[C320-list] Autopilot replacement

[Dan Winsor]

Have you done maintenance on the wheel pilot? It's fairly easy to replace
the belt, clean the roller balls, clean and relubricate the motor/gearbox.
Mine was skipping and complaining almost constantly until I did the above.
Now it's smooth and quiet.

On Mon, Aug 19, 2024, 21:17 Jack Brennan via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> Hi Bruce:
>
> If you feel your boat is well balanced in the conditions you sail in, the
> EV 100 is a good replacement.
>
> The wheel pilots really are best when all you require is minor adjustments
> to keep you on course. It does this well without gobbling up many amps.
>
> If you find that the wheel requires some muscle to stay on course, the
> below-deck units are probably right for you. They are stronger and more
> durable.
>
> In my case, I sail in the Gulf of Mexico. We get plenty of strong winds,
> and the seas tend to be short and choppy. The 320 handles these conditions
> well as long as I adjust the sails properly.
>
> More than 20 knots, I sometimes turn the autopilot off and steer just
> because I think it's the seaman-like thing to do. It allows me to make
> adjustments for cross seas and the like.
>
> I once did a 140-mile sail from Key West to Boca Grande in 25 knots and
> six to eight-foot seas. The EV 100 handled it for a time, until the AP
> pulled the bracket right off the pedestal. I think that was partly my
> fault. I did a better job of re-installing the bracket when I got to an
> anchorage.
>
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> ________________________________
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of B.
> Stumpp via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 8:57 PM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Cc: B. Stumpp <bstumpp at comcast.net>
> Subject: [C320-list] Autopilot replacement
>
> After 20+ years my Raymarine ST4000+ autopilot is giving up.
>
> It has always been a bit jerky and noisy, unlike other units that are more
> smooth and quiet.
>
> Would like to hear what others have installed.
>
> Would also appreciate comments on satisfaction, ease of installation,
> smoothness of operation, etc.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Bruce Stumpp
>
> #647, Adventure
>
> Middle River, Maryland
>
>
>
>