Wheel pilot advice

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andybussell

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I am replacing an old Autohelm 4000 on a 6095 Kg displacement cutter. It always gave a slight "binding" feel on the wheel when steering with the autohelm disengaged, despite frequent returns for servicing.

Now, I'm aware this was a very old piece of kit, and wear and tear most probably was involved, but I am very keen to make sure the replacement does not suffer from the same problem.

I am considering the Raymarine SPX5, any experiences and advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance.
 
You won't notice any difference as the mechanical bits are the same. The course computer is more sophisticated. Your boat is on the limit of the SPX 5. An inboard is much better and if keeping the boat and planning long passages worth the extra.
 
I used to have a Vancouver 34C which originally had a 4000 Mk1 which I changed when it failed mid cruise for another Mk2 . They really were at their limit and only OK for 90% of the time and it was the other 10% of the time when it was Sh*t weather and you really didn't want to be arsed balancing sails etc or were motoring into heavy seas and it really couldn't cope. So I did what Tranoa sugests and went for the inboard option expensive but I never regreted it after my wallet had recovered. It's the only way to go if you do any significant offshore passages along with a wind vane of course. So in reply don't expect any significant improvement or reliability with the change you indicate.
 
Replaced the st4000 on our Sunfast 36 with an spx10 system. It has made a vast difference particularly down wind in a following sea. we rejected the spx5 as being to small.
 
This has been done to death many times, but here goes again...

The SPX5 has a reputation for being a bit delicate. There is no doubt that it is not in the same category as a linear drive unit on the steering quadrant - the question really os what you are expecting of it? We fitted one on a Jeanneau SO33i and it did everything we asked of it - but that was just to provide an extra "pair of hands" to help when we were raising or lowering the sails and to allow either my wife or me to make a hot drink or fix a sandwich while helming on a long passage with the other person sleeping. We never left the SPX5 engaged for long periods and never expected it to control the boat in difficult weather conditions.

If that matches your expected pattern of use, then the SPX5 is a valid option - it's far cheaper than any available linear drive unit and far easier to fit. If you expect to set it and leave it helming for hours in potentially heavy weather, then look elsewhere.
 
My wheel steering was very, very light before fitting an ASPX5; it does now have a very slight drag to it, perhaps not so much to feel but a slight noise.

Mine does what I expect of itand overall I am pleased wih it but it struggles to maintain a course in rogh seas-agree with Maby.
 
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That is a very simple device comparable to the original Autohelm 3000 in concept but more robust. All it does is steer to a compass course. Has never made any impression this side of the pond, partly because once you have paid shipping duty and VAT the cost starts getting near a much more sophisticated inboard pilot.
 
I have just replaced the wheel part for the Mk2 variant - absolutely compatible with the old electronics. It appears to be a much better design that the Mk1 it replaced - not cheap though!! There are plenty of new ones available on ebay but I found the cheapest option was to do a partex deal for my Mk1 with Raymarine. If you choose to go down this route let me know as I think I could have negotiated a slightly better deal if I hadnt been so surprised that Raymarine were cheaper than ebay!!
 
Hope you have better luck than. Have had 3 of the latest design fail. First two replaced under warranty, latest one repaired. All same problem, rubbish drive gears.
 
Tranona said:
You won't notice any difference as the mechanical bits are the same.
Click to expand...

Hate to disagree with me learned friend, but the mechanical bits are most definitely not the same. The SPX 5 is a much better engineered bit of kit - runs in proper bearings and doesn't come apart at the drop of a hat! That's not to say it's suitable for your boat or application - others have made sensible comments on this. I can certainly agree that under most conditions it works for me (in a similar weight boat).
 
SimonD said:
Hate to disagree with me learned friend, but the mechanical bits are most definitely not the same. The SPX 5 is a much better engineered bit of kit - runs in proper bearings and doesn't come apart at the drop of a hat! That's not to say it's suitable for your boat or application - others have made sensible comments on this. I can certainly agree that under most conditions it works for me (in a similar weight boat).
Click to expand...

See my previous post. The SPX drive mayappear better, but still has the same effect of drag that the OP Was concerned about and is still fragile as my experience confirms. They fail in a different way gears shattering rather than housings coming apart but same effect.
 
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