What are the best Autopilots

[Highmark]

I'am looking for a new Auto pilot for the O/S. but there are so may to choose from. So what are all the Dogs using on there boats. and why.

Hm

[Bluefinn]

[quote=Highmark;1927774]I'am looking for a new Auto pilot for the O/S. but there are so may to choose from. So what are all the Dogs using on there boats. and my
I would say the new Garmin (old TR-1 Gladiator) is the best as it has the Shadow drive and no rudder sensor.The shadow drive lets you grab the wheel at any time and make corrections.I believe they are the only ones that have this.My second choice would be the Simrad AP series.

[Reel Song]

TR1 - (Garmin now) only way to go

[little doc]

The one with a beating heart and intelligence system capable of making judgement calls at an instants notice. My steering aid is Robertson (read old autopilot).

Scott.

[Duckworth Dave]

Without a doubt Garman (old TR-1 Gladiator) is the best. I just bought a boat that has a Raymarine autopilot which Rob from TR1 is almost removed and replaced with a Gladiator. I'll sell ya the Raymarine cheap if you like. All kinding aside the Raymarine is for sale, and as I use to sell Gladiator's for the old company a few years ago I have one on my new boat. They are the best but not a cheap date. A grand will get you a used Raymarine.

[HiTekRdNek]

TR-1. The only choice.

[exgamey]

Am presently having one installed in our new boat. Our electronics tech says that he believes ComNav to have the best autopilot. Went with his judgement.

[Onokai]

I'm going against the grain here but Its the newer Simrad without rudder feedback-I have a furuno and its been super-but that was before the Simarad without rudder feedback.Tr1 for some has had issues-simrad been in the market the longest I think . Check out this recomendations on hull truth site.If its a ray marine toss it overboard. Mark

[KKM]

Comnav.

[Reelentless]

I have a TR1 and love it, but Simrad is a great alternative.

[tomictime]

I think Grady makes a GREAT autopilot.....

[Duckworth Dave]

Originally Posted by Onokai

I'm going against the grain here but Its the newer Simrad without rudder feedback-I have a furuno and its been super-but that was before the Simarad without rudder feedback.Tr1 for some has had issues-simrad been in the market the longest I think . Check out this recomendations on hull truth site.If its a ray marine toss it overboard. Mark

As I spent some time with TR1 and sold their autopilots wholesale in large volume I have to call you on your statement on the TR1 pilot having any issues, except they are not a cheap date. They blow away all the rest.

[tomictime]

Psuedo "Aerospace Engineering" JUNK

to comply with AUP
James B Davis

Originally Posted by Duckworth Dave

As I spent some time with TR1 and sold their autopilots wholesale in large volume I have to call you on your statement on the TR1 pilot having any issues, except they are not a cheap date. They blow away all the rest.

[OB1]

TR-1 / Garmin, nothing better IMHO.

[KeyWest]

Originally Posted by tomictime

Psuedo "Aerospace Engineering" JUNK

to comply with AUP
James B Davis

Huh? Can you be a bit more specific?

[Onokai]

Originally Posted by Duckworth Dave

As I spent some time with TR1 and sold their autopilots wholesale in large volume I have to call you on your statement on the TR1 pilot having any issues, except they are not a cheap date. They blow away all the rest.

Dave I just passed on some things I have read Here and on the hull truth-no need to get ruffeled-Not everyone has had zero issues-here is just one of several posts this one is from Tomictime in 2004
qoute
(Why are you removing the TR-1? Nice fish.
More trouble than it's worth. After clean bill of health from Factory, will just sell it and move on.

