Autohelm ST4000+ question

[Steve deForest]

Hi I recently bought a Hunter 31 that has an Autohelm ST4000+ system installed. When the system is in standby mode there seems to be quite a bit of resistance in the steering and it doesn't turn as easily as it would with out the system installed. Is there some type of adjustment that can be made? My manual doesn't seem to indicate any. ThanksSteve

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Clutch still engaged?

I know this sound like a dumb idea, but if the clutch is still engaged you will get that resistance. Try to move it to its other position. Then the wheel should turn freely.good luck.

 

[Jim Sides]

belt replacement

I had a similar problem and as it turned out I needed a new belt for the unit.

 

[Chris Burti]

Yes there is an adjustment..

I can't find it in the owners' manual, but if you look at the drive motor, you can see where there is an adjustment to set the pressure of the motor against the drive wheel belt. If it is set too tight, it will drag on the wheel when the clutch is disengaged. If it is set too light, the motor will slip when helm pressure increases.

 

[Monty Miller]

Clean it first...

I had the same problem. Raymarine has an excellent telephone support line. I was told to clean it as described in the manual. Flush the ring thoroughly with fresh water after every use. If that doesn’t work take the ring apart and clean the belts wheels with a non-abrasive scrub pad. I found spider body parts and nests. Unfortunately the problem resurfaced. Is your model the 4000+ or the 4000+ MK? Is the ring black or grey? If it is black you have an older model that does not have an adjustable clutch and needs to be sent in to Raymarine to be adjusted. Around $200 bucks. I chose to buy the updated MK ring that has an adjustable clutch. Around $450. Its works well so far but beware that the motor is not in the same location. I had to enlarge the hole in the pedestal to make it fit.I hope this helps. Let us know what the fix is.Monty