ST4000 Autopilot

[Jeannea]

I have an St4000 on my 1994 Catalina 30. It attaches to the wheel with 3 internal snapping points. The pilot works fine but one of these points broke off. The problem is it sags open and
I worry it will eventually fail. There is no part for this and the replacement is an ST4000plus which is larger and will not fit on my pedestal. I am looking for a good wheel that someone has taken off their boat to upgrade to a better model or ideas on how to fix the autopilot I have. Any information is appreciated. Jeannea Jordan

 

[Ed Schenck]

A picture would help. I have seen the 'plus', I think it has three clamps over three spokes. Is this what is broken? Isn't it plastic? I would think that epoxy could be used to repair the broken attachment point.

 

[Rag Bagger]

I have the same unit. Not sure, by your description, what is broken. If it is the clips going over the spoke, they are available through Raytheon for $20.00 each.

 

[dparilla]

Pictures please and I will see what I can come up with.

 

[JBerger]

Solution to broken autopilot

I think this will help - I replaced the three clips using 2" plastic fairleads -holes 1 1/2" on center. Cut the base off, as shown with the toothpick, leaving a duplicate like the original clips, and mounted on the wheel spokes using the same screws. Total cost of repair $4.50. (see photo attachment)

Jack

 

[Jeannea]

Thanks. I found harken fairleads that did the trick for the two broken ones I had. Fit perfectly. No redrilling and they are stainless steel reinforced. The problem I'm having now is the two black wheels don't fit together properly because of an internal snap on feature that is broken. I either need a replacement wheel or a way to fix the old one. Jeannea

 

[Jeannea]

A picture would help. I have seen the 'plus', I think it has three clamps over three spokes. Is this what is broken? Isn't it plastic? I would think that epoxy could be used to repair the broken attachment point.

I'll take a picture of the broken part and post it as soon as I can. Thanks for replying. Jeannea

 

[Joe]

Jeannea.... a year or so back we had a discussion about auto pilots and self steering devices... here's a link..... http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=115595&highlight=auto+pilot+wheel&page=2 Scroll down to post #25 and look at what the ingenious Mr Hermit built. Even though he was going to use it for a homemade self steering appication.. it occurs to me that should your current rig become unusable you could probably find someone to fabricate this simple wheel device. Maybe Scott could give you some advice.... good luck.

 

[John D3181]

My ST4000 control head failed this fall and Raymarine wants $700 to replace it and the computer with the newer versions. Since my drive unit is annoyingly noisy anyway, I'll be replacing the entire unit with the new X-5 - but not until next March or April. If you can wait, I'll be offering it for sale, first as a complete-inoperative unit, then as individual parts.

 

[Jeannea]

I opened the autopilot and found that there are supposed to be seven rollers that are attached to one side of the pilot that allow the wheel to turn. One of them is no longer there. That must be why my pilot wheel gapes open. A friend of mine gave me parts from a pilot she had that is no longer being used so I have an extra roller. I think I can attach it with a combination epoxy and screw. It could do the trick if I can do it right. Thanks for your help. Jeannea

 

[John]

another fix

I opened the autopilot and found that there are supposed to be seven rollers that are attached to one side of the pilot that allow the wheel to turn. One of them is no longer there. That must be why my pilot wheel gapes open. A friend of mine gave me parts from a pilot she had that is no longer being used so I have an extra roller. I think I can attach it with a combination epoxy and screw. It could do the trick if I can do it right. Thanks for your help. Jeannea

I had a similar problem on my 4000+. One of those wheels broke off. I drilled through it and the ring in back of it, ran a machine screw through and put double nuts behind. The reason I used two nuts was that you don't want to tighten down on the machine screw or else the wheel won't turn freely, so you just leave the first nut finger tight and then tighten the second nut to it.