60 AutopilotsAutopilots 61

Autohelm Autopilots: The extra crew member at your command ST1000 & ST2000 Tiller Pilots: Above deck autopilots for tiller steered yachts

ST1000/ST2000 Invented by Autohelm in 1973, tiller pilots have consistently been the world’s most popular pilot ever since, setting the standard for performance, reliability and ease of use. Advanced features are standard. AutoTack lets you handle the sheets while the pilot tacks the boat, and AutoSeastate intelligently keeps the boat on course while conserving power. Whether used as a stand-alone pilot or with a SeaTalk/NMEA GPS, the clear backlit LCD and 6-button keypad make these pilots safe and easy to use.

1. Tiller drive 2. Bulkhead connection 3. SeaTalk network 4. 12v DC 5. NMEA GPS Page 106 for product specifications

Autopilot Types

Recommended MaximumDisplacement*ST1000

There are two types of autopilot, above deck and Inboard (also called below-decks). Above deck pilots are simple to install and remain in the cockpit in all types of weather. Inboard autopilots are permanently mounted below decks and are more powerful, more reliable, steer your boat better and can be supplied with a range of autopilot controllers.Raymarine autopilots work so well that it's sometimes easy to forget that they can't see – so they can't avoid obstacles or other vessels. Always keep a vigilant watch.

3,000kg (6,600lbs) ST2000 4,500kg (10,000 lbs)

*Remember, always take the fully laden displacement weight of your vessel into account, this is often 20% above the designed displacement, so don’t be tempted to choose a pilot which will always be working at the limits of its design capabilities. If you choose your pilot with safety in mind, it won’t struggle when the going gets tough.

“The autopilot system steers the boat to a course better than our best racing helm.”

So what is an Autopilot? An autopilot connects to your steering system and continually corrects your boat's heading with information supplied by the compass, wind transducers or GPS.Autopilots are designed to maintain an accurate course in various sea conditions with minimal helm movements. They can act as a spare pair of hands or an extra crew member allowing you to trim the sails or get the fenders over the side. Because they steer so accurately, they will save fuel and get you to your destination faster, especially when connected to a chart plotter.Autopilots consist of three main components: a heading sensor (usually a compass), a processor and drive controller (the brains), and a drive mechanism (the business end). David Pinner Skipper of ‘Kiss’ X-Yachts X35 One Design

Typical ST1000 and ST2000 tillerpilot displays.

It’s a beautiful day, the sun’s out and you fancy a break. Let the autopilot take the strain while you relax with a drink. Or, if the wind whips up, just hit the button while you shorten sail or head below to check everything’s secure. Even when It's blowing a gale, the waves are 30' high, and you're racing hundreds of miles from land…From a basic tiller pilot to a powerful inboard system, each Raymarine autopilot comes with a simple, intuitive keypad and clear, functional LCD display.