When I bought my 1978 Ericson 36C late last year, the seller said he 'never used' the autohelm and didn't know how well it worked. Well, it doesn't. While the rudder control does respond to the +/-1 and +/-10 change buttons, the compass heading never changes and it won't hold a course. The little bit of research I've done so far indicates the 5000 was not a very reliable unit when it was new, and I have not been able to find much in the way of replacement parts. I'm assuming the whole system must be replaced. Can anyone provide any thoughts or recommendations on how to go about sizing and evaluating a replacement? I have a stern-mounted wheel connected to a large transom-mounted rudder. The current drive unit is a motor with a gear/chain connection to the wheel shaft.
Thanks,
Joe