[C320-list] ST4000+ Not Working

[Bob Wyllner via C320-list]

Hi Folks



My ST4000+ has stopped working. I get a 'No Data' error message and the
compass heading is stuck at 244. I followed Raymarine's instructions to
test the fluxgate compass and have determined it's the main unit. Only a
few used replacements on eBay with 'all sales final / no returns. Feels
pretty risky.



Any advice on other option or other units that are compatible?



Thanks



Bob (Hull 1039)

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Bob

You might be able to get it fixed. Look on the Raymarine forum's there’s a
guy that fixes these units and gets rave reviews.

Otherwise, if you have the Mk-II wheel pilot (grey plastic) then you can
buy just the EV-100 new and install that. Not a super cheap solution but
it’s actually a much better course computer. Add a rudder position
sensor if you want to use it while sailing in more than 10 kts.

Regards

Troy Dunn
Hull #514

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

Hi Bob:

At $1.3K, the Raymarine EV-100 wheelpilot is a good choice. Buy the whole package and save old parts as replacements.

In my opinion, the 4000+ is so old and outdated that it's not worth throwing money at it. I've used both, and the EV-100 is much better.

You'll get a variety of opinions here, with some saying you need hydraulic and a rudder sensor. In western Florida, sailing along the coast and the 250 miles to Key West, I've found the wheelpilot to be just fine, as long as you have decent sails that can be balanced easily.

In winds up to 20 knots, my EV-100 only moves a few inches in each direction as it adjusts course. That's not much strain. In stronger or very low winds, you often need to be at the wheel.

In rough conditions, you need to remember that the gears are hardened plastic and can break. My EV-100 also tore the bracket right off the pedestal in 6-8-foot seas and 25-knot winds in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico one time.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.


________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Bob Wyllner via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 8:10 PM
To: c320...@catalina320.com <c320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Bob Wyllner <bobwy...@comcast.net>
Subject: [C320-list] ST4000+ Not Working

[Melissa&Larry Leibman via C320-list]

When I had a problem with mine last year, on the suggestion of Allan Field I contacted Dan Gerhardt in Durango, CO and he was able fix my autopilot. c2...@mydurango.net. Very nice to work with.
LarryEasy Going, 609

[Michael Leschisin via C320-list]

I used Dan last spring when my ST4000 would only blink an error message. He charged $175 flat fee for fixing it, no charge if he couldn’t and about $14 return shipping either way.

It came back in one week, I reinstalled it and it worked without issue all of last season.

I’m not sure if I dreaded the price tag or the boat yoga, interface and pulling wires with the EV-100 but I’m sure that day will come.

Michael Leschisin
Wild Blue Yonder
#995
Menominee, MI

> On May 21, 2025, at 2:51 PM, Melissa&Larry Leibman via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> When I had a problem with mine last year, on the suggestion of Allan Field I contacted Dan Gerhardt in Durango, CO and he was able fix my autopilot. c2...@mydurango.net. Very nice to work with.
> LarryEasy Going, 609

[jackbrennan via C320-list]

That's a good price. I suppose it really depends on what you use the autopilot for. While the EV-100 is better, the 4000+ can fill the bill if all you require is light duty, taking the helm in decent weather and when you need to be doing something else. I'm afraid, though, of what the Trump tariffs will do to prices in the future.Jack BrennanSonas, 1998 Catalina 320Tierra Verde, Fl.Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Michael Leschisin via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> Date: 5/21/25 7:31 PM (GMT-05:00) To: C320...@catalina320.com Cc: Michael Leschisin <mlesc...@imagestudios.com> Subject: Re: [C320-list] ST4000+ Not Working I used Dan last spring when my ST4000 would only blink an error message.  He charged $175 flat fee for fixing it, no charge if he couldn’t and about $14 return shipping either way.  It came back in one week, I reinstalled it and it worked without issue all of last season.  I’m not sure if I dreaded the price tag or the boat yoga, interface and pulling wires with the EV-100 but I’m sure that day will come. Michael LeschisinWild Blue Yonder#995Menominee, MI> On May 21, 2025, at 2:51 PM, Melissa&Larry Leibman via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:> > When I had a problem with mine last year, on the suggestion of Allan Field I contacted Dan Gerhardt in Durango, CO and he was able fix my autopilot. c2...@mydurango.net. Very nice to work with.> LarryEasy Going, 609

[John Stetson via C320-list]

I am also having issues with the ST4000 holding a course and wonder if the
only solution is replacing it with the EV-100. Currently, the ST4000 can be
set, but will randomly turn hard to port, for no apparent reason. I have
recalibrated several times, changed the belt, confirmed that there are no
metal objects to conflict with the fluxgate, and checked connections. I
don't know what has failed, but it is now very unreliable and, in fact,
dangerous to use. Any other suggestions before I bite the bullet and
replace it? Thanks for the help.


John Stetson
jbstet...@gmail.com
802-343-5233 (C)

[Charles r Martin via C320-list]

I had the same problem and upgraded to the EV-100 to resolve it, but I
now think the problem might have been a failed electronic compass.

Best,

Chip Martin

S/V Bonaventure, Hull #767

(410) 231-0199

[1]chipr...@gmail.com

Sent from my iPhone

On May 22, 2025, at 11:54 AM, John Stetson via C320-list
<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

I am also having issues with the ST4000 holding a course and wonder if

References

1. mailto:chipr...@gmail.com