Navico Auto Pilot / Hood Furler question

Ken Cross · Oct 3, 2017

If it works, I'd leave the autopilot in place. The main thing it needs to do is hold a heading. If you haven't used an autopilot you will likely find it a great tool.

I don't have that brand, but reef just fine with our furler. The trick is to pull on the side of the line that rolls it in, then cleat that side off.

Ken

kloudie1 · Oct 3, 2017

I had an old Navico like that for a few years.. It worked well and was still working well unil the covering on the control switches cracked (UV exposure) and water got in. I wouldn't replace it until it fails. Biggest problem I had pre-failure was the belt slipping occasionally..

BarryL · Oct 3, 2017

Hey,
Are you sure that it a Navico autopilot? It looks like an old Autohelm from Raytheon / Raymarine. I had those on my two previous boats and they were very reliable. I would use the AP for as long as it works, then throw it away and buy a new one.

The Hood furler is junk. You can't reef with it, the sail is supposed to be all the way out or all the way in. Hood used to sell a kit to convert to a single line furler. I would not spend the money to convert it. Personally I prefer Selden Furlex units.

Barry

Scott T-Bird · Oct 3, 2017

BarryL said:
Personally I prefer Selden Furlex units.

Barry

That's funny ... Ward didn't you just buy one?

(nice upgrade for the future buyer of your boat!)

richk · Oct 3, 2017

Ward - I had to replace my continuous line Hood on previous boat (an H35), it failed in a blow while trying to reef. Might want to budget for that if you buy the boat. It may mean re-rigging the forestay (different length) and getting a different jib. I have no experience with Navico autohelm. I had to replace Navico depth, though, with Raymarine.

StargazerP303 · Oct 3, 2017

Ward H said:
Looked at a 1987 boat yesterday which had a Navico auto pilot. Looked a bit bare bones and old yesterday. Pic below.
Should I plan on replacing it even if it works?

The boat also had a Hood Furler with a continuous line. Can this furler be used to reef a jib?
Pic below.

Thanks

View attachment 141485 View attachment 141484

HI Ward. What you have is an Navico WP5000. Its is adjustable for how much slipping you need. The cam on the motor can be adjusted accordingly. Read your manual carefully if you have one. However, if you don't have manual let me know ill send you one in pdf form.
Part of the reason for slipping is to allow you override motor movement to avoid what's in front of you in a hurry. If its locked down you will wind up stripping the motor gears. So make sure its not too firm. Best regards, Stargazer II Capt. Rob

Terry Cox · Oct 3, 2017

Ward H said:
Can this furler be used to reef a jib?

Yes, the double line furler can be used to reef the jib. You just need to tie off the working end of the line once you set your reef. What I mean by that is the line that you pull on to reduce the amount of sail (the working end), tie that off to a cleat. Otherwise, the wind pressure will force the furler to unwind the sail.

Whether the Hood furler is junk or not, our original 1991 Hood double line system continues to perform in most all weather conditions. Never jams, always works. If that is a standard for junk, well we all have our opinions.

heritage · Oct 3, 2017

StargazerP303 said:
HI Ward. What you have is an Navico WP5000. Its is adjustable for how much slipping you need. The cam on the motor can be adjusted accordingly. Read your manual carefully if you have one. However, if you don't have manual let me know ill send you one in pdf form.
Part of the reason for slipping is to allow you override motor movement to avoid what's in front of you in a hurry. If its locked down you will wind up stripping the motor gears. So make sure its not too firm. Best regards, Stargazer II Capt. Rob

We cruised for 6 years back in the 90's with a Navico 5000 wheel pilot. Even when tensioned tightly, the belt tended to slip especially in following seas . The common practice work-around was to take an old belt and glue it to the wheel to prevent the pilot's belt from slipping. The cogs on the two belts would mesh. Probably not good for the gearing, but served us well over the years. It's a good strong unit and if you do have a problem you can still find parts at salvage yards.