New Autopilot?

[Roniszoro]

I am thinking of replacing my older Raymarine 6000 with a new autopilot, as I am considering entering the Newport-Bermuda Race Double-handed Division in 2024 and the Bermuda 1-2 the next year. The 6000 works, but I will be ocean sailing either single-handing or double-handing and have a friend whose also older 6000 died 350 miles from Bermuda. Hence there was lots of hand steering...much more than wanted.

A new Raymarine unit is $4K to $6K depending on the unit. A new NKE with all the bells and whistles is $13K, much more $. But the NKE is clearly the "gold standard" of autopilots. Decisions, decisions.

Your thoughts/experiences are requested.

Ron

[ohdrinkboy]

Why not buy a CPT as a backup for your existing Raymarine? Go ahead and fit everything prior to departure. $2100.

[Roniszoro]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

Why not buy a CPT as a backup for your existing Raymarine? Go ahead and fit everything prior to departure. $2100.

A very good suggestion, particularly if I were cruising. But as I will be racing, new autopilot technology should result in "getting there" a bit faster, hence the question.

[Roniszoro]

Anyone else have thoughts?

I have a revised plan which is this November to sail from Norfolk, VA towards Hatteras and then SE through the Gulf Stream and stay East of it and sailing down to the Abaco, single-handing. I have my working Raymarine 6000, a Windpilot Pacific wind vane and a Pelagic tiller pilot as a back up that I can attach to my emergency tiller . (I have wheel steering.)

A new EV-400 with a Type 2 Linear Ram installed is about $8,500. It is a great unit and would obviously be ideal, but I'm debating whether it is really necessary for the task ahead.

Your input is most welcome.