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DeepFrz · 24-11-2010, 13:18

I have been following Jeanne Socrates blog ( Sailing Vessel Nereida - Welcome to my journeys ) and the problems she had/has with her autopilot. She lost her first boat because of an autopilot failure that took her onto the beach. After canceling her 2nd attempt at a solo (non stop) circumnavigation she has started her third attempt after sailing from England, east about to Victoria with several stops along the way. She has been struggling with her autopilot and wind vane for much of her trip and for all of her 3rd attempt.

RTB · 24-11-2010, 13:54

Remember Abby's AP woes? Besides having an AP, you need spares and the knowledge of how to make repairs. Then there is keeping up with the power demands....

Thanks to all the posters. It has been an eye-opener for me, realising that pretty much every cruiser would not be without one. Now, what to do with all of the spare time I will have since I won't be steering the boat?

Therapy · 24-11-2010, 14:00

I would not be without one.

It does a lot better than I.

**Jim Cate** · 24-11-2010, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTB

Thanks to all the posters. It has been an eye-opener for me, realising that pretty much every cruiser would not be without one. Now, what to do with all of the spare time I will have since I won't be steering the boat?

Why Ralph, you'll be fixing the a/p...

Jim

bruce smith · 24-11-2010, 14:31

Can't blame the loss of a boat on AP failure. That is a looser move.

RTB · 24-11-2010, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Why Ralph, you'll be fixing the a/p...

Jim

Funny, I was thinking the same thing.

Dynamo1181 · 24-11-2010, 16:51

I have sailed the Bahamas for 12 yrs and I wouldnt be without an AP. Yes you could get by, but If one of your crew gets sick it becomes more of a neccisity if sailing offshore. I will not leave home without my AP... 50,000 miles made comfortable by at least knowing I had an autopilot for rest or need for an alternate/replacement crew.
A

Bash · 24-11-2010, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynamo1181

I will not leave home without my AP... 50,000 miles made comfortable by at least knowing I had an autopilot for rest or need for an alternate/replacement crew.
A

Good point. There have been a few passages where I've been one of three or four crew where the conditions get stinky, everyone else gets seasick, and I'm suddenly singlehanding. Thank the gods for an autopilot at that point!

John A · 24-11-2010, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

I have been following Jeanne Socrates blog ( Sailing Vessel Nereida - Welcome to my journeys ) and the problems she had/has with her autopilot. She lost her first boat because of an autopilot failure that took her onto the beach. After canceling her 2nd attempt at a solo (non stop) circumnavigation she has started her third attempt after sailing from England, east about to Victoria with several stops along the way. She has been struggling with her autopilot and wind vane for much of her trip and for all of her 3rd attempt.

I've read her report of losing her first boat and the fault was not the AP failing, rather it was sailing to close to shore and she went below and went to sleep. If you singlehandle DON'T GO BELOW TO SLEEP IF YOU ARE WITHIN 20 MILES OF THINGS THAT WILL SINK YOUR BOAT!!!

Whether an AP will work for you depends on the way you use it. . Several boats have been lost because an AP will not antiicipate contitions that will affect the performance of the boat fast enough. Going directly down the face of a 20 foot swell, an AP can not recover fast enough to keep your boat from broaching. An AP can't deal fast enough with a spinaker round down or a micro-burst round up.

Any and everything will fail on a boat sooner or later. AP's and windvanes are no exception.

RTB · 24-11-2010, 17:39

My next logical question would be....

What to buy? There are big boats, small boats, lightweight, heavy, different designs. These are the specs on my Hunter - HunterOwners.com

Is there one brand that shines, that has a bullet-proof reputation? Any to steer well clear of?

I'm not looking for bells and whistles, just something that does a good job of holding a course.

delmarrey · 24-11-2010, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTB

My next logical question would be....

What to buy? There are big boats, small boats, lightweight, heavy, different designs. These are the specs on my Hunter - HunterOwners.com

Always upgrade one or even two sizes from the recommendations of the manufacturer. It seems they want to sell you parts too.

RTB · 24-11-2010, 19:06

Yes, I've heard it is better to go bigger. What do you mean about them wanting to sell you parts? I guess parts related to the installation?

imagine2frolic · 24-11-2010, 19:12

If they sell you only what you need in size. You will be buying parts to replace the overworked, and worn ones. Get one that will handle a battleship........i2f

highseas · 24-11-2010, 19:26

I use my Raymarine wheelpilot 99% of the time,putting 5000 miles on it (4000 offshore),in the last 2 years,it has never failed me.I carry a spare drive unit just in case.A windvane would be nice,but useless when motoring,(probably 50% of the time).If you treat them gently the AP will give many miles of trouble free use.The only time I hand steer is in or out of harbour,or in extreme conditions(5% of the time).An underdeck unit would be nice in a heavy boat if you can spare the extra juice required to keep it going.Of course a well balanced boat is also essential.