Annie and Alan will kill me BUT, here I go!
My Badger SHOULD arrive Friday by truck.
Several factors make my need to get sailing ASAP important. Daughter just finished work on a 60 foot S/Y and is available for rest of summer (why do I need a pilot then, you ask? LOL), I start work again in late Sep, and summer in Newport is SHORT.
New England has notoriously light winds and calm mornings one can make many miles towards destination with motor and sun shade! Hence my "need " for an electronic rather than wind self steering as an immediate solution to get out and use the boat.
Looking for recommendations for off the shelf tiller style auto pilot that can handle a 13,000 lb 34 foot junk schooner.
I recall researching and many have the cut off to the NEXT size up at around my size boat so not an easy choice. Not having sailed her, my thoughts are that the split rig is easier to balance the helm and therefore reduce electrical load and "spin out" load.
Not a racing boat I am happy to reduce sail/ slow down if it means pilot can keep "crewing" for us.
Therefore I am hoping the smaller unit will suffice....and in time as I add my Aries, that will cover me for heavy weather.
Am I realistic? Or wasting money on a unit that will disappoint?
I realize this subject has been touched on a lot here but I am looking for up to date info on current new units that would work.
Size?
Preferred brand?
US market based.
EDIT. Raymarine may be just too small. Simrad make a 22 for up to 34 feet and a 32 for 37 feet. Views on Simrad quality????
Many thanks, David.