Navico (Simrad) WP 300 CX drive belt replacement

f8crusader1 · #1 09-21-2009

I need to change the drive belt on the wheelpilot (Navico WP 300 CX) on my 1978 Pearson 35. Not having done so since purchasing the boat in 2002, I am in need of some instructions on how to accomplish this. I tried a manual download from Simrad-Yachting but the only manuals they had were for installation and operation. Does anyone out there have such a maintenance manual on this model that they would be willing to share or else be willing to provide some 'simple' directions to accomplish this task? Thanks.
"f8crusader1"

RichardElliott · #2 09-21-2009

The belt is easily accessed by removing a few screws from the plastic weather cover. However, I wanted to replace mine under warranty and Simrad said that the belt must be installed by a factory technician. Hence, I bought the belt and installed it myself rather than having to remove the entire unit and send it to the factory. My belt failed underway during a long cruise. I had some strong (80lb.) fishing line so I sewed it back together. As an aside, you can extend the life of the belt immeasurably if you swith the unit to Standby when one of those God Awful Bayliners goes by.

f8crusader1 · #3 09-21-2009

Richard, thanks for the reply. I tried to remove the five or so screws from behind the motor only to find that they were apparantly not regular cross point headed screws. I assume that this is the appropriate access to the belt. What is the screw head configuration so that I don't further degrade the heads and end up having to drill them out. Are they perhaps, torque headed?
f8crusader1 (Paul Zahn)

RichardElliott · #4 09-30-2009

I don't believe you need to touch the motor mount. Remove the circular plastic cover which will expose the belt.