Cetrex auto pilot 701?

[hcalmar]

We have a non-functioning Cetrex 701 on our 37C. I can not find any info on the web. Is it a throwaway? Company out of business ect? I note that some older boats like ours list them as equipment. Who repairs the head units?

What does the paperclip mean on a thread?

How do you plug in a web site url?

As always thanks
Hal

 

[hcalmar]

Nobody has heard of a Cetrex autopilot?

 

[MikeP]

CetreK is still in business and has a line of autopilots. Manuals for some of their old equipment can be found here: http://www.dockyardelectrics.com/Cetrek/Cetrekmanuals.htm

They are no more or less a throwaway than any other brand of electronic equipment. I had a 701 on my previous boat and it worked fine though I didn't care for its display and controls. At least it interfaced with GPS which my current autopilot, a 1980-ish Raytheon NECO, does not!

Good luck!

 

[Fanfare]

I started out in 1966 with a Bendix autopilot. I think Bendix may have become Cetrek-Benmar at some time. I had it for many years and it gave good service, although it required more and more TLC each year. I finally replaced it about 15 years ago with a Robertson. When it finally broke this year--reinforcing my 15 year replacement rule-- and couldn't be repaired because Robertson no longer supported it (now 2+ generations obsolete) I went with a Simrad AP25. Simrad is a successor to Robertson. I've only put 200 miles on the new one, but it seemed a bit better in a following sea than its predecesor. The old fluxgate compass has been replaced with a rate-fluxgate compass according to the manual. It now knows not only what direction we are going, but also how fast we are being turned and reacts proportionally. It was pretty near flawless, but then so was its predecessor. In a following sea I CAN steer better manually becuse I can predict the next wave, while the autopilot has to wait and react to the deviation. Most of the time I just let it do all the work. It does't get as tired as I do.

You will be pretty impressed with the newer technology of modern APs. I would do whatever is necessary if yours is easily repairable, but if it gets complicated, look into a new one. As part of the set I got a "free" digital compass and a rudder angle indicator, plus the ability to interface the GPS through the AP to steer a complete route to where ever I am going. [I never use this because I don't trust these gadgets that much, but the ability is there.]

 

[MikeP]

On the non-working AP, one thing you might check is all the electrical connections in ALL the component parts. I have had two non-working APs (including the Neco) that were returned to perfect operating condition by checking/tightening/treating ALL electrical connections. This included opening the case of each component of the system as well as all terminal blocks used for internal/external wiring connections. I loosened all terminal block screws by a couple turns, sprayed in some Corrosion X, and tightened them. On the Neco system, there were at least 100 to treat and tighten in various locations (both helms, the engine room, the guest stateroom (fluxgate compass), and the rudder area.) There were at least 10 screws that were "wobbly" loose and not making proper contact. Fully half of the screws were not tight enough to register any resistance to unscrewing! Give that a shot before condemning the unit

 

[Traveler 45C]

I loosened all terminal block screws by a couple turns, sprayed in some Corrosion X, and tightened them.

Good Call! It's also a good idea to wiggle the wires back and forth while they are still loosely attached. This is exactly what I have been doing to ALL of the systems on my boat. Every terminal block, every instrument connection (both helms, engine room), any screw that holds a wire gets inspected, cleaned and protected.

 

[Beckytek]

I have a Cetrek 727 auto pilot on my boat that works just fine. I have the manual. It is dated January 1988. They have listed as their distributor:
Cetrek Inc.
254 Church Street
Pembroke, MA 02359
ph 617-826-7497

You might try calling them for service and info. I can make a copy of the manual I have if you want, not sure if it is the same as yours but your welcome to it if needed. Ron

 

[SKYCHENEY]

As part of the set I got a "free" digital compass and a rudder angle indicator, plus the ability to interface the GPS through the AP to steer a complete route to where ever I am going. I never use this because I don't trust these gadgets that much, but the ability is there.

Jim,

We had the Bendix on our 43DC and now have the Robertson unit on our 53. I think it works quite well and it will talk to the GPS, but that is not important to me. I'm with you. I don't use my interface either. I would rather make sure that if a course is changed that I do it, not some computer.

If the Simrad is better than the old Robertson, then it must be pretty good because I love this old beast.

 

[hcalmar]

Thank you very much for the information. I'm surprised nothing came up when I googled the 701. I guess it is to old to have a manual on the dockside site.
Hal

 

[SeaEric]

Mike P, Good advice on the electrical suggestion. Last winter I did a re-do on my boat's entire 35 year old AC and DC electrical systems. Its quite amazing to note the previously non-functioning equipment and systems that came back up by cleaning up the wiring and connections. These old work boats sure are a lot of pleasure!

BTW, on ebay right now is advertised a good used (Robertson) Simrad AP 11. Same model as I have on my boat. Current bid is $459. for the complete system. Seller even offers a 90 day warranty. That seems like a good deal. It is ebay item #4621231198 May be worth a look.

 

[MikeP]

It looks pretty good but a caution re the listing...he says the AP11 is suitable for boats 60ft and larger. Simrad lists the AP11 as suitable for boats "up to 40ft."