I'm a fairly new owner of a 2008 Hunter 33. We've engaged and disengaged the autopilot on a few sails without issue. Yesterday i was on a sail and had used the autopilot once (engaged and disengaged) without issue. Later in the sail i had the autopilot on and when i attempted to disengage (pressing standby button and releasing manual clutch lever on the wheel) the wheel did not disengage from the autopilot mechanism. I could turn the wheel but it was very stiff and i could hear sounds similar to the ones the autopilot makes when turning the wheel. I powered down the autopilot but this had no impact. Some fiddling and jiggling with the clutch lever eventually freed things up, but it grabbed a bit a couple of times later.
I'm guessing this is a mechanical issue with the clutch sticking. If anyone's encountered this and has tips on how to resolve it (lubricant? clearance adjustments? etc.) please let me know.
I'm guessing this is a mechanical issue with the clutch sticking. If anyone's encountered this and has tips on how to resolve it (lubricant? clearance adjustments? etc.) please let me know.