I have a Raymarine ST4000 on my boat and the control head has become undependable. Otherwise, the unit has done well since the boat was new in 1995. My search for a replacement control head has failed as I am always outbid on EBay and Raymarine doesn't make or service them anymore. I am now considering a replacement but the Raymarine X-5 Wheel AUTOPILOT, the only wheel autopilot they make, is not recommended for a vessel heavier than 16,500 lbs. The same is true for its predecessor, the S-1. A dealer told me that if I install the X-5 on my boat it will void the warranty and that they, as an authorized Raymarine dealer, cannot install it. I know from this forum that others have been satisfied with an S-1. The price difference between the wheel pilot and a below-decks model is enormous and I am not sailing off-shore, only in the Chesapeake Bay. I would appreciate any recommendations about the X-5 or comments on the problem I face.
Elliott Milstein
Collaboration hull 1469
Elliott Milstein
Collaboration #1469
1995 C-36MkII
Port Annapolis Marina
Elliott:
This isn't a recommendation either way, but the S1 is on sale at Sailnet.com for 750$.
The link is here.
[url]http://shop.sailnet.com/product_info.php/products_id/70030[/url]
I have no experience with them but thought I'd pass this tidbit along.
Regards,
Eric Silva
Dear Eric
You did me an enormous favor. I was just about to buy an S-1 for nearly $1200. I have now ordered from Sailnet. Thank you very much.
Elliott Milstein
Collaboration #1469
1995 C-36MkII
Port Annapolis Marina
I just got done installing and setting up an X5 autopilot on a 1994 36' Mark II. The install was reasonable and the results have been outstanding. It tracks true and does not work hard keeping the boat on line. I have not been in heavy offshore weather but to be honest, when I am, the autopilot is not on anyway.
Mine also had a 4000 that died. I replaced all the wiring and used loom covering everywhere to prevent chaffing. Routing the wiring is very time consuming but with a little patience, it can be done with reasonable effort.
I have and very much recommend using fishtape to aid with pulling wires. I would use the tape, then pull safety wire back, then pull the autopilot wires with the safety wire.
I have photos of the install and also just got done installing air conditioning in my boat. To say the least, I am rather familiar with the location of just about everything. You can email me at [email]adjustrite@yahoo.com[/email] if you have any questions.
Stu Orr
Elliott:
Glad I can help, once you receive your autopilot, can you let me know what you thought of their service?
Thanks!
Eric
Gentlemen,
I too have a '94 MII with st4000 that has been working fine unless the waves pick up. A friend of mine just gave me the head for as st4000+. I have not look yet, but it looks like the existing wire should just plug in. Do you know what advantage the + gives over the older model?
Richard
CAT36 #1347
Eric
Sorry that I didn't see your earlier request that I let you know about service from Sailnet. They were perfect. The S-1 arrived within a week of my order. There was some issue that I don't recall when I ordered that required a phone call to them and they were perfectly pleasant and efficient. I would definitely buy from them again.
I had it installed for a cost of $950. The installation of the wheel unit turned out to be more difficult than the installer expected and, whereas the ST4000 had the engagement lever on the right, the new one now has it on the left and closer to the compass. I began the project of calibrating it this past weekend. I am looking for recommendations for the various settings from other C-36 owners. But, I really like the unit and it is clearer more accurate than the one it replaced and steers smoothly. It is interfaced with my Garmin GPS, unlike my earlier unit, and I like that feature very much.
Thank you again for your help.
Elliott
Elliott Milstein
Collaboration #1469
1995 C-36MkII
Port Annapolis Marina