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Autopilot for up to 30' Vistas?
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Author:  woggy718 [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 2:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Autopilot for up to 30' Vistas?
Has anyone seen or used this? Check out the link below. I have always wished I could somehow have an auto pilot system for my Vista. Not so I can go take a nap, but one that would give me some freedom of having to follow up chartplotter. What's your thoughts?

http://www.raymarine.com/ProductDetail. ... ODUCT=4189

Would this actually work?
Author:  powellcrazy [ Sun Feb 08, 2009 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Autopilot for up to 30' Vistas?
I have never personally used any of these auto pilot systems, but they have been around for many years.

Most luxury house boats have them, at lake powell for example, you plot course to stay in mid channel. Bass boats utilize this technology as well, can somehow set system to maintain course in certain depth from shoreline and troll away, now you can spend a little more time fishing instead of driving, of course you still got to be at helm to take over when needed, another boat in your course, ect...

I have thought that one of these systems would be a nice toy to have, but I have not won the lottery :cry:

I thought there were some systems out there that were cheaper than your link, but it has been a few years since I saw these systems.

Currently, I am looking for some sort of cruise control system for our jet ski, which is our new tow boat. Would be nice to set speed/rpm like a boat for towing kids around on water toys!
Author:  Sierra [ Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Autopilot for up to 30' Vistas?
Hey Woggy -

Last year was my first season with autopilot and I love it. Like any piece of gear, it is terrific for both convenience and safety if used properly. I really learned the benefit of it when I was on a long cruise where there was a distance of 45nm between waypoints. To stay on course over that distance using your chartplotter with the same degree of accuracy as the pilot, you would have to be looking down at your screen with tremendous frequency. By engaging the pilot you can keeps your eyes on the water and scan your gauges without referring to the plotter for constant course corrections. Over a long route this also helps with fuel economy. It should go without saying (I'll say it anyway), but autopilot is not in anyway a substitute for full attention at the helm. I've heard lots of stories about people not using common sense and getting into big trouble by misusing AP. Anyone who practices good seamanship as a matter of course should understand the fundamentals and limitations of its use.

As for this particular unit, while I have no experience with any other than my own (the factory installed Raymarine for inboards) I am very satisfied with the Raymarine product and never had an issue with mine. I am sure the i/o version is built to the same standard and yes, the unit you linked should work. Let us know what you decide!
Author:  SW Florida Dave [ Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Autopilot for up to 30' Vistas?
From what I have been told is that there is not a reliable system available for stern drives. They make great systems for Inboards and outboards but they have yet to make a system that controls both IO's with out a lot of troubles. One of the reasons I have been thinking of an up grade to a V358 is the inboard options.
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