JD)
I'm not saying they are this or that only that not everyone is a happy camper with them-It does not matter that you moved a boatload of them
not all are good to go with them . The part that seems to fail the most with auto pilots is the rudderfeedback funtion which tr1's do not have as well as the newer simrads. I counter that call and will add not everyone is great with them. They are good but some say different-Me I never have used one my furuno works great so far which is all one can say until they fail and my raymarine never worked so it failed from day one thru all compontents being replace till it when back to england. Mark

[Duckworth Dave]

Originally Posted by Onokai

Dave I just passed on some things I have read Here and on the hull truth-no need to get ruffeled-Not everyone has had zero issues-here is just one of several posts this one is from Tomictime in 2004
qoute
(Why are you removing the TR-1? Nice fish.
More trouble than it's worth. After clean bill of health from Factory, will just sell it and move on.

JD)
I'm not saying they are this or that only that not everyone is a happy camper with them-It does not matter that you moved a boatload of them
not all are good to go with them . The part that seems to fail the most with auto pilots is the rudderfeedback funtion which tr1's do not have as well as the newer simrads. I counter that call and will add not everyone is great with them. They are good but some say different-Me I never have used one my furuno works great so far which is all one can say until they fail and my raymarine never worked so it failed from day one thru all compontents being replace till it when back to england. Mark

NO rudder feed back is the ticket. Simrad & Furuno and many other have tryed to copy TR1. As far as hole truth, Ford recalls to update fixes as any large company. I found that any problems were due to user or installed and not tuned properly. Most work fine but at slow speed TR1 is the only one that will go straight line trolling. NON of the others with or without rudder feed back will go in troll straight for any distance at all except the TR1. I still have the Raymarine for sale cheap if you like.

[Nalu]

In fairness, I believe that Tomic is also commenting on the TR-1 Gold AP for small trolling motors. He had a bad experience with that unit, as well as what he felt was not good performance from the company. I do not question his ability to try to make his kicker AP work, or how he tried to resolve the issue. He had a bad experience, and it sounds like they dropped the ball on him.

If I am not mistaken, the question of this thread was more aimed at main engine AP's. I do not believe Tomic has used the TR-1 Gladiator.

I have had the TR-1 Gladiator for almost 4 years. I would not buy any other AP after using this one. Considering that I can hook up my kicker to the main engines and troll for salmon with it, (which they never claimed it would do) I am totally convinced. Tuna trolling is phenomenal. Of all the owners that have the Gladiator that I personally know, not one has a negative thing to say about it.

[fish_on]

I hope the Gladiator is better than the Gold. The Gold is junk and the most expensive item to maintain/hr I have on the boat. My TR-1 Gold has less than 15hrs on it and has had $400.00 in repairs. These were not due to operator or install, just bad parts the company wouldn't stand behind. They talk a good talk but the company sucks!

Dustin Schneider

[Paddler]

When I rigged my boat, I didn't think I could/wanted to afford an AP, as I was thinking they all cost $3K. However, I bought the Simrad AP14R for ~$1400, since I have rotary steering. It's a bit noisy, but performs very well. As I troll with my main, it's a very simple solution for AP for long runs and trolling.

So long as I don't try to head straight into a strong wind, it trolls perfectly. I quarter the wind and swells, or go downhill, and it's great. It has the flux gate compass which updates 10 times per second, and it was plug and play. Installation was straightforward. Highly recommended, and I wouldn't leave port without it. They also make hydraulic units, of course. My neighbor bought one of their fancier units, but a servicable unit without frills can be had for far less than the Gladiator.

[OB1]

I would call Garmin at 800-800-1020, let them know who installed it because the dealer is suppose to take care of you no matter what.
If was before the TR-1 buyout, still call them.

[Highmark]

I would have to say, that the TR-1 is the unit over all to have and run. with all the positive
feed back that is being said here
One thing. Garmin's web page in junk. I have been trying to read up on the
units.I can not get the actual specs of there units. Or any manuals to
see what takes to install them or set them up. Just the other day,
the TR-1 page was inplace and was working great then just 2 hrs later
the garmin page was in it's place. it gives you nothing for information
on the 2 unit's. the gold or the gladiator. if this page is and indicator of
Garmin. I may look at the other guy. I think that TR-1 was a sponsor on the page ?? Did Garmin take it's place?? And why did they remove the
page that had all the information on there units.???

