ranger 21ec stiff steering

[sandj]

I have a 2010 Ranger 21ec. I find the steering to be very heavy. The boat steers fine on autohelm, but when steering manually it is almost like trying to steer a car without the power assist working. Especially at low speeds and manouvering in close quarters this is difficult. Is this normal? I come from a sailing background and am used to the finger light touch of sailboat wheels.
Sandj

 

[Ard]

I believe the Port Nut had the same problem. Here's a link to his blog where he goes into some detail. http://portnut.weebly.com/upgradesrepairs.html

 

[SGIDAVE]

I have a 2010 Ranger 21ec. I find the steering to be very heavy. The boat steers fine on autohelm, but when steering manually it is almost like trying to steer a car without the power assist working. Especially at low speeds and manouvering in close quarters this is difficult. Is this normal? I come from a sailing background and am used to the finger light touch of sailboat wheels.
Sandj

Hello Sandj,

You mention auto helm. Do you by chance have a Raymarine Sportpilot drive? If so, it is possible the clutch mechanism inside the Sportpilot has failed. This happened to me on a previous boat and manifests as difficulty turning the wheel.

Otherwise Ard has a good tip

/david

 

[Dave and Genny]

Can you get your hands on Raymarine Technical Update Issue Number TU 458 September 3, 2011 for SPX5-R SPORT DRIVE product code #R12221, #E12220 and #E12222. Our autopilot was recalled in this Technical Update. Our local Raymarine dealer replaced it free of charge even though it was after the date of expiration of the recall. I looked online just now and couldn't find it. I have a PDF of the Update. PM your email address if you want the PDF file.
Dave and Genny Sterenberg

 

[Andrew Custis]

Thank you for the note. If you do have the sport pilot, we currently have a new boat that was sold experiencing the same issues and it was caused by the auto helm. I believe they have a quick disconnect and you can disconnect the system if it remains the same. If it does, I would check the steering lines front to back to ensure none of them are pinched and have a good straight run.

Let me know if we can assist.

Andrew Custis

 

[Lil Chug]

I also had Raymarine Sport Pilot on Lil Chug . I removed the drive unit ,now the boat handles like a charm ! I was told by a reliable source that the drive unit was trouble after a year or so of use . My unit was the SmartPilot X-5 . I was also told to call Arrow Marine Service(708-756-7847)to replace the unit .When you call ask for Archie, and ask about the Octopus unit . I have not done this yet but am glad I removed the drive unit, the difference is amazing .

 

[sandj]

Thanks everyone who got back to me on the issue of stiff steering. I took the boat to the repair guys and the tech confirmed that the autohelm is the problem. I am having the unit removed and will see what can be done about repair or replacement. Has anyone had success with any other type of autohelm on an EC21?
Sandj

 

[SGIDAVE]

Thanks everyone who got back to me on the issue of stiff steering. I took the boat to the repair guys and the tech confirmed that the autohelm is the problem. I am having the unit removed and will see what can be done about repair or replacement. Has anyone had success with any other type of autohelm on an EC21?
Sandj

Hello Sandj,

On a previous boat I sent the Sportpilot (or "autohelm") back to Raymarine and they repaired it. Fairly easy. Mine was within the 3 year warranty at the time.

On our 21EC's with cable-type steering the AP choices are limited. If you installed a hydraulic steering kit then NUMEROUS APs become possible.

I wouldn't want to be without my AP!

/david