Many Questions

[Art Butler]

I closed on a '92 Legend 43 and after the initial shake down cruise I have discovered a few items that need fixing. First, my Autohelm 7000 worked for about 6 hours and then when I attempted a course correction, it just stopped. The computer appears to be functioning but the motor does not seem to be working. Autohelm said to send both the computer and the drive motor back to them to be checked out. Has anyone else had this problem and how do you get the motor out of the steering capstan?Next, it appears that the deck light has been broken although the steaming light works. Upon inspection, it appears that the wires and socket for the deck light are in place but the lens has been broken. Does anyone know what kind of light the deck light was (I think Forespar) but what I really need is a replacement lens. Any suggestions?Third, I want to mount a hailer speaker and a t.v. antenna on the mast. Any suggestions on where? It looks that just above the genoa would be clear of everything but possibly the gennecker. How do I run the wires down the mast? Is there a channel for the electronic wires so that they do not become fouled with the lines? Is there an access panel in the main salon so that I can fish it down?That is all for now. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Finally, when I can afford it I want to get a windlass. Any suggestions on what type and where to mount it?ThanksArt

 

[Paul Cossman]

Autopilot repair

I had the same problem with my Autohelm ST 7000 on my 1990 Passage 42 after about 20,000 miles. The motor is easily removed from the rudder quadrant by removing the pin holding it to the quadrant and sliding the bolt out of the receptacle hole. Be careful to mark each wire that you remove from the computer and note how it is attached to the other wires for easy replacement.My autopilot gave out because the original installation did not ensure protection from the water which occasionally entered the lazarette. (I have since fashioned a teak protective box around it). Raytheon tested the unit and told me it was trashed. I replaced the motor with a new one from West Marine, since it was cheaper than purchasing it from Raytheon. Raytheon did a quick and thorough job on the testing, and sent back my newly bench tested computer and control head in a timely fashion. (I also had them put a new LED screen on the control head for an extra $50, since my old one was faded from sun exposure).Good luck with your unit. I love the ST 7000. Mine took me to New Zealand and back in some rough weather, including some steep and large following seas.