CPT Autopilot

[AlanO]

I'm currently leaning towards getting a CPT Autopilot to replace the old failed AutoHelm 3000 on our 38-200. After review of the product descriptions and forum discussions, the ease of installation, overbuilt motor, relatively low noise level, and low power draw are attracting me to this device as well as the cost compared to another below deck direct drive unit or the RayMarine wheeldrive (cheaper, more bells and whistles, but weaker motor). After reviewing the various manuals, one thing that rises as a potential concern about the CPT is the clutch, which has little description, just a drawing. It appears to be a knob for engaging two pins in order to rotate the belt drive wheel and the belts and wheels are completely exposed, albeit behind the helm wheel. My concern is getting fingers caught between the belt and drive wheel in a hasty attempt to engage or disengage the clutch. Can folks with CPT autopilot experience provide some perspective on this concern? Is there a preferred motor placement that minimizes this concern?

Thanks.

Alan

 

[N.A.]

I cannot say anything about the CPT in use...

However, FWIW I have the Raymarine EV-100 Wheel Pilot, and I do not like it and have been thinking seriously about getting a CPT myself despite the fact that the Raymarine works (as well as it ever will). The reason is simple: the Raymarine slips under any significant load -- so in much of any waves, or higher wind when there is much weather helm or gusting, you can hear the system slip / watch the boat lose its heading. Often enough that I have to go steer by hand even when I might not want to. I don't know where you sail, but for me high wind and waves sufficient to cause this problem are frequent, and it makes singlehanding more challenging than necessary. Opinions I've seen on this board suggest my experience is not unusual.

Separately, the Raymarine is very loud -- I also have a (obviously silent) windvane, and it is pretty shocking how much more pleasant sailing is when I am using that. To the extent the CPT is quieter (I've read their site too : ) then it will be a lot nicer, particularly when you are with others and trying to have a relaxed conversation.

Anyway, you might ask about the quality of the CPT clutch / system in terms of holding heading under weather helm / waves. I believe I read elsewhere that it is good in that respect. Since I'm also thinking about he CPT, I'll watch for any related replies.

PS: To be fair, the Raymarine is clearly not intended for heavy use -- I am not suggesting it is defective or problematic in that respect. And it is so easy to install that even I could do it.

 

[Christian Williams]

I would also like to hear of the experience of any member with the CPT. I have no doubt that the motor is as powerful as the install is early Industrial Revolution.

I happen to be a big fan of the Ray wheel pilot, and contend that the usual complaints are the result of failure to trim the sails so the boat sails itself. That means reducing heel and weather helm which usually means reducing sail. In fact this is true of all autohelm installations, as well as wind vanes. True, a Ray wheel pilot is only good until the whitecaps come up, not designed for lively conditions. Maybe the CPT is.

 

[Pete the Cat]

I have used the CPT on some deliveries but have never owned one. They are quieter than the Raymarine wheel pilots and seem to track OK--but don't integrate with other instruments--just hold a course. Quiet matters and I have never understood why Raymarine does not care.. Raymarine has a number of computers and programs they have used with their autopilots and some seem better than others--none that I have used is outstanding, though the ones with gyros are nice. I actually own and have a fairly low opinion of the EVO Raymarine wheel pilot I have on my Ericson. The computer seems slow and does not learn very fast about sea state (that might be where I have located the sensor) and it is obnoxiously noisy and not all that powerful when the wind picks up--but my Ericson requires some hands on control. I have an old Raymarine electric Linear drive below deck autopilot on my Tartan 37 that I have been using for 20 years that I love. Quiet, powerful, works well off the wind instruments and learns about sea state well enough. Engages and disengages with a click of a button from the head unit or a remote and virtually no drag on the steering gear (electric clutch). I think any of you with 38s should consider this upgrade. It is not really horribly difficult to install if you have any glassing ability. Yes they cost more, if you are really going cruising it is a worthwhile investment--especially if you single hand.

 

[Christian Williams]

Although I enjoy my wind vane, I think for most of us a linear drive autopilot makes more sense. A wind vane is great offshore but too clumsy for typical use, and you also need a wheel pilot for motoring.

 

[Drewm3i]

I would also like to hear of the experience of any member with the CPT. I have no doubt that the motor is as powerful as the install is early Industrial Revolution.

