Sitex SP-80MS auto pilot

tie_one_on

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 27, 2003
Messages
276
I have a 1988 28' Baha Cruiser Weekender. Twin straight inboards, cable steering. Weights about 9,000 lbs.

I have a Raymarine Sport Pilot Plus on it currently but have had problems with it and Raymarine no longer services these models.

I did some research and came up with the Sitex SP80Ms as an alternative. Has anyone used this? Any problems? Any recommendations.

Thanks
 

ChampionShip

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
202
Re: Sitex SP-80MS auto pilot

Twin inboards and you have a rotary style auto pilot? Odd, but certainly not unheard of.

I would check to see if you have power assist or full hydraulic steering (I'm guessing not if you have a sport pilot).

If you have hydraulic, Raymarine's autopilots work just fine- you'd want a Smart Pilot series, or another MFR's version of it. You'll see alot of old Robertson units still in service on bigger, older boats. You can choose from Raymarine, Furuno, Garmin, Simrad or Si-tex. Be sure you add a 'rudder reference sensor' to keep on course at low speed and to save some wear and tear on your pump.

Simrad used to make a good rotary unit, but has been discontinued.
 
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