Dunedinite said..
Ben405
We have a Coarse Master 450 Auto Pilot on our yacht. Bruce Roberts Steel 38 (16 tonnes)
It has been fantastic for the previous two years (10,000nM) and I heard no complaints from the previous 2 owners who must have racked up over 30,000nM with it. We use it every where and all the time.
Just a simple system but reliable. You could still adjust for roll, etc on it.
Then 6 months ago it started hating been set between 48 degrees & 67 degrees. I know this because we were trying to go at 52 degrees for 200nM!! Keep tripping out. Other courses were normal. Anyway thought I better look at seeing what could be done.
Contacted Coarse Master and they said the 450 model is 20 years old!! How good it that. Talk about value for money. 20 years!
A cheekily asked it there were any spare parts!
Alas, no, but the latest model upgrade for me, which means I can still use the hydraulics etc and just replace the gyro compass & control unit would only be $3k. That's a lot of cash at once for a liveaboard but if it lasts anything like the last one...bargain.
I shall be getting it in a few months.
To sum up, very happy with Coarse Master gear.
Have you tried a compass swing and a recalibration? I personally prefer TMQ 4's. Would expect 20 years out of them easily. TMQ also provide good service and a readily supply of parts and upgrades, rudder feedback and compass units etc. This port all the fishing vessels have TMQ. Mate did have a Coursemaster which gave him grief. He has passed and his boat sold on.
On my yacht I use a windvane exclusively. Have an autopilot that stays in my sail room!