I happen to be a big fan of the Ray wheel pilot, and contend that the usual complaints are the result of failure to trim the sails so the boat sails itself. That means reducing heel and weather helm which usually means reducing sail. In fact this is true of all autohelm installations, as well as wind vanes. True, a Ray wheel pilot is only good until the whitecaps come up, not designed for lively conditions. Maybe the CPT is.

View attachment 50262

I have had the CPT--albeit briefly--on my previous E-38-200 and it worked pretty well upwind in short period 6-7' seas off the west coast of Florida. The belt did slip occasionally but this was partially user error and working out the kinks of usage IMO as I did not have it snug enough. It does like to work itself a bit loose in my experience and I would recommend the additional and optional belt tensioner device for certain, but I really do think it can replace a below deck linear drive unit for most conditions, especially on an Ericson which sports a very big and effective spade rudder. It is a bit wonky to program and use and requires constant fiddling to achieve the desired effect as conditions change.

I really wish the EV-100's modern sensors and electronics could be combined with the CPT motor and circuit board: it would be the perfect wheel pilot IMO.

 

[Alan Gomes]

I really wish the EV-100's modern sensors and electronics could be combined with the CPT motor and circuit board: it would be the perfect wheel pilot IMO.

The Pelagic can do that. It will drive any system with a 12v motor.

 

[AlanO]

I ended up going with the CPT Auto Pilot that we christened "Otto" on our recent cruise. I had a couple of minor hiccups in the install, so it required the upper end of the manufacturer's 3-4 hour estimate to install. Our hiccups were that I needed to buy a gear puller to remove the steering wheel, which clearly had not been removed in years. Secondly, I needed to cut-off the extra length of the J-bolts holding on the wheel pulley in the middle of the install instead of at the end to avoid hitting the compass housing (sure enough the rotary tool needed was at home). The manufacturer included a custom design drawing for our install based on the measurements we provided.

On our cruise with calm waters, Otto held course just fine and adjustments using the 1 and 10 degree buttons occurred without a hitch. Under calm conditions setting the rudder and dead zone knobs at relatively low settings seemed to work best. I'm sure I will have to play with them more under different conditions to find what works best for Gravlax. Unfortunately, with our fluky Puget Sound winds we have not had much opportunity to use Otto under sail. The one time under low wind conditions (<10 knts) it had no problem keeping course for any point of sail. I can confirm that the CPT Auto Pilot is very quiet.

 

[Alan Gomes]

I ended up going with the CPT Auto Pilot that we christened "Otto" on our recent cruise. I had a couple of minor hiccups in the install, so it required the upper end of the manufacturer's 3-4 hour estimate to install. Our hiccups were that I needed to buy a gear puller to remove the steering wheel, which clearly had not been removed in years. Secondly, I needed to cut-off the extra length of the J-bolts holding on the wheel pulley in the middle of the install instead of at the end to avoid hitting the compass housing (sure enough the rotary tool needed was at home). The manufacturer included a custom design drawing for our install based on the measurements we provided.

On our cruise with calm waters, Otto held course just fine and adjustments using the 1 and 10 degree buttons occurred without a hitch. Under calm conditions setting the rudder and dead zone knobs at relatively low settings seemed to work best. I'm sure I will have to play with them more under different conditions to find what works best for Gravlax. Unfortunately, with our fluky Puget Sound winds we have not had much opportunity to use Otto under sail. The one time under low wind conditions (<10 knts) it had no problem keeping course for any point of sail. I can confirm that the CPT Auto Pilot is very quiet.

Looking forward to some updates after you've put it through its paces under sail. I've read very good things about the CPT.

 

[alcodiesel]

early Industrial Revolution.

haha cute

 

[N.A.]

Bumping this thread since I am about to do some work on the boat that makes it the right time to get a CPT if I'm going to do it.

--> @AlanO -- any further comments on yours? I would definitely be using mine in significant waves/wind on occasion... so interested in any comments on performance, but especially in higher wind and non-flat water. (Also, if you have a picture of your installed unit, I'd be insterested to see what the installation looks like.)

PS: @Alan Gomes mentioned Pelagic; I talked to them last summer after your post, and the Pelagic guy said no one had ever done it (used one to drive a CPT), but it should work and he'd love to hear how it went. CPT said (understandably) "we sell complete systems, and will not sell the drive unit separately since we don't have enough spares around after shipping complete systems." He suggested I try ebay for used ones.

Anyway, any further info on CPT's appreciated.

 

[AlanO]

CPT has a ton of install pictures on their website. I don't have a photo of mine handy, but nothing special about how I did it. Sorry, but no new updates on performance.