ST2000+ repair or replace

[Neil Gordon]

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?

[Bill Goldsmith]

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.

[Neil Gordon]

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?

[Maine_Buzzard]

JB Weld, man!

Nectar of the gods for broken plastic things. The compass mount is not a stressed part, Since you got it apart, I'll suggest that you should try fixing it yourself... Go for it- worst case, you sell it on eBay as is and get a new one.

[jbenagh]

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's garage -- let's give it a shot! About 10mi N.

Jeff

[Neil Gordon]

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's garage -- let's give it a shot! About 10mi N.

Jeff

That almost sounds like a plan.

[Ken Cave]

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

[Solmar]

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.

[satu]

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.

[Neil Gordon]

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.

[barfwinkle]

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