HI GANG: I AM ABOUT TO TAKE DELIVERY OF MY NEW M17 ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 25 (2006). I LIVE IN OHIO AND POSSIBLY WILL DRIVE TO CALIFORNIA TO PICK HER UP. I AM THINKING OF ADDING A ELECTRICAL AUTO PILOT TO THE BOAT FOR USE ESPECIALLY WHEN MOTORING. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL AUTOHELM TYPES 4000 AND 7000 AND THE WORKED GREAT AFTER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A TILLER TYPE AND WANTED TO KNOW THE THINKING OF THE BEST ONE TO PURCHASE AND THE CORRECT SIZE. I WILL PURCHASE A NEW HONDA 5hp BUT AM NOT THINKING OF GETTING THE ALTERNATOR OPTION. I AM PURCHASING THE ELECTRICAL PACKAGE FROM MONTGOMERY WHICH INCLUDES THE BATTERY CHARGER. ONE OF MY QUESTIONS IS HOW LONG WILL THE AUTO PILOT LAST ON A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY? ANY OTHER COMMENTS WOULD ALSO BE APPRECIATED. THANKS AND GOOD SAILING JOHN RUPP CORTLAND, OHIO _TERMEQUIP@AOL.COM_ (mailto:TERMEQUIP@AOL.COM)