Herman Rudisill
HighMark

[lurking_out_loud]

"I found that any problems were due to user or installed and not tuned properly."

Not exactly an accurate statement in my experience. In my case, I went through 2 CPU's and the factory went through 3 more just to get mine on line the first time. No performance problems since, but I can tell you honestly not all end user installations are the cause of the issues with a TR1.

-LOL (mike bode)

[Dan9113]

I was going to put a Gladiator on last year. At the 11th hour we figured out that my steering was hydraulic assist and not fully hydraulic. That was going to be another $1500 or so.

What would be the best unit with this type of steering? Not opposed to spending money, but at some point it doesn't make sense.

Dan

[Duckworth Dave]

Originally Posted by fish_on

I hope the Gladiator is better than the Gold. The Gold is junk and the most expensive item to maintain/hr I have on the boat. My TR-1 Gold has less than 15hrs on it and has had $400.00 in repairs. These were not due to operator or install, just bad parts the company wouldn't stand behind. They talk a good talk but the company sucks!

Dustin Schneider

I have a Gold On my Duckworth and its great. The company stands behind their stuff. If they didn't take care of your needs maybe I could see it but as I know the guys there at TR1 old and new I know they go the extra mile on everyone. If you have a old out of date unit or bought it used maybe a problem otherwise TR1 has always made customers happy in the end no matter what. This is the second Gold I have owned also with no problems and I use mine alot as i live on a river. If you really have a gripe and you call Rob he will fix most any problem right away, again from first hand experence. Also TR1 has a thread on Ifish where Rob chats with guys about TR1's all the time and if you give him a shot he makes it right unless you have done something to change that, maybe tampering with the unit the wrong way just guessing. I have been around lots and lots of boats with both the Gold's and the Gladiator's and you need to call Rob as they always take care of their customers. I don't work for them but I do know of what I am talking about as I rep for TR1 a few years back and nothing has changed except Garman owns them now.

[Moldy Mike]

Hi Guys,
OK I willl jump in on this one. I have ran two TRI's and both have been serviced by Rob out of Newport . He has always done me a fine job, and came down to the dock between Tuna trips to put up with me after hours on weekend! (loose wire I should have found myself) I haven't had any serious issues with either one of the units I have had. I have no experience with the company since the Garmin buyout (read no problems). I was skeptical when the small company was bought out by the mega company, but it sounds like the local service is the same old good deal. I run the TRI and I like it fine. Fish ON!! M Mike

[Metal Manipulator]

Originally Posted by Highmark

I would have to say, that the TR-1 is the unit over all to have and run. with all the positive
feed back that is being said here
One thing. Garmin's web page in junk. I have been trying to read up on the
units.I can not get the actual specs of there units. Or any manuals to
see what takes to install them or set them up. Just the other day,
the TR-1 page was inplace and was working great then just 2 hrs later
the garmin page was in it's place. it gives you nothing for information
on the 2 unit's. the gold or the gladiator. if this page is and indicator of
Garmin. I may look at the other guy. I think that TR-1 was a sponsor on the page ?? Did Garmin take it's place?? And why did they remove the
page that had all the information on there units.???

Herman Rudisill
HighMark

Calm thy self all is not lost. I just logged onto Nautamatic's web page and was able to download the gold manual. I'm sure the web page was under construction especialy since you said that it changed in two hours. They might have done better to have placed the under construction sign up. But alass all is well. You can go once again and get all the information you need for the Gladiator and the Gold.

[flapbreaker]

Go here to download the gladiator manuals.
http://www.nautamatic.com/pages/Manuals.cfm

[flapbreaker]

Here's a link to Garmin and their "redesign" of the Gladiator. Won't be available until 3Q 2008.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=228&pID=13192

[Highmark]

I have been to this page . try to open a manual. will not work.
I would say Garmin is a little ahead of themselves.

