Questions about Simrad TP32

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  • September 03, 2014 5:32 AM
    Reply # 3091293 on 3035941

    After all due consideration I ended up mounting my TP32 per the recommendation (16" forward of the rudder).  Mainly because it was the easiest. I just had an L shaped 1/8" SS adapter fabricated to mount on my old Navico post mount (attached to the boomkin) to accommodate the longer TP32.  Everything is at the right height/angle and I just used the old Navico pin already in place. Also I didn't have to use the extender rod or the tiller attachment bracket which I was not fond of doing (anyone need them?).

    I just returned from a trip to Belize in seas I'm pretty sure the old Navico TP could never have handled.  The TP32 was strong enough to finish the de-lamination my tiller was undergoing and I had to use a couple large C-clamps to hold it together. 

  • December 11, 2014 7:36 AM
    Reply # 3168310 on 3035941
    Deleted user

    I'm still cogitating re the TP32 and just looked at a couple of YouTube videos that blasted the unit pretty badly.  In the first video the skipper had problems with the unit apparently making up it's own mind about what course it wanted to steer (could have been installed incorrectly) and most of the audio was just cursing the unit.  In the second, the unit constantly made small adjustments that sucked his electrical bank dry.   Under sail I would opt for letting the Cape Horn do the work, reserving the TP32 for work under power on the ICW.   Can anyone share some experience with the unit or shed light on the video claims?  - Tom Koehl

  • December 12, 2014 4:52 AM
    Reply # 3169027 on 3035941
    I can't say I have that much experience with it and I haven't see the videos but so far I'm very happy with mine.


    I prefer keeping it in 'manual mode' (i.e. not hooked up via nmea to the chart plotter) so I can't comment how well it keeps to a charted course to a waypoint, etc. but it steers me in the direction I want to go without any 'hunting'. There is an adjustment to minimize that but I haven't needed to fiddle with it.  I just make occasional course adjustments manually via the port/stbd buttons.

    I've use mine up/down waterways under power (excellent, nails the direction you want to go) and coastal sailing under sail/power.  In 'cross seas' it will continually have to put you back on course as the seas 'twist' you around so of course under sail it would be a power drain.

  • December 18, 2014 3:14 PM
    Reply # 3172735 on 3035941
    Deleted user

    Here's a short Video of the first time I really used the TP 32. We were motor sailing in 25+ knots apparent wind, in about 5' seas, close hauled with 2nd reef and staysail. The tiller pilot is worth it's weight in gold! I agree that while sailing I prefer the wind vane steering, but the vane does not do that good dead down wind, and doesn't work while motoring. I think the best combination is to have both options available. I've since used it motoring the ICW, as well as sailing every point of sail in a lot of different conditions - like I said It's worth it's weight in gold! You can adjust the sensitivity of how quickly the unit adjusts to course changes with gain settings and seastate settings this helps control the power consumption.

    I think it's essential if you spend any amount of time motoring or motor sailing not to mention if you single hand.

     

     

  • December 18, 2014 3:25 PM
    Reply # 3172741 on 3035941
    Deleted user

    Here's the link to a better view of the video.

    That's Tate from Sundowner relaxing on Morning Sun.

     

    https://picasaweb.google.com/117672475982793692933/December182014#6094301214468066146 

     

    Todd

     

     

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