I'm looking to have an autopilot system installed on my 1964 57' Chris Craft Constellation and thought I would start asking for suggestions here since I have no idea what to start looking for. Nearly everything on the boat mechanical and electrical has been replaced in the past 10-12 years. It currently has a Raytheon L755 chart plotter and an R70 radar. Was hoping to find something on eBay from someone upgrading. Thanks! Cynthia
Your best bet would be to go with a new system. Autopilots are not something someone upgrades unless they've had a lot of issues with their unit, the autopilot either works or doesn't. However, I'd steer clear of Raymarine autopilots, I've had the most issues with them. I'd be looking at Simrad units.
Basically the same question. I'm looking to put a new autopilot on an old 42 Bertram. I'm thinking Simrad but don't know what I really need or want. A 1000 one ? $4000? Is everything you need included in the "kit"? I guess the differences are a basic heading or course hold vs route tracking? Why the big price difference? Are there little boat autopilots? Sail vs power?