Originally Posted by flapbreaker

Here's a link to Garmin and their "redesign" of the Gladiator. Won't be available until 3Q 2008.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=228&pID=13192

[flapbreaker]

Originally Posted by Highmark

I have been to this page . try to open a manual. will not work.
I would say Garmin is a little ahead of themselves.

Not surpising since their new product isn't even released yet. Check the other link I provided. You can download the current TR-1 Gladiator manuals.

[fishtales]

The old TR1 golds were ok but simply are not even close to the Gladiator. I have fished a gladiator for three years now with ZERO trouble. Its simply the best piece of electronics on my boat.
Keep in mind that I am not saying the others are not good because the probably are.
Speaking from one with experience with troubled systems and many dollars spent my money goes to the gladiator.
Respectfully,
FT

[tomictime]

Nalu is correct, my (bad) experience was with a TR-1 Gold .... but fairness would be search this topic for all the DETAILED + and - around products designed, manufactured, sold, and supported by Nautamatic.

My experience was pre-Garmin, but it sounds like some of the same people, products and policies are still in place...

I know several of you have had exactly the opposite of my experience. I understand that and am really happy for you. The AP, any AP is a tool to make running, fishing and catching MORE enjoyable.

My TR-1 experience was initially euphoric. It worked well for the first 100 hours. After that was a completely different story, which you can figure out w the search function..

I have seen many of the so-called professional installations, they do not meet marine standards in most case. Mine did. Additionally after the first $$$ I had an authorized installer reinstall the repaired/upgraded components, more and different gremlins appeared.

Bottom line, I am a belt and suspenders kind of guy, with pretty much two or three of everything on the boat. I have two complete stand alone GPS/Plotter FF, 3 VHF, EPIRB, PLB, raft, etc..

Where I fish, the surfline off WCVI, an uncommanded 90 deg turn at close to 3 knots will get you killed - yes, we fish that close to the rocks. (thats' where the Kings are)

Nothing with the utter lack of reliability I experienced with my TR-1 stays on my boat for long. Ultimately the whole system was sent back to NM, I paid them to make it whole, inc upgrades and sold it to a professional installer.

I do think NM are a leader in two specific technologies: Shadow drive and no feedback. The no FB advantage has been erased by Simrad

Now if Furuno work mode was available on a Simrad no feedback sender pilot, the free world would rejoice..

peace

JD

Originally Posted by Nalu

In fairness, I believe that Tomic is also commenting on the TR-1 Gold AP for small trolling motors. He had a bad experience with that unit, as well as what he felt was not good performance from the company. I do not question his ability to try to make his kicker AP work, or how he tried to resolve the issue. He had a bad experience, and it sounds like they dropped the ball on him.

If I am not mistaken, the question of this thread was more aimed at main engine AP's. I do not believe Tomic has used the TR-1 Gladiator.

I have had the TR-1 Gladiator for almost 4 years. I would not buy any other AP after using this one. Considering that I can hook up my kicker to the main engines and troll for salmon with it, (which they never claimed it would do) I am totally convinced. Tuna trolling is phenomenal. Of all the owners that have the Gladiator that I personally know, not one has a negative thing to say about it.

[hotspot]

I'm new to Ifish and started to read this thread. I just purchased a used Arima boat with TR-1 Gold autopilot for 9.9 hp yamaha 4 stroke. I am considering removal of the system as I dont have a use for the type of fishing I do. How much should I ask for this system if I were to remove and sell?

[flapbreaker]

Originally Posted by hotspot

I'm new to Ifish and started to read this thread. I just purchased a used Arima boat with TR-1 Gold autopilot for 9.9 hp yamaha 4 stroke. I am considering removal of the system as I dont have a use for the type of fishing I do. How much should I ask for this system if I were to remove and sell?

That's a good question as I rarely see used ones for sale. You could just put it up on Ebay and see what you get for it. Any idea how old it is?

