ST2000 Plus operation

[jdemff]

I just bought a Raymarine ST2000 Plus. I had an Autohelm 800, which still works. In standby mode, I can move the rod of the ST2000 Plus in or out with only about 30 lbs. of force. Cannot do that with the AH800. I thought the ST2000 Plus was supposed to provide a thrust force of about 165 lbs. Is my new ST2000 Plus malfunctioning?

 

[zulloboy]

It is true that the ST2000+ can "free-wheel" under what feels like not very much force. This was sometimes a problem for me when my boat had very heavy weather helm, but now the boat is better balanced it is a non-issue. It does not affect the developed thrust when the motor is energised.

Don't worry about it, unless your boat has horrible weather helm. And if it is that bad fix it, because I can guarantee that if you don't it will cause your ST to fail at some stage (ask me how I know).

Cheers, Graeme

 

[earlybird]

Must admit that I never notice that with my ST2000+ but that model has a low friction recirculating ball drive, hence mechanically reversible. OTOH, the AH800 is a plain, low-ratio screw drive, so non-reversible.

 

[jdemff]

Thanks for your reply. Still seems to me that it ought to hold its position with the specified thrust force of 169 lbs. (77kg) regardless of whether it is in standby or auto mode. Are you saying that it only provides the specified thrust in auto mode?

 

[zulloboy]

Thanks for your reply. Still seems to me that it ought to hold its position with the specified thrust force of 169 lbs. (77kg) regardless of whether it is in standby or auto mode. Are you saying that it only provides the specified thrust in auto mode?

It will develop the rated thrust whenever the motor is energised, either in auto mode or when you stroke it manually in standby mode. At other times it can be forced to freewheel, earlybird has explained why.
As I said it is not a problem unless your boat is horribly unbalanced, in which case you have a much bigger issue to worry about.

 

[jdemff]

Thanks. All replies have been very helpful.