Seeking Advice: Auto Pilot

[WilliamForeside]

I own an Albin 28TE (1998) with a 310 Yanmar and a SIMRAD navigation system. I would like to add auto pilot. Does anyone have any strong opinions about the ideal system for the Albin? I will likely install it with the assistance of a trusted marine mechanic/electrician... I am trying to determine the most appropriate system for my Albin.

Thanks!

[Bluewater]

I have a Raymarine autopilot on my 2000 28TE (Yanmar 6LP). I use it 90% of the time when traveling and, should I wish it to, it connects well with my Raymarine MFD (although I never slave the waypoints to the autopilot as I’m an old-fashioned navigator).

[Norseman]

Got an ST 5000 autopilot, dealer installed in 2001: Works well, but a tad slow perhaps.
Got it hooked up to a Garmin 1040XS plotter.

[Pitou]

My experiences are not vast, as I've only had Simrad autopilots, but I really do like the equipment. I've always had them networked to the GPS for navigation and in this day and age I wouldn't do it any other way, but that's just me.

I've had my Simrad AP units networked with Simrad, NorthStar and now Furuno GPS units and have never had an issue with integration and compatibility. My current AP is a Simrad AP25 from the 2006 - 2007 era No need to upgrade. Also, be sure to consider rudder feedback as a must have. It's nice to know the orientation of your rudder when you first startup and even at anchor.

[Tom Un]

I installed the Simrad AP-44 - added Rudder feed back - still have to dial it in as It wanders in mild wind and mild following seas but beats having to constantly steer - I don't need that extra exercise any more.

[Pitou]

I installed the Simrad AP-44 - added Rudder feed back - still have to dial it in as It wanders in mild wind and mild following seas but beats having to constantly steer - I don't need that extra exercise any more.

Does it wander when navigating to a set waypoint or just when the AP is set without a waypoint to navigate to? If it's the later, that would be the norm as there is no set point to navigate to. I always set to a specified waypoint and have no issues of wandering .. even on an often traveled 80 + mile run.

Having a metal object near the rate compass can interfere with the AP. In my 28 when running the microwave with the AP on the boat would get real squirelly on its set course .. that was interesting the first time that it happened.

Learning an AP's features beyond straight navigation is pretty useful too, such as how to make it do a U-Turn for a possible man overboard situation or the one that I like to use often is the "Lazy S" .. very useful for fishing while on the troll.

[Mark Laurnen]

Hello William. Last year a I had installed a new dash, with all new components (MFD X 2, radar, vhf, 3D finder), by an “expert” who I believe really does possess expertise. For a couple of reasons we went with Furuno, and I have been very pleased. I want to add AP next and he is steering me towards Simrad for that. I was surprised he did not recommend keeping it all Furuno, but he didn’t. Anyway, I will continue to heed his voice of great experience and perhaps you might consider it as well. Good luck!

[Norseman]

I had Simrad autopilots on previous boats, good stuff, but what impressed most was the last boat, before the Albin 28TE: Dealer installed a Garmin a/p with a “smart pump”, worked really well with a great control panel/display.
The a/p was $4k with another $1k for installation.
Highly recommended.

[Jkraft]

I had a new garmin autopilot installed in October and LOVE it. Very user friendly and works perfectly

[WilliamForeside]

This feedback is so helpful. If I go with Simrad I am leaning towards the AP44 Medium Capacity for my Albin 28TE... My installed suggested possibly going with the High Capacity? Does anyone feel strongly about Medium vs. High Capacity?

Thanks everyone!

[Ben423]

I'm thinking of installing an autopilot, the Garmin Reactor 40 with smartpump and GHC20 display for my 28TE. Any feedback, good or bad, on this unit?