New (to Me) Wheel Pilot

[b-rad]

Im looking to replace my autohelm 3000. Have a line on a autohelm 4000 and a simrad wp32 Both are in good condition and priced similarly.
My only concern with either is whether the ring will clear my pedestal mounted throttle. Any body have a prefrence for one or the other or used one or the other with pedestal controls?

[beetle]

Originally Posted by b-rad

Im looking to replace my autohelm 3000. Have a line on a autohelm 4000 and a simrad wp32 Both are in good condition and priced similarly.
My only concern with either is whether the ring will clear my pedestal mounted throttle. Any body have a prefrence for one or the other or used one or the other with pedestal controls?

I've owned an Autohelm 3000, and used an Autohelm 4000 and destroyed both. I don't know anything about the Simrad WP32.

The autohelm 3000 uses an undampened fluxgate compass which is held in place by small plastic pivot points that can break. Makes for a most interesting course as the pilot tries to follow the fluxgate that is rolling around inside the little black box. It steered fine for my 33' boat up to that point.

The autohelm 4000 uses plastic drive gears and the latch lever that disengages the pilot can break/fail. When the latch fails to disengage from the wheel ring the plastic gears will not disengage and the gears start to grind themselves to death - we watched plastic dust fall out of the wheel-mount ring on a passage to Hawaii and then the unit finally stopped making nasty grinding noises and was absolutely no value after that.

So I avoid Autohelm at all cost.

- rob/beetle

[meyermm]

I am not an AH fan but in fairness how old were the units like hours of operation??

[beetle]

Originally Posted by meyermm

I am not an AH fan but in fairness how old were the units like hours of operation??

The 3000 was in use for 2 years when it failed, and used a great deal, perhaps 5-600 hours in that time. However, I fail to see what hours of service has to do with a non-user-serviceable part failing, especially one that is not part of the drive train. When I got the unit back from Autohelm the work slip included a handwritten note to the effect that the unit was not to be used in commercial operations.

The 4000 lasted about 2 days of intermittent use, then failed - it was quite new and then died spectacularly.

[CSY Man]

Got a WP32 and love it.
Easy install, good at holding course, price was right.

No idea why they discountiued making them...

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by b-rad

... My only concern with either is whether the ring will clear my pedestal mounted throttle. ...

According to page 19 in the Simrad (WP32) manual:

“... The pedestal mount will fit most pedestals 100–140mm (4.0–
5.5in) diameter. Two packing pieces are supplied for use with a
standard 100mm (4.0in) pedestal (Fig 5.1). The pedestal mount
has three sets of band clamp slots to suit the pedestal size (Fig
5.2). For pedestals over 140mm (5.5in), a larger mount is available
as a separate accessory (part PED200:BK)...”

Here ➥ Downloads for WP32 Wheelpilot | Simrad Yachting

[sailoroffortune]

I have a problem with my ST 4000 vintage 1986. We sailed for 5 days and it worked just fine ( lever needed tape to hold engaged ) as far as keeping on course. as many have asked for help when the ST 4000 just starts turning hard for no apparent reason. I think this rules out boat interference and I have just about thought it might be in the output Transistor since it only goes one direction to PORT.
It Might get over heated or maybe moisture it was very foggy .The water tight seal looked ok but wieird stuff happens . raymarine wont look at it due their 15 year
"forget about it buy a new one you cheap So and so "

BTW I have the schematics for it if anyone is interested

Errol

[SuddenVibe]

Originally Posted by sailoroffortune

BTW I have the schematics for it if anyone is interested

Errol

S/V Joyen's Dream