ST2000+ repair or replace
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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ST2000+ repair or replace
My out-of-warranty Raymarine ST2000+ is dead. Not sure what happened to it over the winter, but there's serious rattling of parts going on inside. Seems like it would have taken a serious fall to do that sort of damage.
Raymarine has a $300 flat rate repair charge. Assuming they can fix it, I'll then have an out-of-warranty autopilot. (If they open it up and they can't fix it, I think I'm out $300.)
I can get a new ST2000+ for about twice the cost of repairing the old one.
Because I've already done the installation for the ST2000+, I'd need some compelling reason to change. Other than the part where the autopilot isn't working, I've had good experience with it. As I said, the damage seems to be from a fall.
Advice?
Raymarine has a $300 flat rate repair charge. Assuming they can fix it, I'll then have an out-of-warranty autopilot. (If they open it up and they can't fix it, I think I'm out $300.)
I can get a new ST2000+ for about twice the cost of repairing the old one.
Because I've already done the installation for the ST2000+, I'd need some compelling reason to change. Other than the part where the autopilot isn't working, I've had good experience with it. As I said, the damage seems to be from a fall.
Advice?
Fair winds, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
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Neil,
I would definitely stick with the ST2000+. I had one on my 27 and it's a great solution for that size boat.
I would buy a new one. Then spend the $300 to fix the old one. You could then put the old one on eBay with a $300 reserve, noting that it has a 90 day factory repair warranty, which would get the buyer a decent way through this season. Based on my experiences on eBay you might actually get your repair money back plus a decent amount more to defray the cost of the new one.
Or, you could keep the repaired unit as a spare.
Finally, you might ask around at good marine electronics shops to find a tech who might be willing to fix it for less than $300 (or at least might not charge for a quick look). It would not carry a factory repair warranty, so that might only be an option if you want to fix it and keep it as a spare.
I would definitely stick with the ST2000+. I had one on my 27 and it's a great solution for that size boat.
I would buy a new one. Then spend the $300 to fix the old one. You could then put the old one on eBay with a $300 reserve, noting that it has a 90 day factory repair warranty, which would get the buyer a decent way through this season. Based on my experiences on eBay you might actually get your repair money back plus a decent amount more to defray the cost of the new one.
Or, you could keep the repaired unit as a spare.
Finally, you might ask around at good marine electronics shops to find a tech who might be willing to fix it for less than $300 (or at least might not charge for a quick look). It would not carry a factory repair warranty, so that might only be an option if you want to fix it and keep it as a spare.
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I opened the case and found all intact except for a very small brass pin (about 1/2 inch), and a very small section of broken plastic the color of the case. All looks okay except that the fluxgate compass is lose. (Now I know what the pin and little piece of plastic used to do.
First will be to try finding a repair shop that can put things back where they go for $75 instead of $300. Any ideas?
First will be to try finding a repair shop that can put things back where they go for $75 instead of $300. Any ideas?
Fair winds, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
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- Location: Feet Dry, Olympia, WA
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- Posts: 4367
- Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 17:25
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Re: 10mi N
That almost sounds like a plan.jbenagh wrote:Jeff's garage -- let's give it a shot! About 10mi N.First will be to try finding a repair shop that can put things back where they go for $75 instead of $300. Any ideas?
Jeff
Fair winds, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
Raymarine Center
A few years ago, my ST 2000 started squealing instead of grunting
like a pig.
I sent it into their repair center (I think in New Hampshire) and they
not only installed a new motor, but other parts as well.
I even got it back in two weeks time!
Stick with their repair center. They are more than honest in their
repairs.
Ken Cave
CD 28 Dragon Tale
LaConner, WA
like a pig.
I sent it into their repair center (I think in New Hampshire) and they
not only installed a new motor, but other parts as well.
I even got it back in two weeks time!
Stick with their repair center. They are more than honest in their
repairs.
Ken Cave
CD 28 Dragon Tale
LaConner, WA
repair/replacement
Neil, repair center is located Merrimack NH, 603.881.5200 x2188. I was having a small problem with my old unit, I was able to bring it to the center and it was repaired while I waited. Just a thought.
Brian & Debbie
CDSOA #786
CDSOA #786
Raymarine Service Center Option
I dealt with Raymarine Repair Center last year this time. My ancient, but beloved Autohelm AH2000 actuator had fractured a bearing and was audibly crunching within. Raymarine told me that one of their techs might have some old Autohelm parts stashed outback. So I shipped the unit to them. Turns out they didn't, but sold me a reconditioned ST4000 actuator {functional equivalent} for $400 vs double that or more for new. I was thrilled to save money and be able to continue using my original AH2000 Fluxgate controller. I still have my old AH2000 tiller actuator, with a working drive motor if anyone needs a motor.
I did place calls to Raymarine at least twice to keep things moving. But overall was very satisfied with their service.
That being said, I routinely serviced my AH2000 actuator for 16 happy years, avoiding service by others at great expense. I went to the experts out of necessity. In the case of your ST2000, I'd consult locally first, but would need to feel confident it was repaired properly.
I did place calls to Raymarine at least twice to keep things moving. But overall was very satisfied with their service.
That being said, I routinely serviced my AH2000 actuator for 16 happy years, avoiding service by others at great expense. I went to the experts out of necessity. In the case of your ST2000, I'd consult locally first, but would need to feel confident it was repaired properly.
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- Location: s/v LIQUIDITY, CD28. We sail from Marina Bay on Boston Harbor. Try us on channel 9.
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All better!
Much thanks to Bly and Kevin Hartley. Following what Kevin described as a "pretty simple" repair, he reports that all seems to be working again and the unit is on its way back to me.
Fair winds, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA
CDSOA member #698
- barfwinkle
- Posts: 2169
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- Location: S/V Rhapsody CD25D
Loose Screws
Hi Neil
My 2000+ has some issues as well. Damn thing almost killed me sunday. I hope it just needs to be re-calibrated on flat water. Next opportunity I'll find out.
Sure would hate to have to repair/replace that puppy.
Fair winds
My 2000+ has some issues as well. Damn thing almost killed me sunday. I hope it just needs to be re-calibrated on flat water. Next opportunity I'll find out.
Sure would hate to have to repair/replace that puppy.
Fair winds
Bill Member #250.