[C320-list] Raymarine 4000 Autopilot Upgrade

[Brian York]

The rod will take the strain off of the drive unit which will  
overtime wear out if not replaced (at least ours did -- 3 times).   
Catalina finally figured out that we needed a stainless steel rod  
attached in a similar manner as they one they sent to everyone.  If  
you look at other boats w/ the Raymarine wheel autopilots, you will  
see a similar set up with the steel rod taking the strain.

Brian

Wolfpack #1132
Ventura, CA

On Mar 7, 2010, at 7:22 AM, John Frost wrote:

> I received in the mail yesterday an (unsolicited) upgrade to my 2007
> Raymarine 4000 Autopilot. It was sent by the Catalina supplier  Ocean
> Equipment.
>
> It is a grey metal rod, about 5 inches long, that mounts on the  
> left side of
> the pedestal and serves as  "an additional indexing stop for the  
> drive wheel
> that is attached to the steering wheel".  It fits in a slot in the  
> drive
> wheel, I assume to further stabilize it. It is said that installing  
> it will
> "upgrade your autopilot installation to the current factory  
> installation of
> the Raymarine 4000 Autopilot".
>
>
>
> While I certainly appreciate the customer care to send me upgrades  
> that I
> may need, I am curious what benefit it will provide if I install  
> it. Does
> anyone know if it is a safety issue?
>
> My Autopilot seems to work fine as it is and I am not keen about  
> drilling
> holes in my pedestal if not needed.
>
>
>
> Happy Sailing!
>
>
>
> John
>
> 2007 C320MKII
>
> Hull 1118
>
> Guntersville, AL
>
>
>