Page 1 of 1

Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 10:04 pm
by jspecc
I'm working with Three Rivers Marine in building out a 21' North River Seahawk, and I'm hoping to get some thoughts on autopilot options. I initially decided to go with the Lowrance HDS 10 and a TR-1 Gold autopilot on the kicker. There seems to be plenty of horror stories about the TR-1, so I'm getting a little leary. I want to put good equipment on the boat, but it seems like a little overkill to go with something like the Simrad platfrom with thier autopilot features on a smaller boat like mine? I've heard that Lowrance is going to start offering an intergrated autopilot feature as well...any word on when, and how it should perform? Should I just run with the TR-1? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Joe

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 11:17 am
by Jeff Nance
I put the TR-1 autopilot on my boat, and I can say I have had too many issues within the first 18 months. It's buggy, the remote went out, I had to replace the wireless unit, and I replaced the hydraulic cylinder twice. I would roll with a kicker with a remote throttle control, and use the new Sea Star steering system. 3 Riv's sells this kit. I believe it is this system http://www.seastarsolutions.com/product ... ar_kicker/
With this kit, you will never have any issues with your remote steering and throttle control. If you get the T9.9, then you can start it from your helm, and trim it down...pretty sweet set up.

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 3:09 pm
by Nelly
Hey js,
I'm afraid that I have to agree with Jeff. My experience is very similar to his! bangheadwall
Fortunately Lowrance has a solution for you and here it is!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah8Vk_oBink

Hook it up and good luck!

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 4:56 pm
by Bucket
Linky no worky Nelly

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 5:23 pm
by Nelly
Thanks Bucket!
Try it again now or, hit this one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah8Vk_oBink

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:12 pm
by jspecc
Thanks Fellas. Decisions, decisions...

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 7:20 am
by Rock
I want this! so bad! looks awesome!

Re: Which Autopilot for the New Boat?

PostPosted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:39 am
by Rock
I want this! so bad! looks awesome!