Garmin autopilot

[LARRY VALENTINE]

What Garmin autopilot is best for a 53 ft ,1985 Hatteras?.
The $4,000 one might be overkill. My old one was a Benmar Thanks

[Photolomy]

Isn't the garmin option the only "garmin" option?

[SeaEric]

I love my Garmin autopilot. It's worth the $$. Of course you could get the Benmar repaired...

[LARRY VALENTINE]

I love my Garmin autopilot. It's worth the $$. Of course you could get the Benmar repaired...

I tried that about two yrs ago. Sent everything except the hydraulic pump to California. Came back with "no problems" I tried multiple tweaks afterwards to no avail Anybody need any Benmar Parts? Larry Valentine

[Captain Ralph]

I have spent many long hours and many bottles of rum fixing old Benmar APs. I'm guessing you have the older optical spoke compass card?
What problems are you having?
Are you close?
32189

However, The later Garmin with Smart-pump/shadow-drive can not be beat.
Yes it is a few bucks, but so far, it beats my top dollar Simrad to pieces.

[rsmith]

I tried that about two yrs ago. Sent everything except the hydraulic pump to California. Came back with "no problems" I tried multiple tweaks afterwards to no avail Anybody need any Benmar Parts? Larry Valentine

I sent my Benmar CK210 about 6’ off the end of my dock for repairs.

[Sadey]

I sent my Benmar CK210 about 6’ off the end of my dock for repairs.

Now that there is funny. I was going to send my Mach 5 pump to the same place for repairs last week. Luckily I found the problem before the shipping was completed.

[52CMY]

However, The later Garmin with Smart-pump/shadow-drive can not be beat.
Yes it is a few bucks, but so far, it beats my top dollar Simrad to pieces.

I Just added the Garmin Smart-pump/shadow-drive to my 52CMY. Works great but my installer left my shadow-drive in the box. He said he's found in the past that the Shadow-drive installed on Port (Starboard) hydraulic line is undersized for a big boat and creates a restricting orifice that reduces autopilot performance on a boat my size....

I would like the shadow drive functionality. Any Facts or Recommendations?

[LARRY VALENTINE]

I have spent many long hours and many bottles of rum fixing old Benmar APs. I'm guessing you have the older optical spoke compass card?
What problems are you having?
Are you close?
32189

However, The later Garmin with Smart-pump/shadow-drive can not be beat.
Yes it is a few bucks, but so far, it beats my top dollar Simrad to pieces.

I have given up on the Benmar. I might leave it to Davy Jones. Arranged for Garmin replacement already Larry V

[Captain Ralph]

I would like the shadow drive functionality. Any Facts or Recommendations?

Yes, Get a qualified tech out there to install it.

Garmin support is pretty good. Give them a ring with all of your specs.
They should be repeating my above comment.