[OB1]

I could not ever imagine not trolling for salmon with out my TR-1 Gold, I take it you are not a salmon fisherman. You will have zero problem selling that here on this board.

[Reel Song]

TRI-1 is indeed the only choice

[tomictime]

1 post = a story

$1K

Originally Posted by hotspot

I'm new to Ifish and started to read this thread. I just purchased a used Arima boat with TR-1 Gold autopilot for 9.9 hp yamaha 4 stroke. I am considering removal of the system as I dont have a use for the type of fishing I do. How much should I ask for this system if I were to remove and sell?

[The Lucky Duck]

Originally Posted by hotspot

I'm new to Ifish and started to read this thread. I just purchased a used Arima boat with TR-1 Gold autopilot for 9.9 hp yamaha 4 stroke. I am considering removal of the system as I dont have a use for the type of fishing I do. How much should I ask for this system if I were to remove and sell?

What kind of fishing do you do? Before you discard it, I would call Portland Marine Electronics and ask them about tuning it and giving you a lesson.They do alot more than most of us know about. It is an awesome product if you know how to use it.

Oh yeah tomictime is right, you owe us a fish story.

[garyk]

Anyone interested in AP's needs to go to IFish's tech board here and read through the pages of the thread pinned to the top:

http://www.ifish.net/board/forumdisplay.php?f=42

[hotspot]

Originally Posted by The Lucky Duck

What kind of fishing do you do? Before you discard it, I would call Portland Marine Electronics and ask them about tuning it and giving you a lesson.They do alot more than most of us know about. It is an awesome product if you know how to use it.

Oh yeah tomictime is right, you owe us a fish story.

Thankyou for the information. Sorry for not replying earlier.

THE REST OF THE STORY

The boat was really purchased for my son who lives in Prince Rupert, B.C.
He regularly fishes salmon and halibat. Mostly power mooching but some trolling. I will be pulling the boat north at the end of June and he definately doesnt want the Nautamatic TR-1.
The unit is about 6 to 7 yrs old and I tested everything is working. It is not a TR-1 gold but a TR-1 2000. There are 2 remotes, trolling tach, and reverse-forward switch. I plan to sell on this website for $1000 or best offer. Wont remove from boat until sold. I have pics of all components taken in the boat.
Thanks again for your input
Tight lines and great fishing.

Nick Stevenson

[tomictime]

TR-1 2000 is worth less than a GOLD (yes those are two words, even for me)...

Peter Fredrick, who is on here a bit and dabbles in this may be able to give you a fair valuation...he is fluent in repairs, parts. etc..

Originally Posted by hotspot

Thankyou for the information. Sorry for not replying earlier.

THE REST OF THE STORY

The boat was really purchased for my son who lives in Prince Rupert, B.C.
He regularly fishes salmon and halibat. Mostly power mooching but some trolling. I will be pulling the boat north at the end of June and he definately doesnt want the Nautamatic TR-1.
The unit is about 6 to 7 yrs old and I tested everything is working. It is not a TR-1 gold but a TR-1 2000. There are 2 remotes, trolling tach, and reverse-forward switch. I plan to sell on this website for $1000 or best offer. Wont remove from boat until sold. I have pics of all components taken in the boat.
Thanks again for your input
Tight lines and great fishing.

Nick Stevenson

[peter frederick]

Originally Posted by tomictime

TR-1 2000 is worth less than a GOLD (yes those are two words, even for me)...

Peter Fredrick, who is on here a bit and dabbles in this may be able to give you a fair valuation...he is fluent in repairs, parts. etc..

I say fish with the pilot for a bit, and if it works right dont sell it. The Gold is the ticket today, but most of the older pilots are good systems as well, just not supported for parts. ( I can repair them) To fish with an autopilot vs hands on the tiller all day?

Keep It!

