[C320-list] Autopilot replacement

[Dennis Cookson]

Hi Bruce, do you have a rudder reference as part of your installation? I also have a ST4000 and Smart Pilot system, and recently reinstalled my rudder reference which I had ignored since acquiring the boat, but which had never been fitted correctly. It was mounted in a different plane to the radial drive wheel and connected with elastic tethers. Since remounting it correctly, calibrating, and limiting the drive wheel to the same angular range), it has transformed the autopilot performance. It's quiet and smooth and only applies small corrections when necessary.  Might be worth recalibrating your system before shelling out for a replacement.

Dennis Cookson 
 #0577, 'Catalina'

> On 20 Aug 2024, at 01:58, B. Stumpp via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
> 
>