Raymarine Sport Pilot Plus Autopilot

[Paulieb]

I really like the Raymarine Sport Pilot Plus autopilot, the installation seems simple and I like that it's installs in-line with the wheel.

What stinks is that Raymarine has discontinued it and I can't seem to find any on the used market.

Does anyone know of a good replacement autopilot that has the in-line install characteristics like the Sport Pilot?

If no similar replacements, I'm interested in what autopilots people are installing.

[Zoran]

Raymarine S1 Wheelpilot, is updated version with wireless remote capability, great product. I believe this one is introduced in 2006. I love it, works great.

[Retcoastie]

Raymarine S1 without remote. It is still new and I'm not sure about it yet, but begining to like it.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

There is not one on the market today that doesn't make you install the plastic ring on your wheel. On a Mac this usually also makes you install a larger diameter wheel so you have enough room for your fingers.

I love my Sport Pilot + and really like how it doesn't scream autopilot like the big ring does. There was someone here working on a autopilot that would install inside the pedestal behind the wheel. That gives even a cleaner look. I don't think they have it on the market yet, but you might check into is by searching for autopilot.

The nice clean pedestal with the Sport Pilot+
http://home.comcast.net/~duane.dunn/ima ... CT0224.JPG

[SteveD]

Try the Simrad AP12 or AP14. It's a tight fit on the 26M with the small steering consol and stainless pedestal, but it is possible. The rack and pinion steering that comes stock is replaced with the motorized rotary helm inside the consol so it's completely hidden. What makes it difficult are the angles of the steering cables coming up the stainless pedestal. Even though it is a single cable steering system, both cable and the take up tube have to make a bit of a tight turn to fit down into the stainless pedestal. I thought it might make the manual steering a bit stiffer but it hasn’t been a problem. It is probably easier to install on both the X and the newer Ms that have the all fiberglass pedestal.
I installed it last year on my M and so far love it. It makes single handed sailing a breeze. It will hold a straight course while you go forward or below for a moment. It also can talk to the GPS to hold a course over the ground or follow multiple way points.

Since I am new contributer to this forum I can't post a url link but the ap12 and ap14 are easy enough to find on the Simrad site.

[DaveB]

Raymarine just came out with the Smart Pilot X5 Sport.
This may be the replacement.
Dave

I really like the Raymarine Sport Pilot Plus autopilot, the installation seems simple and I like that it's installs in-line with the wheel.

What stinks is that Raymarine has discontinued it and I can't seem to find any on the used market.

Does anyone know of a good replacement autopilot that has the in-line install characteristics like the Sport Pilot?

If no similar replacements, I'm interested in what autopilots people are installing.