Posted by Captain Norm (199.182.102.20) on July 25, 2003 at 08:40:42:
In Reply to: Re: Autohelm 6000 vs. 7000 posted by Thomas Adamson on July 24, 2003 at 20:54:51:
For what it's worth, when I was deciding on an AP, I quickly decided against type 1, just handled the factory weight of the boat. If you figure several thousand lbs will be added, type 1 will soon be underpowered. I looked at the type 2 with longer stroke. The reason it handles such a heavy boat is it gets more mechanical advantage from a longer arm/stroke. My feeling was that would reduce response time all the time the AP was being used. I figured if the conditions were real bad, I would want to hand steer anyway.
I have used the standard type 2 in up to 35 knots of wind, big seas on a beam reach, coming back from Catalina Island (30 miles). I remember that day distinctly as waves were breaking on the topsides, splashing water in the cockpit.
Norm Perron
: I installed a Raymarine Autohelm 6000 with a type 2 long stroke drive. It is able to handle close to double the weight of a Cat 42 and has proven itself to hold up to its claims. We had 25 kts with close to 10-12ft seas and on a up wind beat the auto held it's own with no problems. Great unit.
: Tom Adamson
: Cat 42-2 #766
: : The information from Raymarine on the 6000 states max. boat wgt is about the 20500 which about the stripped weigth of the 42. My question is do I need to consider the 7000 or is everyone using the 6000 and is this adequate
: : Thanks
: : Mark
: : Merlin #823