Pete

[Highmark]

Hi guy and gals I would like to introduce Pete Frederick
from PFM Electronic. I was re-reading the post on this page the other
day and read his last post. So I emailed him last week one day. He
promptly emails and called me back. We talked about the problems I was
having with my TR-1 gladiator. I should back up a little here. I picked this
unit up on ebay this spring. and had and local shop install it. It worked
fine during the water set up, and from then it would not respond to anything I did. I had it back into the same shop. After that they checked a few things .than told me it was fine. well it was not. it was ok. it still needed some one that ackually knows them well. Pete is that man.
We made a date to meet up at the lake. He was actually early
he jumped up on the boat and was checking this and that right off.
A few moments later Pete tells me Ok, You can drop the boat in the water.
Out on the water Pete was the most professional tech I have seen
In a vary long time.

Pete started out by doing the on water set up. That went well. Everthing
checked out correct. That made me happy. what he did next imprest me. He checked ever thing the other installer did. and found a problem in the wiring. the wires coming from the pump had been zipped tied together with the main power wires. that was a no no. As Pete explained it will create a feed back in the pump and it will run a little funny. Pete corrected that and it did just as he said it would. the system stabilizes and ran better.That was a plus.

Next he started telling me all about this autopilot and how the guys
at TR-1 came up with it, and a lttle bit of the inner workings of the system

It"s like a breath of fresh air when you come across
some one that Knows that what he is talking about.

If you are having any problems with your TR-1 .Or need an autopilot
Call Or PM Pete. And talk with him First. he is not pro this Or that.
He told me what he has seen as a tech. he never pushed any one system over and another.
He never tied to sell me on an one system.
Pete will do you right!!!

You can find his add at the top of boat and motor tech page.

HM

[Zodiac-Fisherman]

Simrad...

[Onokai]

Originally Posted by Zodiac-Fisherman

Simrad...

Mark

[skein]

The best bang for the buck is the Mexican version:





Skein

[Highmark]

Good one Skein I like that one.

One more thing what Pete found was that after the first installer did the on water set up.
he did not save what he had put in the system.so when I shut it off. it was all gone.

Hm

Originally Posted by skein

The best bang for the buck is the Mexican version:





Skein

[peter frederick]

Originally Posted by Highmark

Good one Skein I like that one.

One more thing what Pete found was that after the first installer did the on water set up.
he did not save what he had put in the system.so when I shut it off. it was all gone.

Hm

Highmark,

Thanks alot, I like the quote was not pro this or that. I dont claim to be a pro or treat folks like i know it all. I let my customers speak there experiance. Truely so many years with this TR-1 Autopilot, from shortly after start-up to today there is nothing I cant fix, set-up or correct. First off I thank the group of folks that made this possible for me. ( Robert, Doug, and Eric) These are the true minds/business inside, and behind this system, I just learned well!


I have run all pilots, and they all break, including the TR-1, but I must say side by side comparison weather simrad, ray, furuno, and the folks still pouding the grindstone to make one even work. TR-1 is without a doubt the worlds best autopilot!

Peter Frederick
PFM ELECTRONICS!

[Reel Song]

Originally Posted by peter frederick

Highmark,

Thanks alot, I like the quote was not pro this or that. I dont claim to be a pro or treat folks like i know it all. I let my customers speak there experiance. Truely so many years with this TR-1 Autopilot, from shortly after start-up to today there is nothing I cant fix, set-up or correct. First off I thank the group of folks that made this possible for me. ( Robert, Doug, and Eric) These are the true minds/business inside, and behind this system, I just learned well!


I have run all pilots, and they all break, including the TR-1, but I must say side by side comparison weather simrad, ray, furuno, and the folks still pouding the grindstone to make one even work. TR-1 is without a doubt the worlds best autopilot!

Peter Frederick
PFM ELECTRONICS!

