask about people's experience. There is one currently
> > > > listed on ebay (Autohelm St3000) that is reasonably priced at
> > > > around $400 (plus another $200 to install). I know a new
Raymarine
> > > > X-5 complete is around $1250 but I'm trying not to (can't) spend
> > > > that much on an autopilot. I might not do it at all but I
> > wanted to
> > > > check on this group's experience with them on their boats.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > >
> > > > Michael
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
