[C320-list] Autopilot and 'crazy ivans'

[Patrick Tyler]

Warren and Pattie,

My boat #834 is a 2001 and I ordered it with a 4000 AP.  This spring I
replaced it with a 6001 AP with course computer and gyro.  The difference is
unbelievable.  Several year back I installed a outlet for a remote control
(wired).  I could not really use it except in the ocean and even then it
only worked so so.  Now it works great.  I was in the ICW on Memorial Day
sitting in the stern seats with the remote and had no problem getting
through the traffic.  It was a little on the expensive side for a boat the
size of a 320 but I'm really glad I put it on.  I just can't believe the
difference.  The old 4000 wondered all over the place.  I'm looking forward
to trying it in heavy seas on the ocean.  The 4000 was at the limit for my
boat since I have it rigged for cruising with a dingy and everything else
you can think of and with this it's at the bottom of it's ability.  If you
have any questions let me know.

Pat
Jannie T 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: 06/03/2011 5:40 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autopilot and 'crazy ivans'

I still have the ST4000+ and still get the Crazy Ivans.  From what I
understand, the newer models have a separate course computer with gyro and
accelerometers that do a much better job of steering in adverse conditions:
following seas, large waves, high winds, etc. 

I'd appreciate any comments from those with the newer units as well as
experience with other than Raymarine autopilots.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Alexander [mailto:alexander.jason at gmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2011 7:49 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autopilot and 'crazy ivans'

Is there any major advantage to upgrading to the X-5/S1 if you have an
ST4000 and it's working just fine.  I have not kept current on the
Raymarine autopilots.   I am considering putting in a chart plotter
next spring and that might drive me to upgrade some other components.

Jason

On Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 12:11 AM, Rick Sulewski <rsulewski at bex.net> wrote:
> Alan,
>
> It may be helpful to know which autopilot model is causing the crazy
ivans.
>
> Two years ago I upgraded to a Raymarine X-5 with the S1 drive unit and
> experienced similar crazy ivans and the unit was sent back and a new unit
> was installed since the CPU program upgrade did not do the trick.
>
> If you have the older ST 4000, it may be time to upgrade to the X-5/S1
> combo.
>
> Rick
> My-Ria # 277
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Alan Goodman
> Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 10:43 PM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Autopilot and 'crazy ivans'
>
>
>
> This winter, I posted about my Raymarine wheel autopilot suddenly and
> without warning making aggressive turns to starboard.  I had tested the
> fluxgate compass and the control head per Raymarine service literature ...
> and all checked out.  Some forum members suggested checking (for bad
> connections, broken or damaged electrical wires, etc) the positive supply
> and ground wires comprising the power feed to the control head  ... again
> all checked out.  Consensus was some sort of short or other electrical
> supply problem.  Well, we were right about it being an electrical supply
> problem ... but wrong as to the cause.  In the end it was a low voltage
> problem caused by a 'tired' battery bank.  This Spring I did the 'upgrade
to
> the 2 x 4D house bank and 1 x grp 24 start bank ... so adequate voltage is
> always available to the autopilot ... and without any other changes all is
> well !!  Hope this helps others in the future that may experience the same
> problem.  Alan Hull 67 Holland MI
>
>
>