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Have an older Raymarine unit that's basically not working. Did some homework and the cost for either a new Raymarine, Simrad, or Garmin autopilot system are about the same so which one do I choose.
Garmin (TR1) has a great rep around this site. I have used it first hand and I have got to say it is awesome. Very easy to use and straight as an arrow. Good luck
Also had a raymarine that wasn't working and put on the Simrad ap28 and love it so far. We use it for surveying and it will stay on course very tightly, which is more than most people need. Navigation to waypoints or on routes works great. Also happy with the Virtual Rudder Feedback which eliminates the need for any rudder position sensor back at the motors. So far it has not even come close to trying to turn the outboards too far in either direction. Commissioning is very easy to do (30min max) and simrad support is good and knowledgeable too!
Here's the diff between the 3:
Simrad - graet reliable unit - LCD screen (Last generation)
garmin - a bit finicky on setup - but you get shadow drive (do a search) - new gen display
raymarine - the NEW X-10 is a great uit with easy set up and solid performance - new gen display
Don't forget about ComNav! Probably a little bit of overkill on a Contender, but it will set you straight!
Glen, what are you calling "finicky on the Garmin GHP10 setup? It has to be the easiest setup I've ever seen(referring to the "autolearn" software to calibrate/setup the unit the 1st time). Or, are you referring to the install?
It took me all of 10 minutes to run the softare setup. worked the 1st time and haven't touched it since.
Glen, you've been TR-1 advocate number one well before Garmin bought in. An honest question, has the GHP display and its interface compromised what made the Gladiator the simple quality autopilot solution it used it be? And has the Garmin-ization of TR-1 affected the level of support, considering the TR-1 guys had mobile vans and techs patrolling the Eastern Seaboard until Garmin's acquisition. This isn't an attempt to try and illicit a Garmin slander, but just to reinforce my own thoughts on the problems with making an autopilot too complex for its own good.
Garmin made some changes no doubt when they added the display. It is far less cryptic than the old "hold down 3 keys for code 157" TR-1. They also have made some pump changes and now it is a big corporate product. Unlike Graham's (owner of TR-1) company which could be lean and mean and unbelievably responsive, the garmin is now a product along with many others the sell. The very minor teething problems they are having will be worked out and they are pretty responsive as we speak. The simple fact is Garmin is selling a LOT MORE AP's than TR-1 ever did, so it is being put thru a lot more applications and on a lot of different boats. Boats a tr-1 never even came close to seeing. That requires some additional effort to tweak. But never fear that Garmin will all make it work - they are committed to the pilot and the original inventor of the TR-1 is still a Garmin employee. Garmin is tha "Apple of Olathe Kansas" and has fire in their belly. They will persevere.
PS.... Shadow drive changes the way you use the boat.
I have had my autopilot installed for one week (GHP-10). I don't know why everyone doesn't just turn on the thing when you crank it up. That shadow drive lets you point and shoot and the boat to goes in a straight line until you decide to point it somewhere else! Love mine.
How is the shadow "un-reliable"? It either works (lets you take the wheel aka "You have the Helm"), OR it doesn't.
I only wish that when following a route, if you grab the wheel to avoid something (bouy, another boat, log...), when you let go and it takes back over, it continued on the route instead of holding the heading. Hate that. Other than that, it's pretty amazing.
It sometimes works, and sometimes doesn't. Since I can't trust it to free the helm, I just stopped using it at all. I do test it occasionally though. I was thinking of calling garmin on it, but if it has to be swapped out it will be royal mess.
It's easier just to pretend it isn't there. Nice idea, just doesn't work.
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Terry Jason 35, Yanmar 370 hp, Lots of fun at a leisurely pace
I have had a TR1 Gladiator Autopilot on my boat, a 31 Contender Open, for three or four years and it has performed flawlessly. It is essential for me as we have 75 to 80 mile runs back from the Blue water. It even slow trolls 2mph while King Mackerel fishing. I have fished solo with Auto running the boat and have caught and released double header sails thanks to Auto. The TR1 Gladiator without a rudder feedback to mess up in salt water corrosion has been revolutionary. For my 31 Contender I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Sounds like a lot of happy Garmin owners. I was leaning toward Simrad as my buddy likes his and it's cheaper than the Garmin. Guess I will have to dig deeper.
Thanks for all the feedback. Keep it coming if you got it.
Which AutoPilot for a 31 Contender?? 
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