27 Sailfish Autopilot

[fellinger]

On my list of things to add to my 27 Sailfish is an autopilot. I have looked around and have read some on the Raymarine S1000. I realize it says its good for a 25' or 26'. Has anyone used one on a 27? Would it handle twin 200's? I would mostly be using it for straight line runs in calmer seas and for trolling.

I would be interfacing it to a Garmin 7610vsx if possible.

Thoughts?

Fred

 

[g0tagrip]

I have a Garmin GHC 10 on my Marlin and it works great. Interfaces with my Garmin 4212.

 

[ocnslr]

The S1000 may work for you, or it may not, as your Sailfish is much more boat than the single engine 23'-25' models that the tests are done on.

I can say with certainty that the SImrad AP-24 model will meet all your needs, and the virtual feedback is great. Does cost more, but well worth it. Thousands of miles on our A/P.

Brian

 

[fellinger]

The S1000 may work for you, or it may not, as your Sailfish is much more boat than the single engine 23'-25' models that the tests are done on.

I can say with certainty that the SImrad AP-24 model will meet all your needs, and the virtual feedback is great. Does cost more, but well worth it. Thousands of miles on our A/P.

Brian

Looks like a nice unit at about $2500? I assume I can get full functionality/control out of it using my Garmin 7610vsx? Or do I need to stick with a Garmin product? How easy are these to install?

 

[Bayhouse]

You'll have much better integration with your 7610 using a Garmin AP than another brand. Essentially, you can control the Garmin AP from the 7610. Some people, after initial config, don't even mount the AP control head and just use the MFD for AP control.

I installed my own Garmin AP and it wasn't too difficult, just expect to crawl around in places that weren't meant to be crawled around in and have lots of cold beer and band-aids around. Plan the install carefully, you'll probably need additional wires and custom hoses to do it right.