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I
got an impressive demo of the new autopilot from Nautamatic TR-1, and
think this upstart company may indeed have enough new ideas to break into
this established market. The Gladiator works only with hydraulic steering
systems, but does so intimately. For instance, it uses a flow meter to
automatically disengage itself when you turn your wheel and engage again
when you hold it steady.
The
Gladiator does not utilize a rudder-feedback sensor, but does come standard
with a rate gyro, supposedly resulting in easy installs and high performance
in boats up to about 55 feet, regardless of drive train. It can steer
programmable zigzags and circles—even clover leafs and search patterns
around GPS waypoints. I watched it perform a perfect man overboard retrieval
turn and hold a steady course while backing. Wow!
The
Gladiator costs $3,850.
Nautamatic
TR-1 Phone: (800) 588-7655. www.nautamatic.com.
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