Help on fitting a Raymarine AutoHelm ST2000

[zebedee]

As I understand it, the ST1000 and ST2000 are identical except for the external markings, the message "ST1000" on startup and the plastic gears in the ST1000 versus metal in the ST2000.

Edit:
I was wrong...
From the owners manual:
Drive unit thrust torque:
ST1000 Plus: 57 kg (125 lb)
ST2000 Plus: 77 kg (170 lb)
Maximum boat displacement:
ST1000 Plus: 3 000 kg (6 600 lb)
ST2000 Plus: 4 500 kg (10 000 lb)
Drive mechanism:
ST1000 Plus: lead-screw and nut drive
ST2000 Plus: re-circulating ball drive
Helm speed (lock to lock):
ST1000 Plus: 8 seconds
ST2000 Plus: 4.5 seconds

The better drive mechanism of the 2000 presumably allows both faster operation and higher forces

I've got an ST1000 set up to the specified geometry in my current boat, a Dennis TS500. The total tiller travel doesn't look like much, but it works well. It might cope a bit better with a following sea if the mounting on the tiller were closer to the pivot axis, giving it faster/more response.

You'll find it revolutionises sailing solo. Even on the humble Dennis it has been a very worthwhile investment.

Graham in Melbourne

[TheMonk]

Yes, I got the ST 2000 from West Marine in the US for less than the ST 1000
would have cost me here, including delivery. I was unaware of all the stats but new the ST2000 was a bit quicker in coming-about.

Zeb, the I563 really are a great little boat. As far a launching/retrieving go they're really straight forward. On putting her in from a concrete ramp, I get the wheels in the water where the level is about 3 inches below the hubs, disengage the tilt, loosen of the winch line and she almost flys off the trailer! On bringing her in I reverse the above procedure. Dead set easy, you have to use the tilt though, that's the trick. I also fitted a 'Retreive-A-Mate', just makes it all so straight forward, even when your out single handed.
John

[Mark]

Question to Ian B re mounting: Can the ST2000 be completely removed from the cowling or is it permanent?

thanks Mark

[Yara50]

Mark,
The Raymarine mounting is a simple pin in a bronze socket. So yes, you just lift it out. If the boat is knocked down more than 90 degrees, it could fall out. However, if it is in action, the cable is screwed into the plug which is supplied by the manufacturer, so it might dangle by its cable. If it is in the parked position, the clips might hold it. Never had the Investigator 563 knocked to 90 degrees, and I would think it highly unlikely it would go further unless you were offshore in really stormy seas.

[Mark]

Thanks Ian, a I am considering purchasing one of these do you think the ST2000 is more suitable than the 1000 model?

Mark

[Yara50]

The 1000 model is perfectly good enough, however, if you can get the 2000 for not much more, it is a heavier duty unit which will probably last longer if used extensively.

[Mark]

My final Q relates to those extra pins you bought, I don't see them on Whitworth's or Bias and wondered about availability - Once I sort this I can purchase.

Best

Mark

[Yara50]

Raymarine have their warehouse in Belrose, a suburb a few km from where I live, so I was able to buy the extension pieces for the ram directly from them.

[Mark]

I have purchased one if these along with 2x 100mm rod extensions, however i find the ditance between mounting on cowling as Ian has done and wher till pin is located on tiller is short by about 100 mm i am confused why the difference, Raymarine have suggested i use a catilever assemby to overcome this as you can only use up to 2 rod extensions

Comments welcome

Mark

[Yara50]

Have you extended the ram from its retracted position? When it is plugged in you need to press the + button a few times to extend the arm, then drop it onto the tiller pin.