Jefa Autopilot motor vs Lewmar Motor

[kalusta]

Hi,

i currently have an autopilot with a Raymarine EV400 and Lewmar Constellation sprocket drive 1/4 HP ( ref. 89300086) on my DUFOUR 44. Th emotor worked quite well since 2017 and i have sailed already 12000 nm with it. Recently it started to make some noise like internal friction and I plan to change the unit before my next transatlantic in may. Lewmar indicates a long delivery time for potential replacement kits such as planetary drive...

I am now considering to replace it with a JEFA Sprocket autopilot drive unit 200 Nm 12 volts (DU-WS200-12). Does anyone have long-terme experience with a Jefa autopilot on a 44ft yacht?

Thanks.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I have no experience of Jeffa although they seem to be exceptionally well regarded and spares don't seem to be a problem. Lewmar on the other hand seem to manufacture to order given their lead times and spares availability. You experience mirrors mine of about 15 years ago when I ordered a complete pedestal torque rod and motor from them and it took them a year to supply and that only after constant phone calls ending with their sales director when miraculously the parts were couriered to me within a couple of days. It's obvious their prime customers and loyalties are to manufacturers and individuals are constantly pushed down the delivery schedule. I would have no hesitation of going the Jeffa route if you can overcome compatibility problems.

 

[noelex]

We have (two) Jefa DD3 drives that steer our 49-foot yacht in all conditions. They are very nicely made powerful units, although I did have one problem after only a couple of months, and they refused to honour the warranty, which was disappointing.