Want To Buy: ST2000 Autopilot

[OsideIslander]

looking for a tiller autopilot to upgrade from my ST1000+, which has had a number of repairs.

May buy new, but thought I would check here first to see if someone has one that they are looking to get rid of.

thanks

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by OsideIslander

looking for a tiller autopilot to upgrade from my ST1000+, which has had a number of repairs.

May buy new, but thought I would check here first to see if someone has one that they are looking to get rid of.

thanks

You could piece together a Raymarine ST4000 tiller pilot on ebay for under $1400 or buy one EV100 new for around $1800. This would be a terrific unit for your boat.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27539410464....c101111.m2109

https://www.ebay.com/itm/31432224481...Bk9SR67Z0566YQ

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18574104205...Bk9SR6D98J66YQ

[OsideIslander]

Thanks Wingssail, I appreciate the advice!

My current ST1000+ (even with its JB weld repairs) works great in moderate conditions(came with the boat).

My proclivity towards the St2000 is because I am already familiar with the STs(and know how to fix them) and they are cheep. I can get a new one for $500 and keep the 1000+ as a back up.

Background: My plan is to sail down to the Sea of Cortez next October and spend a few months down there between jobs, then return to the states.

Not sure if this extra information changes your advice... Should I set aside a boat buck or two for for the EV100?

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by OsideIslander

Thanks Wingssail, I appreciate the advice!

My current ST1000+ (even with its JB weld repairs) works great in moderate conditions(came with the boat).

My proclivity towards the St2000 is because I am already familiar with the STs(and know how to fix them) and they are cheep. I can get a new one for $500 and keep the 1000+ as a back up.

Background: My plan is to sail down to the Sea of Cortez next October and spend a few months down there between jobs, then return to the states.

Not sure if this extra information changes your advice... Should I set aside a boat buck or two for for the EV100?

Well the ST1000 and ST2000 are self contained tiller pilots intended, in my opinion, for light duty and light boats. There used to be an ST4000 and an ST4000GP, for heavier boats. Those have been replaced by the EV100, but for a similar price.

With your plans to come down the coast and then cruise in the Sea of Cortez my feeling is that you need a robust autopilot. The ocean swells can put a lot of stress on an autopilot and those stresses can go on for days. That is a lot of wear and tear on a light duty tiller pilot. Unless you have a wind vane you will be depending on the autopilot. Get a good one and possibly carry a spare drive unit.