Cetrek 730 autopilot. Problem

[CalicoJack]

Used the boat on Thursday and the autopilot performed faultlessly as it has always done in the past eleven years that we have owned the boat. Friday it turned on as normal, but after a period of time, perhaps up to 10 minutes it turned itself off and refused to restart. The main computer part of the system is in an awkward locker, and I know nothing about autopilots, but I was game enough to look further. When I tried again to turn it on The was a soft clicking sound, from the computer box, rather like a stuck solenoid on an engine. Whilst trying to see if there was anything obvious ie a little man with a large sign pointing at the problem, I managed to slip and fall into the locker striking my head on the metal cover of the computer. Damn me if that didn’t solve the problem.; the darn thing started up and performed faultlessly.

However, I would like some advice on what to look for, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life having to head butt the damn thing every time it switches itself off. Let me repeat I know nothing about autopilots and what to do. I did go as far as pushing all the plugs in to make sure they had not worked loose, but that about the limit of my knowledge.

Any thoughts?

 

[matthewriches]

These are a very "mechanical" autopilot in that there contain a lot of relays. I bought a huge amount of the old Cetrek stuff so have little spares for some models but then that's it.

If you open the case you will see them and hear them clicking in an out. They can be replaced fir equivalents. Happy to advise you on this or you can post it here and I'll do it for you.

They were a great autopilot in the day apparently. I have a 727 on my Fairline and it is still faultless. Holds well in all seas. If the display is good then it is certainly worth trying to fix!

 

[CalicoJack]

Thanks for that. We will be trying it again this week so hopefully I will know more.
Nigel

 

[yanay]

I bought a huge amount of the old Cetrek stuff so have little spares for some models but then that's it.

Hello! My Cetrek 730 display is starting to black out. Was thinking of getting the wired remote controller. Do you know where can I get one? I believe the display on the stationary control unit is not replaceable, or is it?

thanks