How to Keep the Autohelm 6000 Alive for 23,000nm ?

[Camelot]

I am heading for a two-year circumnavigation starting in October next year. My Autohelm 6000 is a trusted friend and “slave” and I cannot imagine a situation where you are forced to manually steer the boat around the globe. The answer is simply to bring enough spear parts to be able to fix the problems that most probably will occur. One solution is to bring two autopilots, but I would primary avoid this. Do you have concrete experience of which parts commonly fails and therefore should be covered with spear parts?

Fair winds,
Gunnar

[FSmith]

My ah6000 is an electric driven worm gear ram. The gears failed a few years ago and got replacements from Raymarine. The ones that broke were plastic and the replacements were bronze. I would try to determine what you have and get spares if you have this set up. You may also want to call Raymaine and ask them what they suggest.

[speciald@ocens.]

On mine, the problem I have had with constant use is accumulation of graphite from the brushes in the reversible hydraulic pump which cause the pump to stop. Removiving and cleaning the brushes, blowing out the pump with compressed air (canned, from office supply store) fixes the problem. I carry a complete extra system minus the computer.

[cabo_sailor]

The only part that has gone bad on mine was the fluxgate compass. Otherwise on my full keel boat, the autopilot has had very little strain.

Rich

[barnakiel]

Get spares.

What breaks most is the rod/drive.

Some drives can be split open and brushes, worms, etc. replaced.

But a spare unit is often much faster way to replace things.

Then you open the broken one in a nice moment with a glass of rum in your hand - look inside and see what's broken.

See if your boat can be steered by a windvane. It is often the cheaper and trouble-less way to go.

b.

[capt_douglas]

I'd consider buying a complete spare unit including linear drive and control unit. The flux gate's quite reliable.
Don't overload the autopilot

Have a great sail.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by capt_douglas

I'd consider buying a complete spare unit including linear drive and control unit. The flux gate's quite reliable.
Don't overload the autopilot

Have a great sail.

Two fluxgates broke down on me. I would include a spare of this thing too - inexpensive and used not only by the pilot but also other by other instruments.

b.

[wolfenzee]

My theory is if a component or system whose function is vital to your safety could fail , then it is prudent to have a back up system that does not rely on any part of your electrical system (any part of your electrical system could fail as well as the electronics itself)....and if you have that component anyway..why bother to have the one that could conceivably fail.