A follow-up about tillerpilots...it's pretty obvious, I know, but when you are singlehanding under the guidance of a tillerpilot, if you fall overboard, the boat will simply sail straight away from you. On a large body of water, that can result in a REALLY bad outcome. I am always acutely aware of the danger when I venture onto the foredeck when Tilly is steering, and I am alone (I also wear my inflatable pfd)...I have heard of some folks who always trail a 100 foot line from the transom in these situations, just in case.
Food for thought.
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--- In s227classassociation@..., "uswa174" <uswa174@...> wrote:
Rick,
I had an ST1000+ with remote on my old S2 7.3. Great unit for that boat, but the displacement of my 7.3 was only ~3200 lbs vs. the 5000 lbs of my 27. My current 27 has an ST 4000 (now obsolete), but it is a much better, more robust unit than the ST 1000. The primary problem with the ST 1000 is that its likely a bit "light" and underpowered for the 27, although it rated up to 6,600 lbs. The lock-to-lock time is quite slow (8 seconds) compared the the heftier models (4.5 seconds for the ST 2000). Also, if the ST 1000 is allowed to "overthrow" to the end of the stop--which it did a lot--the unit will chatter, stressing the mechanism. Too long in that position will burn it out (leading to a refurb...)
You will pay (at least) $100 extra for attachment equipment:
? cantilever extensions
? tiller brackets
? cantilever socket, etc.
? additional cableing
Me? I'd opt for an ST 2000, minimally, for a 27, loaded. I DO think that the upgrade for my 7.3 was some of the best money I spent on that boat, and I love my current ST 4000. Changed the way I sailed...did a LOT more singlehanding, and I interfaced it with my GPS. It will sail me right INTO my waypoint!
My $0.02, anyway.
Dave S.
s/v Clio
1987 S2 27, hull #80 (model "B")
--- In s227classassociation@..., "s227classassociation" <rperret@> wrote:
Anyone out there using an autotiller? Looking at buying one. Just so you are aware Defender is selling REFURBISHED Raymarine ST1000's for $300- incredible deal....
Rick
