[C320-list] Autopilot

[John Van Vessem]

Adam,

I have sailed the Bay for 3 years with my ST 4000 and have never had a problem.  My fluxgate is on the forward bulkhead of the after compartment just in front of the steering quadrant as low as was possible.  However, I have to tell you that the first time I went out the Gate into the Pacific about a mile out autopilot lost its mind and would not find a compass point or hold a heading.  The next morning at Angel Island everything was normal again.  I've called Raymarine but they have no clue to explain this erratic behavior.  Personally I think it's just poor quality. 
 
John Van Vessem
Sojourn 645
Vallejo Yacht Club



----- Original Message ----
From: Adam Weiner <esquirecatering at rcn.com>
To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 4:51:12 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autopilot


Before my autopilot gave up the ghost I had terrific problems with the
unit in SF Bay were it would just take off at random in weird
directions.  Went on a several day ocean trip and low and behold, no
problems.  I asked around and found out that were it was going crazy was
places in the Bay know for a lot of metal on the bottom (left over from
wars, dredging, etc.)  This could very well be an issue for you.

Adam

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 5:16 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.org
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autopilot


I've followed the list for the past 2-3 years re. ST-4000 settings.
I've 
tried everything offered, but my unit just will not keep a course
withing 
+/- %deg.  Often, the "Wind Mode" works better than compass mode.  The
problem seems to be worse in light air and small seas.

My flux-gate compass is mounted in the aft cabin on the bulkhead behind
the 
galley.  This seems too close to the engine for my taste, and I'll move
it 
to a lower centerline location one of these days.  I'm hoping the damn
thing 
will just fail completely so I can justify buying a new unit with a
rudder 
pos. transducer.

Warren & Pattie Updike
C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
Chesapeake Bay