Amen ,thanks for posting Pete, I'm glad to find you again (casey's buddy) Terry L. Fisher's of Men Outfitter's & Guide service, Prineville

[Hoghunter]

Hey Pete, I was wondering where you got off to. It's good to see your still connected. I always thought Nautamatic made a big mistake letting you go. You and Eric were my mainstays for information from the very beginning in what was it 1993 or 94. Somewhere in there.

For those that care to listen I've owned a TR-1 on my last three boats and would run no other autopilot. I had Furuno and Simrad prior to my Gladiator and neither even came close the the performance I get from the Gladiator.

My Gold on the kicker is just as reliable. I have probably fished with a TR-1 trolling for over 5000 hours in the past decade plus and it has been a very reliable performer. The only problem I ever had was with the wireless remote. I got uncommanded turns and acceleration when using it so I took it out of the system. Found out it's very sensitive to moisture. Even minute condensation will cause it to act up.

I also have to note I just had a very good experience with Garmin regarding my Gold. I was afraid when they bought the TR-1 that it would go to hell in a hand basket. I can't speak for their actual service knowledge as I haven't needed that since the sale took place. However, I can speak to getting parts and their handling of that. My kicker was stolen about 10 days ago and with it went my hydraulic cylinder and bracket mounting kit, the throttle control, hoses were cut that went to the cylinder, wire for tach and deckmount were cut. I called Garmin last Wednesday and ordered all these parts and requested they be shipped overnight so I could get them installed over the weekend. I specifically questioned the service tech when he told me the cylinder was included with the bracket kit if that was indeed the case. I noted that my manual shows them as two seperate pieces. He said yes it's included with the mounting kit. Well when it showed up Thursday there was no cylinder.

I called Garmin this morning and told a different service tech what had happened was floored by his response. This is what he said "Mr. Bott, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I will overnight a cylinder to you for delivery tomrrow am at no charge." I even asked him to repeat what he said. I had figured the best I would get was a cylinder at my expense (they list for $117) and maybe free overnight shipping.

Let's hope this continues and carries over to their knowledge base. However, that said now that I know Pete is working with these things still that's who I plan to call.

[peter frederick]

Originally Posted by Hoghunter

Hey Pete, I was wondering where you got off to. It's good to see your still connected. I always thought Nautamatic made a big mistake letting you go. You and Eric were my mainstays for information from the very beginning in what was it 1993 or 94. Somewhere in there.

For those that care to listen I've owned a TR-1 on my last three boats and would run no other autopilot. I had Furuno and Simrad prior to my Gladiator and neither even came close the the performance I get from the Gladiator.

My Gold on the kicker is just as reliable. I have probably fished with a TR-1 trolling for over 5000 hours in the past decade plus and it has been a very reliable performer. The only problem I ever had was with the wireless remote. I got uncommanded turns and acceleration when using it so I took it out of the system. Found out it's very sensitive to moisture. Even minute condensation will cause it to act up.

I also have to note I just had a very good experience with Garmin regarding my Gold. I was afraid when they bought the TR-1 that it would go to hell in a hand basket. I can't speak for their actual service knowledge as I haven't needed that since the sale took place. However, I can speak to getting parts and their handling of that. My kicker was stolen about 10 days ago and with it went my hydraulic cylinder and bracket mounting kit, the throttle control, hoses were cut that went to the cylinder, wire for tach and deckmount were cut. I called Garmin last Wednesday and ordered all these parts and requested they be shipped overnight so I could get them installed over the weekend. I specifically questioned the service tech when he told me the cylinder was included with the bracket kit if that was indeed the case. I noted that my manual shows them as two seperate pieces. He said yes it's included with the mounting kit. Well when it showed up Thursday there was no cylinder.

I called Garmin this morning and told a different service tech what had happened was floored by his response. This is what he said "Mr. Bott, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I will overnight a cylinder to you for delivery tomrrow am at no charge." I even asked him to repeat what he said. I had figured the best I would get was a cylinder at my expense (they list for $117) and maybe free overnight shipping.

