Installing the Raymarine S1000 Autopilot

[LittleCasino]

I have completed the install of the Raymarine S1000 Autopilot (see gallery). With it all said and done I hope I never have to work with hydraulic fluid ever again (I had nightmares I was swimming in the stuff) From an install score of 1-10 with one being the easiest I rate it a five. Now that I have it installed it and having the opportunity to use it on the water for the last month, "I LOVE THIS THING!"

This is really a solo fishermans, or any fishermans/boaters dream come true. It will follow waypoints on your GPS, and it can be programmed to do small, medium and large circles, zig-zags and cloverleafs, and you can steer it manually as well, all with a remote and from anywhere in the boat(Osprey Vic you gotta have one of these toys!).

I was in the market for an autopilot, as some of you know I run a fishing charter operation here in Indiana and I do a lot of trolling.
I did'nt like having my guest steering the boat while I was setting or working line's(which I do alot), and I cant always depend on a deck hand.
Then Raymarine came out with the S1000 remote autopilot for boats up to 25'. I waited a year for the unit to work it's bugs out, and then I went for it, and I absolutely love it, and my guest get a kick out of it as well!

It's really great with my family too, because I can cruise at slow speeds and spend more time with them instead of having to be behind the helm the entire time I'm underway.

If I could of done anything differant.... I wish I would of had all Raymarine electronics aboard. It would of made some of the install easier. It would of been nice to drop it off and let somebody ele's do the entire install.
I did manage to have some good help(Thanks Dennis from A&E Marine) it's always good to know the unit inside and out in the event you ever have to troubleshoot.

The worst thing about the install was the hydraulic fluid. I probably spent more time cleaning hydraulic fluid off everthing than it took to install the unit itself!

And if anyone is planning on purchasing one, make sure it is one of the brand new models, because some of the earlier hydraulic pumps had problems!

Little Casino

[mario]

Good to know that the system works out for you. I have all the Raymarine electronics except the autopilot, including the digital compass and gyro. I was waiting on the S1000 until I got some feedback. Should make a good winter project.

[rudderhinge]

Good Luck!

[Putershark]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaark! You dog
How is it going Brother! I just bet you really love that new toy and now you can "selectively" use a First Mate only when needed which I bet helps the business bottom line for sure When life settles down to just a low roar, give me a call and let me know how your season went in the mean time TIGHT LINES

[rscott]

Little Casino,
Are you still happy with your Raymarine S1000 Autopilot?
How does it perform for trolling at slow speeds, how slow can you troll in calm conditions, and chop?
We do a fair amount of trolling here on Lake Erie for Walleye using amast and planer boards, it would be a lot easier with one of these.
Thanks,
Roger

[k9reno]

rscott

I installed one on my 210 just for that reason. the problem is I have not had a chance to really test it as far as low speed trolling on the west basin. I it works great for piloting my boat and following routes and getting to waypoint on my gps. I think the unit needs over 2mph to maintain control but I dont remember. it has been to long since I have been in my boat. I have busy summers

[Putershark]

Brother,
You just need longer summers

[algee]

Auto Pilots can be a great tool, but remember, they have no eyes or ears. If you are by yourself and fall overboard, the boat just keeps motoring away, (unless you have the ignition stop attached to you), leaving you with that sinking feeling!

[NCangler]

Or unless you have one of the wireless lanyards systems on your boat. I had the "Virtual Lifeline" system installed on my 215 Chaos by my dealer, Merritt Marine, a couple months back. It works great! I can clip a wireless transmitter on each person on the boat (including pets) and if someone falls overboard the engine stops. Just flip a switch to quickly turn the engine back on to enter "Rescue Mode". I am very happy with this system for when I'll be on the boat by myself in particular.

Originally Posted by algee

Auto Pilots can be a great tool, but remember, they have no eyes or ears. If you are by yourself and fall overboard, the boat just keeps motoring away, (unless you have the ignition stop attached to you), leaving you with that sinking feeling!

[rodman1472]

What was the ball-park price for that install, incl materials?