Auto Pilot Steering Issue

PEN · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 4:00 pm Post subject: Auto Pilot Steering Issue

Ray Marine smart pilot xr-5.
Hi Folks.. My yatch: Caprice: Cruiser 22'. 1986 vintage. but.. New Honda bf90.
Here is the situation: since I purchased the boat three years ago. the steering wheel
has always be very very difficult to turn. thought the issue was the honda.
yet, now the the new honda, the steering is still very hard. Remove the smart pilot unit from the steering wheel.. now.. ez steering.
Has any body had/has similar issues? Many thanks and Happy Summer Boating ! Paul Nelson, New Orleans, LA

thataway · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 10:38 pm Post subject:

The Wheel pilot Ray Marine Xr 5 has a small motor and a ring gear driven by a gear train to turn the helm. There is supposed to be a "clutch" which totally dis-engages the gear train. My suspicion is that this clutch is defective, and there is either some or all of the gear train which is moving as you turn the wheel. You probably will have to get a diagram from Ray Marine to see how this is exactly is assembled. It may just need some lubrication--there is probably a solenoid which engages the clutch, which may be defective...

PEN · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:02 am Post subject:

Hi Bob.. many thanks for these thoughts as well as your E mail.
Today will try for RayMarine diagrams.. Paul ..
ps. the local raymarine dealer was no help yet.. but they are trying also
to get some diagrams. pen