Autopilot problems - Forums Archive

JYDPDX

2009-03-18 17:39:46

Anybody have one of these?

Furuno Navpilot511

http://www.furunousa.com/Furuno/Rooms/DisplayPages/LayoutInitial?Product=com.webridge.entity.Entity%5BOID%5B92FF7B1CB272B24EB64BD263506CC766%5D%5D&Container=com.webridge.entity.Entity%5BOID%5BD443B8A730C26B47BDDD041C20217034%5D%5D

or know how they compare to comnav?

I have a 1001 that has been giving me an ulcer. I have toiled arduously in attempt to get this thing working right for me. It just won't steer the boat for very long without veering off course. This is especially exasperating while fishing alone.

I've tried just about every possible rudder, ctr rudder and YAW adjustment configuration. If ever I stumble upon a combination that is effective, it is not long until I am veering off course again. The change course by degrees buttons are pretty much ineffective as well. When in pilot mode, whether using it to change course or just steer straight ahead, It either oversteers and never comes back to the original course or does not steer enough and loses it heading. I have performed the initial setup several times and have been all through the manual. I tried ironing our some of the play between my rudder and the steering ram to no avail. I'm kind of at a loss here and very tired of babysitting my autopilot while fishing alone. Wondering if anyone has gone through similar problems, has any suggestions for possible solutions or knows anything about Furuno auto pilots as an alternative.

Katlian

2009-03-19 04:46:04

I am having similar troubles with my comnav 2001. Mine wobbles on course and sometimes cannot keep it on course. I had the local(sitka) tech take it up to his work bench. They can run diagnostics on the bench and replace either of the main boards at most comnav dealers.

I have never hear of anyone happier than with a comnav. If mine it DOA, I will buy a replacement. Tuned properly I think they are the bees knees.

slr

Salty

2009-03-19 04:52:38

I think I had the second comnav in Sitka according to SEL at that time. Several boards and 20 or so years later it is still working fine. Sometimes the rudder angle indicator will go whacky and needs replacing. Seems like I go through about 1 a year on average. I have two now so just slap the second one in.

spike christopher

2009-03-19 06:27:29

I have the comnav 2001, while I was cruising along on a route with the 2001 working from my computer I made the mistake of hitting the U-turn button. I couldn't figure out what happend as it would slowly keep turning to the right. It would not go back into the route mode. I was able to find the solution in the direction book. I can't remember right now the correct way to fix it. I believe I had to put it in standard or standby, push and hold the u-button while pressing and holding down the starboard arrow for 2 seconds. that reconfigured the mother board and all was well. Of course this all took me hours to figure out but it can be done.

nemo

2009-03-19 08:18:33

First question is do you have the fluxgate compass? If so get rid of it. I spoke to a comnav rep. and he told me that the fluxgate compasses that comnav makes will not work in Alaska. I use the puck which sit on top of my boat compass works great.

steffco

2009-03-19 14:42:30

I had a similar problem with a Navico AP, it turned out to be the fluxgate compass.

Rick

richndebt

2009-03-20 06:27:10

The most obvious things can screw up the autopilot. Metal objects such as tools, flashlights, etc near the compass can cause erratic steering as well. Past experience.