Autohelm rotary type 2 - fix or go new....

[obxjeff]

A new owner of a 1991 43'. The autopilot was/is inoperable, the clutch would grab but no rotation, so I finally tore apart my helm to get to the drive unit.

it's in really rough shape but was working up to a few years ago (according to the previous owner) so it must be a very good drive unit. another issue is the display LCD is partially unreadable.

I don't want to spend the money to refit everything, but as this stuff ages, repairs become almost as costly as new systems.

is there a hydraulic rotary drive unit that will fit without modifications? or should I just replace the autohelm drive?

 

[sail sfbay]

What autopilot do you have? The current one looks to be at end-of-life. You will not be disappointed with a new one fit-for-service.

 

[JamesG161]

My guess Autohelm = Raymarine.
That drive unit can be replaced, but there is more to an Autopilot than just the drive.

My Hunter 43' size boat is Chain drive[like yours], not Hydraulic.
Jim...

 

[artboas]

A new owner of a 1991 43'. The autopilot was/is inoperable, the clutch would grab but no rotation, so I finally tore apart my helm to get to the drive unit.

it's in really rough shape but was working up to a few years ago (according to the previous owner) so it must be a very good drive unit. another issue is the display LCD is partially unreadable.

I don't want to spend the money to refit everything, but as this stuff ages, repairs become almost as costly as new systems.

is there a hydraulic rotary drive unit that will fit without modifications? or should I just replace the autohelm drive?

I would definitely stay with the rotary drive, and clean up the install
You’re going to need new chain, sprockets, etc.
You should go with stainless chain, and get the sprockets in stainless, or chrome plate some steel ones.
The autopilot install on the 40.5 / 43 was optimized for the raymarine rotary drive, and it’s an excellent setup.
But…,,
You really need to look at replacing the core pack & control head. There is no point replacing the mechanics if you’re not going to drive it properly
The new pilots are amazing, and will make sailing the boat a plessure
Consider the ACU-200 and EV-1
For a control head you need a P70

 

[obxjeff]

The drive is an autohelm type 2, the course computer is a raymarine 150g, i am not sure if the compass and rudder sensors work. The drive is spent and needs to be replaced, but I want to be sure keeping the same setup is a good option.

 

[Windpilot]

Surprizing amount of corrosion, hope mine doesn't look like that.
I'd replace with the same, it's expensive though.

 

[JamesG161]

The drive is an autohelm type 2

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Jim...

PS: I am almost sure Type1 and type 2 will match.

 

[obxjeff]

thank you everyone, I'm going to just buy a new type 2 12v drive unit, but surprised a couldn't find a rotary hydraulic drive unit to convert to. I know my type 2 was working at least 2 years ago so 30 years is a good indication of the quality and cheaper/easier than a whole new system. my biggest concern is keeping it going as the components get harder to find.

for others: it was a real mess trying to get to the thing on my 43, it's under the binnacle and you have to remove the helm cover first as it sits over the binnacle. this required cutting wires and removing the throttle assembly. there is a cooler/glove box above the drive in the binnacle, but that is glassed in. in hindsight it would have been easier to cut out the cooler.

 

[smokey73]

I'm really surprised the cooler/glove box was glassed in. I have one on my 40.5 and it lifts out. I wonder if the PO glassed it in or used something like 5200 to prevent leaks?

 

[JamesG161]

I'm going to just buy a new type 2 12v drive unit

RAYMARINE AUTOHELM RAYTHEON Motor Drive w/Gears + Belts - COMPLETE! PERFECT! | eBay

The Course computer is the main functioning item.
Best deal on it an more.

Raymarine SmartPilot S2 Boat Marine System (Autohelm, Course Computer, Compass) | eBay

Jim...

 

[artboas]

RAYMARINE AUTOHELM RAYTHEON Motor Drive w/Gears + Belts - COMPLETE! PERFECT! | eBay

The Course computer is the main functioning item.
Best deal on it an more.

Raymarine SmartPilot S2 Boat Marine System (Autohelm, Course Computer, Compass) | eBay

Jim...

Might I respectfully advise??
This course computer is pre- S3G, which is the minimum I would consider for a 43
The S3G was the first time RM started working with solid state gyros, and they’ve come a long way since then.
I’m not one for just telling people to over-spend, but there is significant investment in putting in outdated gear, and wrestling with the under-performance
In my prior 40.5, I suffered through 2 temperamental autopilots that would let me down when I needed them the most.
If I was going to buy used gear, I’d go one generation back, but no further.
in this case, I would buy the X-30 which has most of the capabilities of the newer pilot , including ST-Ng interconnection.), but lacks the integration of the EV-1 sensor. Frankly, the x30 is fine for an elderly 43.

 

[obxjeff]

I'm really surprised the cooler/glove box was glassed in. I have one on my 40.5 and it lifts out. I wonder if the PO glassed it in or used something like 5200 to prevent leaks?

the binnacle box was definitely glassed in during the build, mine was one of the first of this generation so I assume there was some miss communication (or none) between the designers and the builders. glad they got it corrected for yours...

 

[smokey73]

the binnacle box was definitely glassed in during the build, mine was one of the first of this generation so I assume there was some miss communication (or none) between the designers and the builders. glad they got it corrected for yours...

You are right about that. Having that access is very convenient. Best of luck with your quest to replace/upgrade your autopilot. We really like the rotary drive. Simple, easy install, robust and the 40.5 is set up for easy installation.