Autopilot necessity or luxury?

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 10:30 am

I have used the SportPilot for over 2 years. Even though it has been sent back 3 times for repairs-clutches, belt, motor (all warranty)-I like the unit and would buy it again. The last time, service install the Plus motor; evidently the Mac needs the Plus model. I can balance my sails, but I feel the necessity for the autopilot. I usually go 6-12 hours singlehanded and sometimes in conditions I probably shouldn't be out in. It can keep a truer course than most sailors I know and most of the time follow directions--I have it interfaced with my Garmin 188C. With the remote, I can use the dinette as a nav table and correct from below or steer behind the dodger when waves are coming over the bow.

Is it a necessity? Maybe not. But neither is A/C, microwaves, or blenders. Just makes it easier to have more fun.

On a side note--There's another warning label under the Mac wheel on the black collar not to use a wheel larger than 16" diameter or 6" dish. Of course I wouldn't worry about it; just found it interesting.

deacm · Post by **deacm** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 6:09 am

Are they afraid there'll be too much leverage and we'll break rudders? I'm usually of the opinion that a large wheel is more desirable than even an autopilot. Anyone want to weigh in on this conjecture?

Dimitri-2000X-Tampa · Post by **Dimitri-2000X-Tampa** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 6:21 am

I think you are talking two different things. A larger wheel makes manual steering easier..doesn't negate the need for an autopilot.

Also, on a small light boat like the Mac, the larger wheel just gives you more precision to the steering but rudder forces are almost non-existant compared to a very large sailboat. On the large boat, you need a large wheel due to the leverage required to counter the strong rudder forces.

And as for the argument that you need a larger wheel to install a wheel pilot, I don't see how that can make a technical difference since the diameter of the motor which turns the wheel is going to be the same whether you have a large wheel or small wheel. Now, asthetically, that may be a different story. I used to have a very large wheel on my former boat...nicer to sail with but a pain to get around when sliding back in the cockpit. I had considered replacing it with a smaller wheel because of that.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 12:24 pm

Agreeing w/ Chip, I'd really, really, really like to have one. Most times my boat is "not quite" balanced under sail. I'd like to have something to hold the helm temporarily, but have never found anything adequate. Bungee cords are useless.

However, somebody here suggested a mod that I'll try soon. Adhere a good-sized patch of heavy-duty velcro at the wheel and the hub, along both sides of the gap. Now a patch of the mating velcro should fix the wheel pretty well - sounds effective, quick 'n easy.

26Xsam · Post by **26Xsam** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 4:47 pm

The 22" wheel I installed has helped

. Allmost wish it was a 24". At least I can reach it from the side without leaning in off the seat back. I don't seem to be over correcting as much. Not having an auto pilot does limit trips and is on my wish list along with a doger. I have tossed around the idea of disconnecting the wheel at anckor but the thought of it going overboard

I am shure there are those that like the small wheel & works for them. If I had the $$$ I would have an auto pilot & doger now!
Sam

deacm · Post by **deacm** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 9:59 pm

I have heard that an autopilot (at least some of them) can be overworked too much in choppy, gusty conditions (just the time you may actually NEED an autopilot to fix something or go forward etc etc). Also, is windy/gusty conditions I would think you wouldn't stray too far from the mainsheet in case you had to release it quick. Does the autopilot track well enough under adverse conditions? Or does it over-correct and wander too much? Under such sailing conditions, do you disconnect the engine so it's not pushing so much weight around? Has anyone tried to install hydraulic steering to better handle such over-correction etc.? Thanks

norbert · Post by **norbert** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 6:31 am

although my autohelm 4000 is a historic model (the old black box type without lcd display) it works quit good in most conditions. i used it in force 7-8 winds and up to 6 ft seas.

there is a trim button to adjust rudder activity to the boat's characteristics. also the autopilot (even my old one) "learns" as it detectes the boats movement after steering activity.

the autohelm works well close hauled and downwind. when close hauled and a gust hits the boat and it heels more than normal, the boat turns her nose into the wind, the ap steers slighlty back and the boat coninues on it's sap - exactly what a human helmsman would do. you only must have the nerves to let it do so! not easy! downwind i found out that the ap steers better in following seas that i can.

the only problem i had was on a halfwind course with 4-6 ft seas frrom the beam. there the ap was not quick enough to correct the course and th boat ran out of cap. but eventually my sail trim was not prefect, or the centerboard should have been partially risen.

summary: nobody is perfect, even an autopilot is not, but sometimes he steers better than a human helmsman.

Jack O'Brien · Post by **Jack O'Brien** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 8:03 pm

The SportPilot has two maximum wheel diameters depending on whether the wheel is metal or wood. I presume it doesn't want to wrestle too much mass back and forth all day.

dclark · Post by **dclark** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:09 am

Dimitri-2000X-Tampa wrote:IAnd as for the argument that you need a larger wheel to install a wheel pilot, I don't see how that can make a technical difference since the diameter of the motor which turns the wheel is going to be the same whether you have a large wheel or small wheel.

I agree completely. I swapped my stock 15" wheel for an 18" after I installed the autopilot but for only one reason. The autopilot ring just barely fits on the 15" wheel. It's fine when you are using the autopilot, but it doesn't leave a lot of finger space when you are not. The 18" wheel allows the room you need to streer comfortably.

Here is a picture of how mine looked when I first installed it (15" wheel):

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=265

Here is a picture with the 18" wheel:

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=346

TonyHouk · Post by **TonyHouk** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:43 pm

Hey Dave,
Where did you get that wheel from. I am thinking of a lot of mods and that may help me. Thanks and happy sails, Tony

dclark · Post by **dclark** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:53 pm

Tony:

Right here:

http://www.go2marine.com/frameset.jsp?k ... n=DoSearch

Best price I found. Right now it looks like it's under $50 and that's a darn good deal. Especially considering it's the same thing havencraft used to ask $80 for a few years ago.

dclark · Post by **dclark** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:55 pm

For the link above, you'll need scroll down and click on Destroyer Steering Wheel

norbert · Post by **norbert** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:22 am

i'd recommend the 20 inch wheel - or this one: vetus 21 1/8" wheel. i have the same, but without the foam cover (not more available). the fact that it is not dished preserves space between wheel and ste helm seat.

dclark · Post by **dclark** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:45 am

If you go with the vetus, don't forget the adapter.

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

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