We acquired our boat with an ST3000 already installed, and recently even integrated it into a SeaTalk network. The ST3000 has the same problem with following seas; the boat would wander back and forth in an arc ranging as much as 20 or 30 degrees wide. However, it maintained our overall 44 NM course with almost no cross track error to speak of, but that would be thanks to a GPS feeding information via SeaTalk. I did try it in standard compass bearing mode (not utilizing the GPS-provided cross track error) and it was no worse (nor better) than "track mode". We even dug out the manual and enabled "automatic detection of sea state" which helped a bit but nowhere near as good as the "human instinctive control" mode ;)
We too rarely break out the autopilot. It's mostly for cruising, not day sailing, in our book. An ST1000 is probably not advisable in heavy seas. I would think one should worry about overloading the motor and causing high heat inside the motor gearings and/or high power usage. As it is there are times I am not confident the ST3000 would work decently in heavy seas, more because the belt would slip against the wheel than due to insufficient torque. David --- In [email protected], jenngsj...@... wrote: > > For what it is worth, I have a ST 2000 (George) and have experienced the > same problems as noted below. Sometimes even when the water is almost > placid George can not seem to get it together. It is like he is searching > (wandering) for the correct compass setting, sometimes swinging 20 degrees. In > these instances I feel that I did not properly set it up. I also feel > this problem is possibly amplified with inboard engines (prop forward of > rudder). Those that have an auto helm and an outboard, what is your experience? > Any advice would be appreciated?
