Auto Pilot

[jashmen]

I know this should be in the electronics section, but I really am interested in what the trawler owners use and how they feel about it. Mine is old, and I plan on updating in the next year. My current one tends to swing back and forth quite a bit, even in relatively calm seas.

[rebuckley]

I have the Simrad hydraulic pump (AP12 (RPU 80 (or RPU 60) pump) I think it is - need to verify on my list on the boat) . I find it works quite well in general tracking. Aft (and slightly beam) seas can cause issues with tracking - very "S-curvey". Playing with some of the settings they have in the system (rudder/steerage/speed) helped correct it - but not 100%. I am very happy with it. I think the stern/beam issue would be similar across any AP - but better than my sore shoulders after a long run!!

[catalina_mike]

You can normally adjust the gain or sensitivity in the controller. I went with a Raymarine in my new Silverton and am happy with it and the setup.

[jleonard]

I had a sitex and it worked well but would always do a snake wake especially in a cross current.
I found that if I used a compass heading and adjusted manually to the path it would run a lot straighter than when following the gps.

[jashmen]

glad I am not the only one with "snake wake"