Does anyone remember.....

[sandspur1966]

Sort of an odd request but does anyone remember an autopilot for smaller boats that came out in the 80's that was really just a course keeper.

It bolted to the helm and was installed on the wheel hub and then you installed the wheel onto the unit. They had a grey plastic cover and a locking lever that you would just throw when you wer on course.

I had one on a Uniflite salty dog I had and it was bulletproof and really handy when trolling the LI south shore for stripers.

I have a 17 jet rib that I fish off of and it is a PITA to try and troll. Everything on the market I have seen is too pricey and complex for what is really just a silly "want" and not a need. I have a fantasy about finding one on eBay

 

[SKYCHENEY]

If you want a cheap autopilot, you should go to a sailboaters forum. If its cheap, they'll know what it is.

 

[captddis]

I think it was a autohelm.

 

[saltshaker]

I think it was a autohelm.

Same here

 

[Glory]

I think the unit described isn't Autohelm/Raytheon, King, comes to mind. Although, King seems to several notches above the unit I recall. When engaged like an old Bendix the wheel would turn as course corrections were made.

JM

 

[Boatsb]

I think the unit described isn't Autohelm/Raytheon, King, comes to mind. Although, King seems to several notches above the unit I recall. When engaged like an old Bendix the wheel would turn as course corrections were made.

JM

I had a goodyear.

Sliced a big rubber band from an inner tube and tied it off. Learned that trick from Lenny Cuomo.

 

[Tim Powell]

maybe Benmar??

 

[saltshaker]

Autohelm wheel pilot is what I remember but not sure if that's the one he's looking for

 

[sandspur1966]

If you want a cheap autopilot, you should go to a sailboaters forum. If its cheap, they'll know what it is.

Ha! It's funny because it's true

 

[34Hatt]

I had a goodyear.

Sliced a big rubber band from an inner tube and tied it off. Learned that trick from Lenny Cuomo.

I am wondering if that was just for me doubting anyone else would pickup on Lenny

 

[Boatsb]

Not sure anyone else knew Lenny. But i do make sure I give him credit.