Cruising Forums

redbopeep · 01-24-2009, 12:03 AM

All, Our boat came with a Wood Freeman autopilot. Though we're not committed to using it in its entirety rather than replacing it with another autopilot, we realize that we're short a few things

. Most importantly, the Rudder Encoder; less important--the remote control. If you have one or know of someone with one, please send me a PM via this board regarding it. Most times these heavy-duty autopilots are found on fishing boats not yachts...so if any of you fishermen have upgraded to a newer system?

Thanks!

MMNETSEA · 01-24-2009, 11:37 AM

Hi Brenda,

Will this link help CLICK

Richard

redbopeep · 01-30-2009, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMNETSEA

Hi Brenda,

Will this link help CLICK

Richard

Thanks for the link Richard. Actually, I've already been in touch with Michael, there. He's very helpful--the grandson of the founder, Wood Freeman. There is a company in Texas that makes and sells all the parts for three generations of the Wood Freeman autopilots as well as the mechanical parts for the final model, the 500. That latest model, a non-hunting version with a solid state control, is supported directly by Wood Freeman still with some parts being made, others rebuilt from older units.

Since making this post, I've tracked down someone who removed a WF from his boat and may still have the rudder encoder in his storage unit--he'll be checking shortly. Also, Michael at Wood Freeman is going through my list of "needed things" to get what I need onto the boat. After spending a little time on the phone with him, I'm impressed with his knowledge and the support he can offer boaters who own a Wood Freeman autopilot.

Thanks again,

Brenda

rickeng · 06-15-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbopeep

All, Our boat came with a Wood Freeman autopilot. Though we're not committed to using it in its entirety rather than replacing it with another autopilot, we realize that we're short a few things

. Most importantly, the Rudder Encoder; less important--the remote control. If you have one or know of someone with one, please send me a PM via this board regarding it. Most times these heavy-duty autopilots are found on fishing boats not yachts...so if any of you fishermen have upgraded to a newer system?

Thanks!

Have WEATHER COMPENSATOR WOOD FREEMAN PILOT 5040 NON-HUNTING; THE BRASS WISHBONE HOLDING THE COMPASS READS 5024B. BLUE ANODISED COVER STATES AUTOMATIC PILOT/ COMPASS UNIT/ METAL MARINE PILOT INC./ TACOMA, WASHINGTON. ALSO HAVE ITS CONTROL BOX BUT NO REMOTE. IT CAME OFF ONE OF MY LATE FATHER'S CRAY-FISHING (ROCK LOBSTER) BOATS THE 'TURA' WHEN IT WAS CONVERTED INTO ONE OF MY YOUNGEST BROTHER'S CHARTER BOATS THAT CURRENTLY OPERATE FROM GLADSTONE, QUEENSLAND. MY LOCATION IS TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA. ANY OFFER? IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT?

REGARDS, SUSIE