Looking at the stats on... for example the Simrad Tiller Pilots 10,20,30...
I see that the thrust difference between
the least and most capable is 44 lbs., which is a 24% variation from least
to most [143-187].

The Simrad recommendation on boat length is from 33 - 39 feet, and
displacement from 8140 - 14000 lbs.

My question is:
given the above, is the real-world difference for a typical
35'-40' sailboat that one pilot will simply
'do it' faster than the lower powered, OR will the 143 lbs
of thrust not do the job but the 187 will...
according to Simrad's specs ?

I do assume there is some length/displacement combinations for which
Simrad's specifications would be strictly true,
of course, but..... as a real-world matter, what experience have group
members found applicable ?

Appreciatively,

Courtney

"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
ink.net...
Looking at the stats on... for example the Simrad Tiller Pilots
10,20,30...
I see that the thrust difference between
the least and most capable is 44 lbs., which is a 24% variation from least
to most [143-187].

The Simrad recommendation on boat length is from 33 - 39 feet, and
displacement from 8140 - 14000 lbs.

My question is:
given the above, is the real-world difference for a typical
35'-40' sailboat that one pilot will simply
'do it' faster than the lower powered, OR will the 143 lbs
of thrust not do the job but the 187 will...
according to Simrad's specs ?

I do assume there is some length/displacement combinations for which
Simrad's specifications would be strictly true,
of course, but..... as a real-world matter, what experience have group
members found applicable ?

Appreciatively,

Courtney



Escapade is a Rawson 30, 30 feet on deck and displacement of 12,500. I use a
Simrad TP20 and it has been entirely adequate to date. Tweaking the gain for
the current conditions can be tricky, but tiller forces are substantially
less than the TP20's limitations. Your mileage may vary.

I have used tiller Auto pilot for two decades.
When motoring in calm seas any tiller pilot will do.
When going down wind in moderate to heavy seas the tiller pilot has to react
fast to correct it course.
The type of keel will affect the behaviour of the tiller pilot. If you have
a long keel and it will require more power than a fin keel in a following
sea and up wind.
The trimming of your sails will affect the behaviour of the tiller pilot.
Not to mention the weather helm of your boat. Other factors are the current,
wind and tides
My suggestion is if you intend to use your boat in all but the heaviest seas
buy the one that has a fast reaction time with the maximum push and pull
power (143-187 lbs). If the reaction time of your tiller pilot is not fast
enough it will get you off course and it will always work too hard to get
back on course. Tiller pilot are exposed to the element and do stop
operating when under stress and high humidity. That why I carry the old one
as a back up.

"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
ink.net...
Looking at the stats on... for example the Simrad Tiller Pilots
10,20,30...
I see that the thrust difference between
the least and most capable is 44 lbs., which is a 24% variation from least
to most [143-187].

The Simrad recommendation on boat length is from 33 - 39 feet, and
displacement from 8140 - 14000 lbs.

My question is:
given the above, is the real-world difference for a typical
35'-40' sailboat that one pilot will simply
'do it' faster than the lower powered, OR will the 143 lbs
of thrust not do the job but the 187 will...
according to Simrad's specs ?

I do assume there is some length/displacement combinations for which
Simrad's specifications would be strictly true,
of course, but..... as a real-world matter, what experience have group
members found applicable ?

Appreciatively,

Courtney

I surmise from your comment that since my boat's about 20000# with full
keel/cutaway forefoot and 5.75' draft, that I should consider only the TP30,
i.e. 187# thrust.

My boat is only about a foot longer than Simrad's max recommendation for
this pilot but about 50% heavier [loaded] than their maximum displacement
recommendation for this, their most powerful pilot.

Should I properly conclude that Simrad's pilots are inadequate for my boat,
in your judgment ? If yes, what manufacturer would you recommend ?

BTW, I'm in Cape Breton, what's your current home port ?

Cordially,
Courtney


wrote in message
...
I have used tiller Auto pilot for two decades.
When motoring in calm seas any tiller pilot will do.
When going down wind in moderate to heavy seas the tiller pilot has to
react
fast to correct it course.
The type of keel will affect the behaviour of the tiller pilot. If you
have
a long keel and it will require more power than a fin keel in a following
sea and up wind.
The trimming of your sails will affect the behaviour of the tiller pilot.
Not to mention the weather helm of your boat. Other factors are the
current,
wind and tides
My suggestion is if you intend to use your boat in all but the heaviest
seas
buy the one that has a fast reaction time with the maximum push and pull
power (143-187 lbs). If the reaction time of your tiller pilot is not
fast
enough it will get you off course and it will always work too hard to get
back on course. Tiller pilot are exposed to the element and do stop
operating when under stress and high humidity. That why I carry the old
one
as a back up.

"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
ink.net...
Looking at the stats on... for example the Simrad Tiller Pilots
10,20,30...
I see that the thrust difference between
the least and most capable is 44 lbs., which is a 24% variation from
least
to most [143-187].

The Simrad recommendation on boat length is from 33 - 39 feet, and
displacement from 8140 - 14000 lbs.

My question is:
given the above, is the real-world difference for a
typical
35'-40' sailboat that one pilot will simply
'do it' faster than the lower powered, OR will the 143
lbs
of thrust not do the job but the 187 will...
according to Simrad's specs ?

I do assume there is some length/displacement combinations for which
Simrad's specifications would be strictly true,
of course, but..... as a real-world matter, what experience have group
members found applicable ?

Appreciatively,

Courtney

In my case the speed of the ram is more important than the thrust.
My boat is a 26' sharpie cat ketch, about 4500lb. My TP10 handles that
easily on the wind but it is a bit too slow downwind if the sea state
is up. I wish I had bought the TP20....


Courtney Thomas wrote:
Looking at the stats on... for example the Simrad Tiller Pilots 10,20,30...
I see that the thrust difference between
the least and most capable is 44 lbs., which is a 24% variation from least
to most [143-187].

The Simrad recommendation on boat length is from 33 - 39 feet, and
displacement from 8140 - 14000 lbs.

My question is:
given the above, is the real-world difference for a typical
35'-40' sailboat that one pilot will simply
'do it' faster than the lower powered, OR will the 143 lbs
of thrust not do the job but the 187 will...
according to Simrad's specs ?

I do assume there is some length/displacement combinations for which
Simrad's specifications would be strictly true,
of course, but..... as a real-world matter, what experience have group
members found applicable ?

Appreciatively,

Courtney

In article . com,
"az100" wrote:

In my case the speed of the ram is more important than the thrust.
My boat is a 26' sharpie cat ketch, about 4500lb. My TP10 handles that
easily on the wind but it is a bit too slow downwind if the sea state
is up. I wish I had bought the TP20....

It doesn't help that much. The computers are a little slow, and can't
anticipate, so we sometimes wind up doing ever-widening "S"s when we
have quartering waves.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/