Autopilot for CC - Page 2

B-faithful · 09-01-2008, 10:06 PM

What do you mean by fish more by yourself if you had an auto pilot? Depends upon what type of fishing you do. I was going to add one to my last boat but opted not to when I discovered that they dont troll well at slow speeds (like for striped bass). I was hoping to be able to work the lines and net fish while fishing by myself or just with my son while trolling around 3 knots or less. I wanted the boat to track true into the wind or with a cross wind so that the lines wouldnt become a mess or I didnt have to swing downwind upon a hookup (I troll 8 lines without planer boards or outriggers). Instead I found out that I needed a cockpit steering station, which I will have on my new boat.

Auto pilots require some speed so they may work well trolling for smoker fish and are great for running to and from the fishing grounds but keep in mind that they cannot correct themselves at very slow speeds (unless you have dead calm water).

bisquit · 09-01-2008, 11:08 PM

I usually have another person with me offshore. I want an autopilot that will work at speeds as low as 6 to 10 knots. As you know, it's a lot of work for one person to set out a spread, so an autopilot would allow the other person onboard to help. Also, when hooked up, the other person could help clear lines, and gaff, or reel in the double hookup. There are times, though, that I go by myself and I started thinking that an autopilot would be helpful.

If an autopilot for my size boat won't work at trolling speeds, then it would not be helpful. I'm reading up on all the ones recommended, and they "say" they'll work for trolling. Still gathering info...prices running between $1200 to $3500.

RWW · 09-01-2008, 11:27 PM

B-faithful - I fish the bay often and went on a charter this spring with Excalibur Charters and he had one that worked awesome. It was only the Capt setting the lines (yes we helped as well) and he was out there landing the rockfish. He had a Raymarine, not sure of the model but I know he had a wireless remote which he used to change course anywhere in the boat.
I realize with a rudder verses outboard that could help... still sold me.

B-faithful · 09-01-2008, 11:37 PM

I think the size of the boat has a lot to do with it as well. I am not sure the size of the charter boat you took but a 24'er with outboards is going to get blown around quite a bit more than a big deadrise. I have been on a boat with the Ray auto pilot (25 grady) and it was great for when just the two of us hooked up on fish. He just locked in the course we were heading and it held true until we boated the fish. However it was a glassy flat day.. She may have held true without someone at the helm that day. My old boat tracked true as could be until the seas kicked up. For striped bass trolling under 3 knots on a breezy day I would definately find out what one works best as I tend to think that all may get confused and try to over correct. you may be good at 6 knots though. Call board sponsor http://www.boemarine.com and speak with Jim to see what he says. Good luck!

RWW · 09-01-2008, 11:41 PM

bisquit - no problem on the link, I am not sure about the Garmin plotter you have but as long as you have a NEMA connection you should be fine according to Raymarine. Garmin has a cool new auto pilot too the GHP 10 https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=228&pID=13192
Looks pretty sweet too. I do know the Raymarine one was designed for Sea star steering so if that is what you have you should be fine.
I have a Lowarance and each will work with mine. Also one of the sponsers had the Raymarine for $896.00, Garmin is about twice that.
This will end up being a winter project for me, so I am waiting to see some reviews before I jump on either.
Best of luck - Rob

slopoke · 09-05-2008, 11:27 PM

I often am fishing by myself. The auto pilot has become my best friend. The raymarine unit will work fine with your nmea connections on your Garmin. I have the Ray unit in my stamas 290 and Love it. I use it even when i have others on board. It drives better then me.... But like you said, with riggers and all else going on, it sure is nice to clear the weeds and not worrking about keeping a course. Do it.

bisquit · 09-06-2008, 10:59 AM

for all the input. Your positive comments have made me decide to install one for sure. The big question I have to answer now is which AP will fit best in the limited amount of space available behind the helm (Mako 241 CC). I'm leaning toward the Garmin; or Raymarine--just need to actually put one in my hands and measure the space required for it.

Thanks again!!!

Regulator32 · 09-09-2008, 10:22 PM

I have a north star 6000I what do you guys think would be the best auto for this i have twin outboards. I was going to check out the north star first.

