Autopilot for a Badger

  • 13 Aug 2020 15:41
    Reply # 9162612 on 9161616
    Deleted user
    Anonymous wrote:

    David, the Pelegatic is the best tiller pilot that I've come across to date and it is reasonably priced. Take a look here: Pelegatic Autopilot Had one as backup onboard LC for years and it never gave trouble.



    Hi Paul, wonderful.  A ruggedized real outopilot and I be from a small company one gets back up instead of replacement!  I will reach out.

    PS Remote is 

    something like $80........for a Raymarine it is $500.  It just goes to show what can be done when a thinker builds something with reliability rather than marketability!

  • 13 Aug 2020 12:32
    Reply # 9162234 on 9155534

    This might not meet your speed criteria, but most certainly any price criteria for many years after this summer.

    PyPilot as part of the OpenPlotter suite.

    Use this search query for a an overview:

    https://duckduckgo.com/?q=pypilot&atb=v35-1&ia=web

  • 13 Aug 2020 01:41
    Reply # 9161616 on 9155534

    David, the Pelegatic is the best tiller pilot that I've come across to date and it is reasonably priced. Take a look here: Pelegatic Autopilot Had one as backup onboard LC for years and it never gave trouble.

  • 12 Aug 2020 16:15
    Reply # 9160544 on 9159214
    Deleted user
    Anonymous wrote:

    Our 37.5 foot Benford Dory has two Simrad TP22 tiller pilots which function satisfactorily when motoring on windless days.

    Hi Martin, the 22 is rated up to 34 feet.  I realize our boats are "pointy" so probably your 37 is like a transomed 34.  Good info.


    I am guessing the Simrad 32 good up to theoretical 37 feet on my 34 would give broader performance.

    Thanks for reply.

  • 12 Aug 2020 00:11
    Reply # 9159214 on 9155534
    Deleted user

    Our 37.5 foot Benford Dory has two Simrad TP22 tiller pilots which function satisfactorily when motoring on windless days.

  • 10 Aug 2020 15:00
    Message # 9155534
    Deleted user

    Annie and Alan will kill me BUT, here I go!

    My Badger SHOULD arrive Friday by truck. 

    Several factors make my need to get sailing ASAP important.  Daughter just finished work on a 60 foot S/Y and is available for rest of summer (why do I need a pilot then, you ask?  LOL), I start work again in late Sep, and summer in Newport is SHORT.

    New England has notoriously light winds and calm mornings one can make many miles towards destination with motor and sun shade!  Hence my "need " for an electronic rather than wind self steering as an immediate solution to get out and use the boat.

    Looking for recommendations for off the shelf tiller style auto pilot that can handle a 13,000 lb 34 foot junk schooner.

    I recall researching and many have the cut off to the NEXT size up at around my size boat so not an easy choice.  Not having sailed her, my thoughts are that the split rig is easier to balance the helm and therefore reduce electrical load and "spin out" load.

    Not a racing boat I am happy to reduce sail/ slow down if it means pilot can keep "crewing" for us.

    Therefore I am hoping the smaller unit will suffice....and in time as I add my Aries, that will cover me for heavy weather.

    Am I realistic?  Or wasting money on a unit that will disappoint?

    I realize this subject has been touched on a lot here but I am looking for up to date info on current new units that would work.

    Size?

    Preferred brand?

    US market based.

    EDIT.  Raymarine may be just too small.  Simrad make a 22 for up to 34 feet and a 32 for 37 feet.  Views on Simrad quality????

    Many thanks, David.


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    Last modified: 10 Aug 2020 15:20 | Deleted user
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