Raytheon Smart Pilot 1000

randykolchuk · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:16 pm Post subject: Raytheon Smart Pilot 1000

Has anyone used a Smartpilot 1000 autopilot on a 25 with two 90hp Hondas?
I would like to know if the autopilot is adequate and if the remote control will work when on the stern deck?

Thanks,
Les

Pete in NY · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:04 pm Post subject:

Les,

I installed the Raytheon S1000 on my CD 25 with Honda BF135 last spring. It holds a course perfectly and yes the wireless remote does work from the aft deck, as well as everywhere else on the boat. It was an easy install that I did myself and it is interfaced to my Garmin chartplotter. The hydraulic pump fit underneath the electrical panel on the forward side of the steering bulkhead. A great and cost effective unit.

Regards,
Pete in NY

randykolchuk · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 10:25 am Post subject:

Thank you Pete!

Bess-C · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 10:52 am Post subject:

I'm in the middle of a decision about whether to install a S1000 or the more typical ST6001 on my 25. I like the cost and simplicity of the S1000, but it doesn't have helm control like the 6001.

It seems the S1000 is sold as a trolling device, so I'm not sure how it performs at cruising speeds when going to waypoints. Is it easy to use with the interface to the GPS?

I guess I'm almost sold on the S1000, but concerned that I'll miss the features of the ST6001. Has anyone used both devices?
Lyle

Pete in NY · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 2:38 pm Post subject:

I was out on the boat yesterday. The S1000 kept the boat on a perfectly straight track between waypoints 10-15 miles distant,doing between 20-25mph . I just sat at the helm and kept watch. Water was flat. I also ran up to 31.8mph at WOT and the boat course still follows the GPS track perfectly. Last season I was out in 2-3ft waves with 15 knts of wind doing setup and sea trials, speed between 6 and 18. The S1000 also kept true to the GPS track and the boat does not wander at all with the S1000 in control. The engine doesn't move back and forth a lot to do this, only a little every now and then. The S1000 also can be just turned on in the point and go auto fashion. The remote has a left and right button to dodge, turn or whatever. More sequential pushes at the same time on the these buttons gives a sharper turn compared to just one push. Going back to standby on the remote takes about 20 seconds for the unit to give back the helm. There is a 1-1/4" dia red and yellow spring loaded kill switch that comes with the install kit that you mount at the helm that cuts power to the control head if you want to take back instantaneous control of the helm right away. In open water with no nearby traffic, I can cruise slow like on a sailboat, in the cockpit, or quicker, but not too fast, while keeping watch from the back deck or while sitting on one of the jump seats while the remote is on the supplied lanyard around my neck. For fast cruise or WOT I don't think it is a good idea to leave the helm while on autopilot. The remote also came with a cellphone type belt holster that I do not use on my belt(having lost a cellphone overboard using one before). I fashioned a ss angle braket and mounted the holster (cradle) for the remote right at the helm and can operate the thing while it is in the cradle or out. The S1000 steers a straighter course than I can by following a compass heading or a highway graphic on the GPS chartplotter.

Raytheon used to have install videos and more info on their website. For my waypont to waypoint or point and shoot open water use, and at 1/3 the cost of a TR-1, lower cost than the older type Raytheon units and with no heading sensor needed on the outboard, I am perfectly content watching the radar, chartplotter and not least the view out the windows with the S1000 doing the driving.

Regards,
Pete in NY

Zelpha · Guest

Ditto to Pete's post. Also, the S1000 will now troll down to approx. 1MPH.

Zelpha