Let's hope this continues and carries over to their knowledge base. However, that said now that I know Pete is working with these things still that's who I plan to call.

Hoghunter,

Great to hear from you, sent you a PM. Ya seems to be a tuff conversion, was so simple to call Newport Oregon and get us group of folks at that time. You all will still get that with me. Right now near 11:00pm I am fixing an old, old TR-1 for a customer that is fishing a tournament this comming weekend, and you know what? He wont be running the Tiller!


Anything you guys/gals need let me know.

Pete

[peter frederick]

Hello Ifishers,

Due to the hopes of an outstanding Fall Nookie Run, I am offering ifishers only a great TR-1 Gold/Gladiator Package threw the end of October. Good luck with the run, and be safe!

Pete

[Highmark]

HI Pete I have not spoke with you in some time. I had the knee replaces
and did 1 tuna run. we plugged the boat and had a great time. The
Gladiator is the only way to fish for tuna.. I get to fish now. the system
is working as you told me it would. Thanks again for all the help.
You the man...

HM

Originally Posted by peter frederick

Hello Ifishers,

Due to the hopes of an outstanding Fall Nookie Run, I am offering ifishers only a great TR-1 Gold/Gladiator Package threw the end of October. Good luck with the run, and be safe!

Pete

[Tuna Dog]

High Pete, glad to see your still out there.

Drop me a pm with your contact info. as I've lost your cell number.

To address this thread...I'm one of the original people who had a TR-1 and I've had many of them over the years. I was very skeptical of them when I started using one of them back in the mid 90's while guiding on Odell Lake. I figured there was no way they would steer the boat when the winds come up on that lake....

It worked like a dream and they still work like a dream today.

I have both The TR-1 Gold and the Gladiator and they are in my opinion the best on the market.

Del

[Chromaflage]

TR-1. Second to only a 47 MLB

[peter frederick]

Sorry to hear about your knee, I hope all went well with the sergery. Awsome with the Tuna, I have to get out there and try that. Glad to hear you are happy with your pilot, done right they are a great system.

Pete

Originally Posted by Highmark

HI Pete I have not spoke with you in some time. I had the knee replaces
and did 1 tuna run. we plugged the boat and had a great time. The
Gladiator is the only way to fish for tuna.. I get to fish now. the system
is working as you told me it would. Thanks again for all the help.
You the man...

HM

[peter frederick]

[
I agree there. What a vessel. Those guys are great. I am hoping my 19 year old son joins the Coast Guard team!


quote=Chromaflage;2173949]TR-1. Second to only a 47 MLB

[/quote]

[tomictime]

Mike:....so..purely based on your and Hoghunters input, I will be trying the Gladiator, it's a garmin unit...purchased from defunct NR.. We shall see. i am ruthless, everything earns it way on and to stay on the boat....I hope you guys are RIGHT )))...I still standby my comments that the Aerospace engineering claims would never fly where i work, but lets see how she does.....i will post 3 reports: 1.) installation, one full WCVI season, the one+ year mark = 2 seasons/.

Originally Posted by Nalu

In fairness, I believe that Tomic is also commenting on the TR-1 Gold AP for small trolling motors. He had a bad experience with that unit, as well as what he felt was not good performance from the company. I do not question his ability to try to make his kicker AP work, or how he tried to resolve the issue. He had a bad experience, and it sounds like they dropped the ball on him.

If I am not mistaken, the question of this thread was more aimed at main engine AP's. I do not believe Tomic has used the TR-1 Gladiator.

I have had the TR-1 Gladiator for almost 4 years. I would not buy any other AP after using this one. Considering that I can hook up my kicker to the main engines and troll for salmon with it, (which they never claimed it would do) I am totally convinced. Tuna trolling is phenomenal. Of all the owners that have the Gladiator that I personally know, not one has a negative thing to say about it.

[Highmark]

Is it actually the TR-1 Gladiator and not GA 10 from Garmin.