My ST4000 shorted at the bulkhead plug, received 12v to the control circuit and is now DEAD. Because of my ridiculous treatment at the Raymarine out of warranty service center I am looking at the Simrad WP32 as the replacement rather than another ST4000. Need input....also anyone ever do business with or know of Online Marine in NC? Thanks
Wheel Pilot
- Thread starter Scott D5296
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simrad/online marine
I bought my WP-30 from Online Marine. They shipped a unit that appeared to have been returned to them by another customer. (It looked basically new but I could tell someone had attempted to install it). I told them I wanted a new unit and they paid for shipping both ways and sent the new unit. You can take that as good or bad service, which ever way you see it. I have been happy with the WP-30 on my O'day 31, but really don't have much experience with the competition. I had one problem with it and dealt with Simrad's service department in Washington and they were very responsive and helpful over a couple of phone calls. The problem turned out to be my fault.
I bought my WP-30 from Online Marine. They shipped a unit that appeared to have been returned to them by another customer. (It looked basically new but I could tell someone had attempted to install it). I told them I wanted a new unit and they paid for shipping both ways and sent the new unit. You can take that as good or bad service, which ever way you see it. I have been happy with the WP-30 on my O'day 31, but really don't have much experience with the competition. I had one problem with it and dealt with Simrad's service department in Washington and they were very responsive and helpful over a couple of phone calls. The problem turned out to be my fault.
Wheel pilots
I had a ST4000 that served me well for years. When it finally died, I replaced it with a WP30 because of price and ease of installation. The WP30 can't come close to holding a course in calm or rough water like the AH could. The auto tack is a joke. It takes you for a 150 degree wild ride until it can put you back on course. I have tried every combination I can think of with the scaling, gain and sea state adjustments to make it right with no joy. I sent it back under warranty and got a reconditioned unit that does the exact same thing. The new WP32 might be better, but I sure would not take a chance on it. Your milage may vary.
I had a ST4000 that served me well for years. When it finally died, I replaced it with a WP30 because of price and ease of installation. The WP30 can't come close to holding a course in calm or rough water like the AH could. The auto tack is a joke. It takes you for a 150 degree wild ride until it can put you back on course. I have tried every combination I can think of with the scaling, gain and sea state adjustments to make it right with no joy. I sent it back under warranty and got a reconditioned unit that does the exact same thing. The new WP32 might be better, but I sure would not take a chance on it. Your milage may vary.
My mileage was much better
My unit works great. Keeps on course fine. Tacks fine. Love it. Maybe my standards are lower, but it does the job for me! My boat has a little weather helm, & in gusty conditions I can count on her pointing up in a puff to spill enough wind to keep her on her feet. Then the autopilot reacts & brings her back in line to the wind. Perfect (for me).
My unit works great. Keeps on course fine. Tacks fine. Love it. Maybe my standards are lower, but it does the job for me! My boat has a little weather helm, & in gusty conditions I can count on her pointing up in a puff to spill enough wind to keep her on her feet. Then the autopilot reacts & brings her back in line to the wind. Perfect (for me).
Donc's problem.
My WP30 is six years old and it has never failed me. It once steered my 18000+ displacement Hunter 44 miles across Lake Erie. We had 30+ knots on the stern quarter and were surfing off the tops of waves at 9+ knots. I was too busy holding on to steer!
My WP30 is six years old and it has never failed me. It once steered my 18000+ displacement Hunter 44 miles across Lake Erie. We had 30+ knots on the stern quarter and were surfing off the tops of waves at 9+ knots. I was too busy holding on to steer!
Will replace mine WP30 with a WP32
My WP30 was essentially destroyed by Hurricane Frances and I used that as my "deductible" for getting the rest of my boat repaired. I will be buying a WP32 soon. I just returned from a trip down to the intercoastal and back and sorely missed my autopilot. Next hurricane, I will be sure to disengage the AP clutch and secure the wheel better.
My WP30 was essentially destroyed by Hurricane Frances and I used that as my "deductible" for getting the rest of my boat repaired. I will be buying a WP32 soon. I just returned from a trip down to the intercoastal and back and sorely missed my autopilot. Next hurricane, I will be sure to disengage the AP clutch and secure the wheel better.
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