Raymarine ST8001 or Simrad AP16 AUTOPILOT? - The Hull Truth

davidforeman · 08-01-2005, 06:16 PM

Raymarine ST8001 or Simrad AP16 AUTOPILOT? RAYMARINE SEEMS TO BE MUCH CHEAPER AND HAS LOTS OF COOL FEATURES...

08-01-2005, 06:28 PM

Simrad is the pinnacle of autopilots. They have proven themselves time and time again, and are the most dependable autopilots on the market.

Glen E · 08-01-2005, 06:30 PM

I like ray stuff - - I have had (2) 6001's on two boats and am waiting for them to release their 6001 for the verados this fall. I think they are uncomplicated and reliable. Get the auto-gyro one (model G)- it sets up automatically all you need to adjust by itself and gets it right the first time. I just wish they had a TFT screen to match the other new generation daylight readable stuff on my dash...LCD is so passe....

swamppro · 08-01-2005, 06:34 PM

David,What kind of boat are you looking to put this pilot on and type of motors?What electronics systems are you running?Both are great autopilots.

davidforeman · 08-01-2005, 08:01 PM

Thanks Barret, I have a 1990 Carver Santego with Twin Inboard/Outboard Diesel Volvo Pentas with Hydralic Steering. As for electronics have a Garmin 178C which I want to integrate, and an old Raytheon R10 Radar which I am sure will not integrate.
Also Can you tell me What "Less Rudder Feedback" means? The ST8001 without the Rudder Feedback is significantly lower priced.

davidforeman · 08-05-2005, 02:03 AM

Ok I am finally sold on neither. I think I will go with Nautamatic Gladiator TR1. This AP is amazing. Anyone knows a place with a good price?

MDS-MIA · 08-05-2005, 08:33 PM

I decided on the Simrad AP-16 and will complete the installation tomorrow. Need to install the pump and bleed the lines. Once it is on line I will post my final opinion.

I looked into the Gladiator and found out that no one has a good price on it. You won't find it for more than a couple hundred off of list price. It does have a lot of nice features for fishing that are not found on the Simrad.

TOP DOG · 08-05-2005, 10:58 PM

I installed a ST6001 a month ago; it works great. I have it interfaced with my C120

akuzadubz · 08-06-2005, 02:27 PM

call me at (305) 444 - 3911 i'll try to get you the best prices i can my name is David and i work at Marine Wholesales