[Public-List] Tiller Pilots

[David Fay]

I recently replaced my Simrad TP32, which never worked that well, with a Pelagic Systems Autopilot, configuring it as an above deck tiller pilot. I love it.

For motoring, it works perfectly, especially as it has a gyroscope, which lets it compensate for rolls with the waves.

For sailing, I can only use it for sailing to a compass bearing since I don't have electronic wind instruments. It works very well for this. But I'm still learning how to use it. Sometimes when I use it to tack, it tacks less or more than 90 degrees. That's easy to adjust for by pushing the +/- 2 degree buttons multiple times after the tack. But there are some adjustments to sensitivity that I haven't investigated yet which may be a help.

The Pelagic autopilot is designed to replace the Simrad TP32 and similar tiller pilots so installation was a snap. I could use the same anchor I already had on my tiller and the electronics layout was very similar to the TP32. The master controller though was a separate box which the TP32 didn't have so I had to mount that on the bulkhead and run some wires. All in all, installation took a couple of hours.

Engineering design-wise, the Pelagic seems much more robust than the TP32 and it is much quieter as well. The only downside I can see is the higher price -- it will run you about $1K. Oh, and they currently have a production delay due to the pandemic.

David
Blue Teal #284


> On Jul 13, 2022, at 5:08 PM, Alexander Mitchell via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I am looking at grabbing a tiller pilot for some longer day sails, short
> cruising, and just to get me a hand when I am working at the mast getting
> sails up and down.  I am in Chicago, so Lake Michigan is the game.
> 
> I am looking at the ST 2000+, TP22, and the Pelagic set up.
> 
> Any opinions? Happy to hear them!
> 
> Thanks,
> Al
> Rascal #145
> 
> -- 
> Al Mitchell
> 815-579-4968
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