ST4000+: RIP

[jaysweet]

Took my folding wheel (w/autopilot) off and brought it home last weekend. It's a 2004 vintage Raymarine ST4000+ (MK2, I guess: gray) which has worked flawlessly for the past 17 or so years (3 on the hard), although it's always been squeaky from day one. I knew there was a crack in the dust cover (aft-facing gray plastic bit), but I thought I'd check for loose parts and maybe consider some epoxy to fix the crack. After unbolting it from the wheel, here's what I found:


Not only was the rear plastic cover (which seems to be just a dust cover) totally broken into 3 parts, but the thin black plastic ring with all the bolt sockets was broken or cracked at all 3 locations where it bolts to the wheel. Although I'd like to fix it... I think this hardware is trying to tell me something: it's tired and ready to retire. New one is on order. The funny thing is: this thing was working up until the moment I removed the wheel. I guess I can't complain.

 

[jssailem]

17 years of service. I think you reached the life expectancy of plastic mechanical parts and then some. It served your needs well. Put it to rest with no regrets only admiration.

 

[twalker H260]

Looks like a replacement might still be available- if pricey.

ST4000+ MkII Wheel Drive Unit | West Marine

Check out our ST4000+ MkII Wheel Drive Unit and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

If your going to replace the whole system let me know what your planning on doing with your control head and sun cover - I have a 2004 that needs some parts at that end!

 

[jaysweet]

Looks like a replacement might still be available- if pricey.

ST4000+ MkII Wheel Drive Unit | West Marine

Check out our ST4000+ MkII Wheel Drive Unit and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

If your going to replace the whole system let me know what your planning on doing with your control head and sun cover - I have a 2004 that needs some parts at that end!

I've ordered the replacement already. Maybe I could have found just the 2 rings + belt and lever, but it came with the motor as well: around $530. So the only part that I'm replacing and that's still up to snuff is the electric motor (and maybe the idler pulleys and clutch bits). I'd be rather happy to part with the motor if someone wants it. Although I don't know the forum rules about that sort of thing. Otherwise, I'll just keep the motor as a spare.

 

[jaysweet]

Put it to rest with no regrets only admiration.

Yep: I have to agree with that, John. The fact that it worked up until the moment I unbolted it and it literally fell apart: not too shabby...

 

[BigEasy]

Looks like a replacement might still be available- if pricey.

Yes, the ST4000+ wheel is available. The same wheel is still being used in raymarine's newer EV100 wheel pilot (entirely different course computer, compass, and controller). I think the motor from the ST4000+ has been upgraded also.

 

[Calif. Ted]

There's 2 versions of the wheel drive, the old black ones were the Mk 1 newer gray ones like yours were the MK2 with a slightly larger diameter and motor and are current model available. I'm using a mk1 from 2002 and my back-up is even older from about 1995. Never seen one so completely disintegrate like that, if you keep the motor for a spare it'll probably guarantee you'll never need it, toss it and you'll need one.

 

[jaysweet]

Got the new autopilot drive installed on the wheel and back on the boat today, and took it out for a sail. I have to say, almost all the squeakiness is gone, both with the pilot engaged and (even better) when steering manually.This makes me very happy. I guess all the cracked bits weren't helping with the squeaks. Also had a perfect 16 knots of wind, gusting a bit higher, which made for a nice daysail!

Replacing the drive portion was well worth it. Quite an easy install.