[C320-list] Autopilot replacement

[Brian McLamb]

Raymarine website has some very helpful videos on maintenance of this wheel
drive. Shows how to clean and adjust in a very clear fashion

s/v Serenity # 1075
Brian McLamb


On Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 1:52 AM Charles Munro via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> My Autohelm is also jerking and noisy as Bruce described. We don’t use it
> a lot but it is useful when motoring or sailing single handed.
> I probably need to replace the belt and clean the rollers. Any tips about
> how to do this? To remove the wheel assembly is it just a case of
> unscrewing the wheel brake and then the large locating nut?
> This is my first post so I hope it is received okay
> Charles Munro
> #1011 2005 Sabi Star
> Sydney Australia
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On 20 Aug 2024, at 12:16 PM, Dan Winsor via C320-list <
> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>