Navico wheel pilot

[dvpamenter]

I have an opportunity to acquire a never used Navico wp 4000. Anyone with knowledge of this model and if yes, good or bad?
Don

[wildcard]

Without going to the boat, I think that is the one I have. Works good but the motor is right there at the helm so it makes a little noise.

[tdw]

Raven came with a WP5000 auto pilot and I'm looking for a likely spot to drop the bloody thing overboard. It's noisy and easily overcome in even medium weather. OK for harbour/bay or calm coasting under power but that's about all. I don't know the WP4000 but presume it's a model below or before mine. If that is correct Navico do not support it in any way whatsoever anymore. The 5000 works by a serrated belt running from the wheel hub to the motor. While it has a clutch that can be disengaged for manual steering the belt never quite fully disengages and as a result you wear away the belt and it will then constantly slip. The only way to completely disengage is to pull the pin on the main motor drive and remove the belt. A complete pain in the arse.

One very strong point to make about auto pilots is that the technology has improved beyond measure in the last few years. If I were you I'd go out and buy myself something that is either new or no more than a few years old.

[dvpamenter]

Sounds like it may be a pass by.
Thanks

[mikeronie]

I had one on my old Ericson 32-2. It worked well for the 5 years I owned the the boat after installation. It would hold the boat on course while under sail or power. I also had it interfaced with the GPS. Just don't transmit on a HT at the helm.
Mike