Mike, I installed the Raymarine S1 Wheelpilot last August. I had a very old Benmar belowdecks which gave up the ghost about two weeks before I was to participate in a 275nm singlehand race on Erie. I honestly didn't want a wheel pilot, but thought it was the only way I was going to make the start line that quick. I consoled myself with the thought that it could be a nice backup to a belowdecks if and when I add one. It took me a weekend to install it. I put about 450 miles on it solo last year, mostly under sail, and it worked flawlessly. To be fair, it never had to handle too difficult of conditions. Worst we saw was wind in mid to upper 20's, waves maybe 5 to 7. It did do a good job steering for me during a stretch where I had my asym spin jammed in the sock about 2/3 deployed, and shortly thereafter when I decided to give the sail a good fresh water rinse. It may be in my head, or it could be I need to tweak the setup, but I think the wheel 'drags' slightly when the autopilot is not engaged. It should allow the wheel to turn freely, but I think there is some friction. It's not very detectable, and a couple of my buddies think I'm imagining it. It has worked so well that I'm not as committed to a belowdeck unit. I intend to head offshore with Kinsale in 2010, and will add a windvane. The vane and wheelpilot may be all I need.
Doug Kinsale #22
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