October 2011
Raymarine SmartPilot X-5 Wheel Autopilot
Simplify your sailing experience with an autopilot. Raymarine’s X-5 Wheel autopilot is great for just holding a bearing, so you don’t have to stay at the wheel. Or let the autopilot maintain wind in the sails with “Wind Vane” mode. The perfect companion to your cruising sailboat.
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Pros:
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3
Easy to install MK II wheel-drive with clutch engagement
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3
Built-in rate gyro
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2
No rudder sensor required
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2
External fluxgate compass
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2
AutoTack turns the vessel at a user defined angle
Cons:
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1
Wind Vane mode requires wind data input
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1
SmartPilot does not bridge data from SeaTalk to NMEA0183
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I’ve had about fifteen boats in my day, 
states Peter, so I know the difference good service makes.
-Peter
Q: 
I want to replace the alternator in an ocean-cruising Beneteau 40. The engine is a four-cylinder Volvo, Model D2-55. The alternator has to handle a 700 amp-hour battery bank, using a NextStep regulator. What size and model of alternator(s) should I consider? My Volvo has a V-belt, the current alternator is a 120-amp Bosch (installed in Australia a few years ago), and the batteries are AGM. To clarify a bit, I am asking this question for a brother-in-law and sister-in-law who are on their 40-foot sailboat in the South Pacific. Their current alternator is working OK, but they want to obtain a properly-sized spare. 
-Jim
