Autohelm 2000 - Repair?

[Houleaux]

My elderly Autohelm 2000 has started to misbehave to the point where it's next to useless. It's the type with a separate ram and control box (with inputs for the helm, vane and remote).

All seems to work ok initially (the ram can be moved in and out by pushing the + and - buttons when in standby and it briefly holds a course) but then it just loses the plot with the ram making exaggerated and apparently random movements.

It seems to be a really well built bit of kit and I'd rather get it repaired than replace it if that's possible / practical. I've taken the control box apart and it's spotless inside with no sign of water ingress.

Does anyone know of anywhere that might repair such a thing? Or would I be better off just buying a new replacement?

Any thoughts / tips / recommendations gratefully received!

 

[alahol2]

Here? Have a look at their fixed price repair list then decide.

 

[Houleaux]

Thanks alahol2. A useful link.

I couldn't see my unit in the price list but, looking at the prices quoted for the newer units, it's probably beyond economical repair at Raymarine rates.

On the other hand, with so many reports of water ingress on the later units (I had one of those fail myself for that reason), I'm reluctant to throw away what looks like a better designed bit of kit!

 

[Aeolus]

These people repaired my old Autohelm 2000 a couple of years ago.

T I N L E Y E L E C T R O N I C S
235 Bentley Way
LYMINGTON
SO41 8JW
www.tinleyelectronics.com
Tel: +44 (0)1590 610071
Fax: +44 (0)1590 610072

 

[savageseadog]

Two biggest issues are water ingress and poor power due to bad wiring connectors etc. Check the basics first.

 

[Houleaux]

Thanks savageseadog. Looks ok (to my untutored eye!) on both counts.

Thanks also Aeolus. Looks promising. I'll give them a call.

 

[ostell]

If you're get to thinking of replacing then remember the Trade IN discount

 

[RobinBirch]

Or try these guys - http://www.marineelectronicservice.com/

Used them myself.

 

[colvic987]

Thanks alahol2. A useful link.

I couldn't see my unit in the price list but, looking at the prices quoted for the newer units, it's probably beyond economical repair at Raymarine rates.

On the other hand, with so many reports of water ingress on the later units (I had one of those fail myself for that reason), I'm reluctant to throw away what looks like a better designed bit of kit!

A clue to the area you live, would help with someone giving you a local repair outlet to contact, which could deal with your piece of kit, i finally upgraded my autopilot due to the fact that each year it went back to the repairers for another piece to get replaced. I used it as a trade in to lower the price i got for an upgrade, electronics of the unit now resides in the boat.

 

[Houleaux]

A clue to the area you live, would help with someone giving you a local repair outlet to contact, which could deal with your piece of kit, i finally upgraded my autopilot due to the fact that each year it went back to the repairers for another piece to get replaced. I used it as a trade in to lower the price i got for an upgrade, electronics of the unit now resides in the boat.

Fair point!

I live on Hayling Island and the boat's in Chichester Marina.