Fluxgate Compass

Wisp

Wisp

.
Apr 28, 2014
35
Hunter 49 Washington DC
Long time listener, first time caller,...

This past weekend, I sailed my Hunter 49 (Wisp) on a three day trip to bring her Washington DC. During the trip I noticed that the fluxgate compass readings were consistantly 10 degrees off and periodically would jump to as much as 40 degrees off. I first noticed it when I engaged auto pilot and we immediately swung 30 degrees off course.

I suspect there's a loose wire somewhere but I can't even FIND where the fluxgate compass 'device' (or whatever its called) is located. I've pulled every floorboard!

Anyone experience this problem? ...and, anyone know where Hunter hides the guts of the fluxgate compass?

T.S.
 
Snotter

Snotter

.
Sep 25, 2008
615
Morgan 415 Out Island Rogersville, AL
Mine did that for a while. It turned out to be a tin (yes tin) can rolling athwart and back across the face of the flux compass.
 
woodster

woodster

.
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
Google flux gate compass and look at the pics.....you didn't say what kind of auto pilot you have...after looking at the pics you may be able to find it.... as it sounds like you are not sure what it looks like.....

regards

woody
 
justsomeguy

justsomeguy

.
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
Wisp said:
Where was your compass located?

T.S.
Click to expand
Set your autopilot while tied up in your slip, and start waving around a hunk of metal?

When the rudder starts swinging, you know you're getting hot. :D
 
Wisp

Wisp

.
Apr 28, 2014
35
Hunter 49 Washington DC
It's a raymarine model and I know what I'm looking for,...I just can't find where Hunter mounted the actual device, not the display, but the actual divice.

T.S.
 
Wisp

Wisp

.
Apr 28, 2014
35
Hunter 49 Washington DC
justsomeguy said:
Set your autopilot while tied up in your slip, and start waving around a hunk of metal?

When the rudder starts swinging, you know you're getting hot. :D
Click to expand

That's actually not a bad idea ;)

T.S.
 
justsomeguy

justsomeguy

.
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
I held a metal bowl under my tiller pilot a few weeks ago...
 
woodster

woodster

.
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
justsomeguy said:
Set your autopilot while tied up in your slip, and start waving around a hunk of metal?

When the rudder starts swinging, you know you're getting hot. :D
Click to expand
:eek: that might make your boat swim backwards:D

regards

woody
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

.
Feb 26, 2004
23,095
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
wisp, these guys are pretty funny. In many cases the boatbuilders did NOT install aps, the dealers did, so the question of where Hunter put it is moot, and many boats of even the same year are quite different.

You need to do some wire tracing. Since I don't know where your ap is located, most likely at the helm, you'd need to go underneath the pedestal and start there.

Good luck.
 
Doug13104

Doug13104

.
Jun 6, 2004
78
- - Port Stanley
Your Fluxgate Compass should be located on the Center line of the boat and in the middle of the boat. I would look in this area. If it is not there then once you find it you will have to relocated it. Mine is in the back of a shelf behind the companion way stairs. Last year we were sailing with Auto on and did a 180. We have been sailing with the boat for 6 years with out and issue. I found that the Captain (wife) had re-organized the shelves and had put a can of Bug spray next to the Compass and that was the cause of the problem.
Happy hunting!!
 
Wisp

Wisp

.
Apr 28, 2014
35
Hunter 49 Washington DC
I think the wire tracking is going to start in earnest this afternoon. I tried to do some while we were underway but the conditions were less than ideal. Hopefully unbolting won't be necessary.

T.S.
 
ben solomon

ben solomon

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Jul 27, 2013
298
Hunter 37.5 1065 Rock Hall, MD
It could be as simple as a wire coat hanger in the hanging locker. Replace all the hangers with plastic ones, or just empty the hanging lockers in the aft cabin.

Ben
 
I

ice breaker

.
Sep 11, 2011
428
Hunter 41AC Bayfield WI, Lake Superior
Wisp said:
I think the wire tracking is going to start in earnest this afternoon. I tried to do some while we were underway but the conditions were less than ideal. Hopefully unbolting won't be necessary.

T.S.
Click to expand
Page 64J of the 49 user manual says that the Flux Gate is under the forward Starboard bunk.

You used to be able to down load these manuals from Hunter in PDF. Not sure if that is the case today.

Hope this helps.
 
Wisp

Wisp

.
Apr 28, 2014
35
Hunter 49 Washington DC
Thanks for the tip. I'll check on that today as well. I actually think I've got quite a few metal hangers onboard. Time to toss!

T.S.
 
Wisp

Wisp

.
Apr 28, 2014
35
Hunter 49 Washington DC
ice breaker said:
Page 64J of the 49 user manual says that the Flux Gate is under the forward Starboard bunk.

You used to be able to down load these manuals from Hunter in PDF. Not sure if that is the case today.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand
Well, hell,...who knew the manual would have it :redface:. On my way 'home' to check it now.

T.S.
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

.
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
If you know where the autopilot control box (not the control head on the helm) is just follow the wires from it (the manual will tell which ones) the the fluxgate.
 
RHUMB RUNNER

RHUMB RUNNER

.
Jan 10, 2012
75
HUNTER 49 MARINA DEL REY
What year is the 49. I have a 2009 and it is mounted mid ship in the the main cabin below the floor boards around the dinette table.
 
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