[C320-list] Raymarine Autopilot failure

[Dave Anderer]

Ben Waltuck wrote:
> Do the drive motors have a limited lifespan?  I ask because West 
> Marine sells a replacement motor drive:
> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/68043/10001/734/628/3 

I can't speak to your problem directly, but one data point is this:

My ST4000 wheel drive exploded a few weeks ago.  The fix was 
straightforward - I did the same thing this C36 owner did:  
http://www.catalina36.org/site2004/Upgrade_ST4000_fix.htm

I also looked at other options here just in case my fix didn't last:  
Replacing the broken part, or upgrading the drive unit to the one you've 
listed.

Of course the part is no longer available.

And now to the point - the drive unit you've listed will supposedly work 
but is a bit bigger than the original unit on my boat - about 1.5" 
greater diameter.  That means to use it I'd have to lower the engine pod 
on the pedestal and perhaps reorient where the drive motor is on the 
unit, and so maybe have to rerun the wires to the drive motor.

Your mileage may vary, but just note this might not be a totally trivial 
replacement.

When I disassembled drive unit I noted the drive motor itself comes out 
of the drive unit quite simply - no tools required - it just unscrews.  
If replacing just the motor is a solution, then that might be a lot 
easier and cheaper.  Or your problem could be in the electronics or 
wiring and your drive unit is fine.

As an aside, I'm happy with my $3 fix which seems to be working fine.