Simrad WP32 upgrade

[Seattle Scott]

After about 3 years say about 300 hours of use, my WP32 would not engage last weekend, hit auto tack and belt starting slipping. Adjusted the "clutch" screw all the way to max without any change. Called the local service contact and was told for $260 flat rate I would get the repair with an ungrade/improved belt and clutch parts. Anyone gone this route and is the "upgrade" really one?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Gee Scott,

I have been telling people for six years how bulletproof my WP32 is. Now you had to go and have a problem!I guess we need to know more about the upgrade kit. If it improves the WP32 to the extent of doubling the life or more it would certainly be worth the cost.I have always expected a belt problem but still have not ordered a spare. Now you are saying you also need to replace the clutch?

 

[Seattle Scott]

Well Ed I was in the bulletproof camp

also. I used the WP all the time, meaning once we fall off after raising the sails, the WP drives until we are ready to douse, make course chages with button pushes, tacks too. Then on the fateful day I was out solo, cold sunny day with 8-12 knts, all sails up, did a 4 mile reach across the sound, hit the tack button and starting bringing the jib around and "bulletproof" became "all shot to hell". Kinda nice thing about these boats (Hunter 37C) is that pretty easy to balance. So I get things calmed down reaching back to the dock, lock the wheel, go below to scare up the manual and my reading glasses. Futz around with the tension adjustment for a half hour without effect, so look around for a wind hole to hide in while I figure out how to get sails down. Ended up on a 160 reach/run, midlined the main and then did a few to the mast and back to the wheel trips for the main. Only need one trip to the mast to dump the staysail and roll up the jib. Boy did I sure miss the WP.Anyway, to the point, my understanding from Simrad service is that the "new" belt requires a new clutch. I didn't even think about ripping the thing open myself because the manual doesn't have any instructions for belt replacement, so I didn't ask Simrad if I could just buy an "old" belt.

 

[Steve Dion]

Scott check the archives.

Scott:Bullet proof 3x. We also have a WP300CX and it has been great. There was a post some time ago about replacement belts available. I think the poster even had a part number.

 

[Steve Dion]

here is the place

"The recommendation to me was a place called Motion Industries in Elk Grove, IL. They deal in robotic and servo parts, amongst other things. I was told that they can cross reference the number off the back of the Simrad belt and have several alternatives with upgraded materials at much better prices. Their number is 847.956.1414, I haven't tried them yet but may order one to have as a spare."

 

[Don s/v Tellico]

I've replaced the belt

2 or 3 times now. It wears and starts to slip, won't do anything and/or makes erratic turns.Did you call Simarad directly? They are on the web and I've sent them mine for a repair. I've had great service from the. I also ordered the belts from them.The alternate supplier is interesting too. As I've said here before, I think 37' boats are at the top end of the 32's range, so the belt wears faster than probably designed.

 

[Seattle Scott]

Don, saw your instructions

on belt repleacement in the archives, seems managable and you have provided the simrad part number. If I want o try to order a "better" belt from the Motion Industries people, won't I need some more info?Is the belt a Simrad product, anyone have a spare belt around to see if it has some other numbers on it.And for Puget Sound Guys, Simrad has a service facility in Lynwood, which is where I called. They said they do the service work right there and don't have to ship unit out for work. But Don gives me hope that I should get a couple of belts, install one and keep one on hand. Unless of course, someone can say that Simrad's belt and clutch upgrade is quantitativly "better".

 

[Seattle Scott]

Puget Sound Update

I called Motion Industires in IL told them I was in Seattle and they gave me the phone number for their Seattle office. Yep, they need more than the Simrad part number, so I will take the belt off and look for manufacturer #s to call in. Thanks for getting me started.

 

[Windwalker]

Older Post info for a WP30 belt...

Here's a quote from an older post"On another forum someone found the replacement to be a SYNCHROFLEX AT5/825-10 (5mm per cog, 825mm long, 10mm wide)"Hope this helps. Let us know if that's correct.