Another common problem with Raymarine autopilots, I've just discovered, is
that the belt slips because the clutch loosens.
On my St4000+, steering has always been so-so. After a semi-rough passage,
it went out altogether and started yawing about 60 degrees in each
direction.
After removing the wheel drive, I discovered the clutch had loosened to the
point where the belt was slipping. Apparently, it had been slipping to a
lesser degree before in rougher seas. The Raymarine tech says this is not
unusual.
Often, you can tell by grabbing the wheel and shifting the course 10
degrees. If you can keep the wheel from turning, the belt is slipping.
With the clutch adjusted properly (it's the dial on the back of the wheel
drive next to the motor), the 4000+ is tracking much better than it ever
has.
Best thing: Repair bill was $0.
Jack Brennan
Shanachie, 1974 Bristol 30
Former C&C 25
Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
-----Original Message-----
From: Wally Bryant
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 8:34 PM
To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Subject: Re: Stus-List Auto Steering For 29 Mk 2
I wonder sometimes if the reason Raymarine wheel pilots have a bad rep
is because folks don't know how to balance the boat.
That said, I have to admit that I have an entire new Simrad WP32 buried
in the bottom of the V-Berth, right next to the sewing machine. I ran
right out and bought it when the end of production was announced,
because it's a darn good piece of gear and they just don't make them
like that any more. Raymarine was cheaper and so many folks bought them
based on price, and also perhaps due to the Raytheon brand connection
(however tenuous) which made cold war military retirees buy items
associated with the military-industrial complex.
I could go on and on, but I'm already *way* off topic.
The trick with *any* self steering system is to balance the boat so that
it pretty much sails where you want it to go without fighting the helm.
That won't be the fastest, your VMG will suffer, but at least you can
relax and enjoy the day. Yeah, rail meat is important if you're
over-trimmed, but -- really -- who wants to haul a cow from one rail to
the other every time you tack? It's better to listen to the boat and
trim the sails so it stays on its feet.
Wal
Frederick G Street wrote:
Ron -- unfortunately, the Simrad WP30 is no longer available.
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