09-01-2008, 10:06 PM	#11
B-faithful Hide- My Wifes Logged On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 142 Credits: 1,562.7 Best Catch: 5'6" Light Brunette w/green eyes Occupation: Print Sales Rep	What do you mean by fish more by yourself if you had an auto pilot? Depends upon what type of fishing you do. I was going to add one to my last boat but opted not to when I discovered that they dont troll well at slow speeds (like for striped bass). I was hoping to be able to work the lines and net fish while fishing by myself or just with my son while trolling around 3 knots or less. I wanted the boat to track true into the wind or with a cross wind so that the lines wouldnt become a mess or I didnt have to swing downwind upon a hookup (I troll 8 lines without planer boards or outriggers). Instead I found out that I needed a cockpit steering station, which I will have on my new boat. Auto pilots require some speed so they may work well trolling for smoker fish and are great for running to and from the fishing grounds but keep in mind that they cannot correct themselves at very slow speeds (unless you have dead calm water). __________________ Home Port: Annapolis, MD Boat: 2009 Judge 27 Chesapeake powered by Honda Marine email:bfaithfulfishing@yahoo.com

09-01-2008, 11:37 PM	#14
B-faithful Hide- My Wifes Logged On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 142 Credits: 1,562.7 Best Catch: 5'6" Light Brunette w/green eyes Occupation: Print Sales Rep	I think the size of the boat has a lot to do with it as well. I am not sure the size of the charter boat you took but a 24'er with outboards is going to get blown around quite a bit more than a big deadrise. I have been on a boat with the Ray auto pilot (25 grady) and it was great for when just the two of us hooked up on fish. He just locked in the course we were heading and it held true until we boated the fish. However it was a glassy flat day.. She may have held true without someone at the helm that day. My old boat tracked true as could be until the seas kicked up. For striped bass trolling under 3 knots on a breezy day I would definately find out what one works best as I tend to think that all may get confused and try to over correct. you may be good at 6 knots though. Call board sponsor http://www.boemarine.com and speak with Jim to see what he says. Good luck! __________________ Home Port: Annapolis, MD Boat: 2009 Judge 27 Chesapeake powered by Honda Marine email:bfaithfulfishing@yahoo.com

09-06-2008, 10:59 AM	#17
bisquit I love my rigging bucket Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlantic Beach, NC Posts: 106 Credits: 5,908.7 Home Port: MHC	Thanks... for all the input. Your positive comments have made me decide to install one for sure. The big question I have to answer now is which AP will fit best in the limited amount of space available behind the helm (Mako 241 CC). I'm leaning toward the Garmin; or Raymarine--just need to actually put one in my hands and measure the space required for it. Thanks again!!!

09-09-2008, 10:22 PM	#18
Regulator32 backlash king Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 15 Credits: 1,235.6	automatic pilot I have a north star 6000I what do you guys think would be the best auto for this i have twin outboards. I was going to check out the north star first.

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09-01-2008, 11:08 PM	#12
bisquit I love my rigging bucket Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlantic Beach, NC Posts: 106 Credits: 5,908.7 Home Port: MHC	I usually have another person with me offshore. I want an autopilot that will work at speeds as low as 6 to 10 knots. As you know, it's a lot of work for one person to set out a spread, so an autopilot would allow the other person onboard to help. Also, when hooked up, the other person could help clear lines, and gaff, or reel in the double hookup. There are times, though, that I go by myself and I started thinking that an autopilot would be helpful. If an autopilot for my size boat won't work at trolling speeds, then it would not be helpful. I'm reading up on all the ones recommended, and they "say" they'll work for trolling. Still gathering info...prices running between $1200 to $3500.

09-01-2008, 11:27 PM	#13
RWW Salon puppy Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 116 Credits: 1,589.8 Boat: 25' Trophy Home Port: OCMD Best Catch: 72lb BFT	B-faithful - I fish the bay often and went on a charter this spring with Excalibur Charters and he had one that worked awesome. It was only the Capt setting the lines (yes we helped as well) and he was out there landing the rockfish. He had a Raymarine, not sure of the model but I know he had a wireless remote which he used to change course anywhere in the boat. I realize with a rudder verses outboard that could help... still sold me.

09-01-2008, 11:41 PM	#15
RWW Salon puppy Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 116 Credits: 1,589.8 Boat: 25' Trophy Home Port: OCMD Best Catch: 72lb BFT	bisquit - no problem on the link, I am not sure about the Garmin plotter you have but as long as you have a NEMA connection you should be fine according to Raymarine. Garmin has a cool new auto pilot too the GHP 10 https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=228&pID=13192 Looks pretty sweet too. I do know the Raymarine one was designed for Sea star steering so if that is what you have you should be fine. I have a Lowarance and each will work with mine. Also one of the sponsers had the Raymarine for $896.00, Garmin is about twice that. This will end up being a winter project for me, so I am waiting to see some reviews before I jump on either. Best of luck - Rob

09-05-2008, 11:27 PM	#16
slopoke Swabbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 10 Credits: 759.7	I often am fishing by myself. The auto pilot has become my best friend. The raymarine unit will work fine with your nmea connections on your Garmin. I have the Ray unit in my stamas 290 and Love it. I use it even when i have others on board. It drives better then me.... But like you said, with riggers and all else going on, it sure is nice to clear the weeds and not worrking about keeping a course. Do it.