How reliable is the Autohelm 3000 belt drive unit and how does it behave? The boat I'm in the process of buying is an 84 Hunter 34. Do I need a chute to move it in light air( cruising or assymetric )? Does anyone have a problem with cracking opening ports?
- Status
Autohelm 3000
I have one on my Hunter 35.5 It is a little underpowered for the boat but otherwise works fine in moderate winds. The 4000 series would be a better option but mine came with the 3000 and I haven't felt the need to change it yet.
I have one on my Hunter 35.5 It is a little underpowered for the boat but otherwise works fine in moderate winds. The 4000 series would be a better option but mine came with the 3000 and I haven't felt the need to change it yet.
Hunter 34
My wife and I brought an '83 Hunter 34 this past Oct. We have the problem with the cracking ports also. I was thinking about just buying the replace lenses, instead of replacing the whole port. The boat came with a spinnaker, but I haven't had a chance to raise it yet as the boat is fitted with a weird roller furling, that doesnt free up the jib haylard. I had a gennaker on my C-27 before this boat and it was easy to use.
My wife and I brought an '83 Hunter 34 this past Oct. We have the problem with the cracking ports also. I was thinking about just buying the replace lenses, instead of replacing the whole port. The boat came with a spinnaker, but I haven't had a chance to raise it yet as the boat is fitted with a weird roller furling, that doesnt free up the jib haylard. I had a gennaker on my C-27 before this boat and it was easy to use.
Problems and answers
Hightower, I have a 4000 autopilot on my H34 with a wired remote. Last summer we used more than free sailing and it worked great. Given a choice, go with the 4000. Cracking portlights seem to be a common problem on these boats. The PO replaced one with a new opening port the year I bought the boat and had another one ready to install. You can get replacement Grey's from Pompenette (I think that's the spelling) in Florida, but check with Hunter too. I have the original working jib that came with the boat, and a 150 Genoa for the mid-summer doldrums on the Chesapeake Bay. With the tall mast a light weight genoa may be all you need. S/V Intrepid H34 #113
Hightower, I have a 4000 autopilot on my H34 with a wired remote. Last summer we used more than free sailing and it worked great. Given a choice, go with the 4000. Cracking portlights seem to be a common problem on these boats. The PO replaced one with a new opening port the year I bought the boat and had another one ready to install. You can get replacement Grey's from Pompenette (I think that's the spelling) in Florida, but check with Hunter too. I have the original working jib that came with the boat, and a 150 Genoa for the mid-summer doldrums on the Chesapeake Bay. With the tall mast a light weight genoa may be all you need. S/V Intrepid H34 #113
Opening Ports
Gray's are available thru www.Pomanette.com. They are locate in NH, but will ship out of FL. I got mine 25% cheaper by ordering from the Boat/US Special Orders desk (if you are a member). They will also sell just the lens if you wish to try that route.
Gray's are available thru www.Pomanette.com. They are locate in NH, but will ship out of FL. I got mine 25% cheaper by ordering from the Boat/US Special Orders desk (if you are a member). They will also sell just the lens if you wish to try that route.
H34 Answers
I had an Autohelm 3000 on my 1983 h34 which worked good while motoring and struggled under sail in winds over ten knots. The belt slipped on the wheel pulley so I got a second belt, cut it and glued it to the wheel pulley with contact cement. The teeth meshed nicely and improved performance. I bought a cruising chute, spent big bucks and didn't use it that much. Performance was not much better than a big genoa I had. Opening ports are due for replacement. Thrifty Mariner used to sell factory seconds for $40-50 but the seem to be gone lately
I had an Autohelm 3000 on my 1983 h34 which worked good while motoring and struggled under sail in winds over ten knots. The belt slipped on the wheel pulley so I got a second belt, cut it and glued it to the wheel pulley with contact cement. The teeth meshed nicely and improved performance. I bought a cruising chute, spent big bucks and didn't use it that much. Performance was not much better than a big genoa I had. Opening ports are due for replacement. Thrifty Mariner used to sell factory seconds for $40-50 but the seem to be gone lately
- Status