Autopilots

[Fishinerie]

I am looking to install an autopilot on my 2005 Starcraft 191 Islander. The boat is equiped with hydraulic steering and is an I/O. I would use this autopilot to work the helm while trolling. Any suggestions?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Autopilots

i think the cost is going to outweigh the use. in a 19' boat, you need to pay attention to wave action, and conditions, a 30 footer is a little different. not paying attention will get you in unexpected trouble fast.

 

[Fishmore]

Re: Autopilots

I just installed a new one on my 22' Tropy Diesel this year. I use this boat mainly in the ocean. It is great for trolling especially when running seven rods for Tuna or downriggers for Salmon. It is also great on those long runs or when running in the fog. It frees you up to watch whats going on instead of concentrating on steering a sraight course all the time. In heavy fog I like it because I have a tendency to steer to the right when there is just a wall of fog in front of me. With the AP I can watch the radar and the charterplotter for obstacles without having to also watch my track to ensure I am maintaining the proper heading. Of course I still double check it from time to time just to verify it is on the proper course. Tashadaddy is right about the cost though. Mine is a Raymarine ST5000plus was about $1200.00 on sale. I used to use the Raymarine sportpilot about $700.00 and it worked okay but not as good as the Hydraulic AP. Still I would not like to be without one for this type of fishing.