I have a 1994 40.5 with an Autohelm 4000 autopilot. The control head has failed and Raymarine has advised that they do not service this unit any longer and suggested replacement of the entire system with a rebuilt 6002 unit. 1. Any suggestions on a source for fixing or replacing the original 2000 control head? 2. Has anyone installed a Raymarine Autohelm 6002 system in a 40.5?
autohelm 4000
- Thread starter Gary H16467
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Hi Gary, if it were my boat I would call Hunter...
Marine Customer Service for technical installation advice for your boat model. Also, I'm not familiar with the 2000 head. Does it connect to the 4000 or 6000? What's wrong with it? Terry
Marine Customer Service for technical installation advice for your boat model. Also, I'm not familiar with the 2000 head. Does it connect to the 4000 or 6000? What's wrong with it? Terry
Control head?
Not sure what component is failing or even which autohelm for sure. Is this the older Raytheon A4000? The one where the compass was built into the control unit? Or the ST4000 that had the separate fluxgate? I see an ST4000 for sale on E-Bay(Related Link). But maybe not, a wheel pilot seems pretty lightweight for an H40.5. Either way I think a used/rebuilt is the only inexpensive way out. But maybe there is an electronic shop that someone knows about where it can be repaired.
Not sure what component is failing or even which autohelm for sure. Is this the older Raytheon A4000? The one where the compass was built into the control unit? Or the ST4000 that had the separate fluxgate? I see an ST4000 for sale on E-Bay(Related Link). But maybe not, a wheel pilot seems pretty lightweight for an H40.5. Either way I think a used/rebuilt is the only inexpensive way out. But maybe there is an electronic shop that someone knows about where it can be repaired.
Of Course You Probably Know
that the steering pedestal was set up for an Autohelm rotary drive. It escapes me why someone would put a 4000 on one since the boat's displacement is way over the recommended limit. Yet I have seen several. Steve Dion has the same pedestal on his Vision 36 and just did an install. Why don't you look him up in the Owners Directory and shoot him an e-mail. If you are up against replacing the unit, may as well go with what it was designed for. But, before you do anything, you may consider taking your unit to a marine electronics repair place and see if they can work some magic on it. Good luck! Rick D.
that the steering pedestal was set up for an Autohelm rotary drive. It escapes me why someone would put a 4000 on one since the boat's displacement is way over the recommended limit. Yet I have seen several. Steve Dion has the same pedestal on his Vision 36 and just did an install. Why don't you look him up in the Owners Directory and shoot him an e-mail. If you are up against replacing the unit, may as well go with what it was designed for. But, before you do anything, you may consider taking your unit to a marine electronics repair place and see if they can work some magic on it. Good luck! Rick D.
Response to Rick D.
Thanks for the two suggestions. We inherited the unit with the boat and I knew that the it was undersized. We've used it sparingly over five seasons and almost never in heavy seas. I'll post updates on the fix.
Thanks for the two suggestions. We inherited the unit with the boat and I knew that the it was undersized. We've used it sparingly over five seasons and almost never in heavy seas. I'll post updates on the fix.
Got most of mine off ebay.
Gary: I got most of my Autopilot parts off of ebay. I purhcase the course computer new. The Raymarine guys recommended a Type 2 rotary drive for the Hunter Vision 36. When they calculate the size, they take the mfg. specs and add 25% to that figure for their calculations. Our Hunter comes in around 16,000# + 25% and this comes in around 20,000. Rick Dinon provided the photo's of the rudder sensor attachment which made the installtion much easier. Please feel free to contact me if you need any two bit advice.
Gary: I got most of my Autopilot parts off of ebay. I purhcase the course computer new. The Raymarine guys recommended a Type 2 rotary drive for the Hunter Vision 36. When they calculate the size, they take the mfg. specs and add 25% to that figure for their calculations. Our Hunter comes in around 16,000# + 25% and this comes in around 20,000. Rick Dinon provided the photo's of the rudder sensor attachment which made the installtion much easier. Please feel free to contact me if you need any two bit advice.
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