My Raymarine 4000 auto pilot has gone useless and it looks like I am going to have to replace it. The current system uses a wheel drive which I am told should not be fitted to hydraulic steering systems as it can't cope with the slippage of the pump. Having said that it was just about adequate for my use and held an approximately steady course + - 10 degrees(ish).
Having looked at units with constant running pumps gyro compasses rudder monitors etc costing several thousand pounds I wondered if anyone had any other suggestions? I am quite happy to buy a secondhand unit if one can be sourced or repair the original if anyone knows someone who can do it at reasonable cost.
All suggestions considered! I have just clocked up 200 hours this year and could do with a rest from hand steering.
I have looked on e bay and might have a solution. The 4000 unit I have is self contained i.e. has compass included. If I can't get a similar unit I might be able to fit a stand alone unit with an additional compass. It might cost more but would still be a lot less than buying a new hydraulic pump based unit which could be thousands of pounds. The wheel pilot bit whilst not ideal for my boat is working at present and could be retained.
As far as I see it the main problem is that my boat, like most older boats is and has been a work in progress for decades and subsequent owners have added bits and bobs here and there. It would take someone with loads of dosh to strip out the whole electrics and steering and fit a new ''suite'' of electronics and dedicated autopilot and matched steering to make a proper job of it. I'm afraid I don't have the funds to do that so wil have to continue on a make do and mend basis until my lottery numbers come up!
I'll let you know how I get on. If you or anyone has any suggestions I would like to hear them or if anyone is an expert on auto pilots and knows which is the most suitable for me I would be grateful for the help.
---"As far as I see it the main problem is that my boat, like most older boats is and has been a work in progress for decades and subsequent owners have added bits and bobs here and there."--- Yeah, tell me about it.
I will change mine some day but there is a lot of jobs in fromt of that.
