Tiller Pilot

[puddock]

I have just ordered a Simrad TP32 for Rosally, a Westerly Storm 33 OD (5130 Kg Displacement). From what I read, I could have 'got away with' a TP 22 model, however, I felt more comfortable opting for a little more grunt.
My question is, as I have limited sailing experience ( Rosally is my first yacht), do the 'elders' of the forum think I have made a wise choice or not.
Also, do you have any experience with the TP32 or similar? Any feedback would be gratefully received.
Thanks

[Alan_D]

I think you have made the right choice between the TP22 and TP32. Simrad recommend the 22 for vessels of up to 5 tons. Your displacement of 5.13 tonnes is Westerly's figure but your boat will weigh considerably more with full diesel and water tanks, stores, cruising gear etc. etc. The 32 has significantly greater peak thrust than the 22 but uses similar amounts of power when quiescent. I have never heard anyone complain that their autopilot was too powerful, but underpowered ones are a regular complaint.

Alan

[puddock]

Thank you for that. A little peace of mind.

[DaveS]

From what I read, I could have 'got away with' a TP 22 model, however, I felt more comfortable opting for a little more grunt.

I, too, would agree with that.

While I have no personal experience of the Simrad autopilots, I have used a number of Autohelm / Raymarine devices over the years. Too big is definitely better than too small.

Having a spare on board is handy too, since, apart from other possible failures, the things have a tendency to fail after they get wet. This is fixable, but fiddly and time consuming, so tends to be a "do it later" job. One of the current projects is to construct a wee raincoat...