AutoPilot Compass Board Replaced

[Hookmaster]

This season my AutoPilot would work for 30-40 minutes, then start wandering around or go in circles. I took it to Motor Clinic and they replaced the compass board. The guy asked if I stored mine inside during the winter. I said no. He said, you should because there is an oil/water mixture in them and yours froze and broke last winter. The motor is 2 years old so it is still under warranty, otherwise the part is $120. Kudos to Motor Clinic for fixing it in a little more than one day.

[Sandmannd]

That's good to know. Thank you.

[Hookmaster]

When I picked it up over lunch today, the guy said to store it inside and upright. This will keep the vial of the oil/water mixture level, just like it is when you are using it. The new boards are digital which he said would mean smoother turning and a little faster. You can't beat that.

[delcecchi]

when stowed on the boat it is laying down. I would hope Minnkota has good enough engineers that laying down and freezing isn't a concern. Why would they be so stupid as to put water in something for a boat in Minnesota?

And I don't recall anything in the Fine Manual which I read that says any such thing. Mine was stored in the cold for 10 years and worked fine until total death set in. We will see how the terova holds up, stored laying down in unheated area.

[Hookmaster]

My first AutoPilot was stored in the garage for 11 years laying down before I upgraded to my current one. I never had a problem with the compass board but I think it was a different design. I mentioned to the guy at Motor Clinic that I never saw anything in the manual and he said "Yeah, but Minn Kota knows about it now". I'll store it under my basement stairs.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I already have to much stuff in the house. I'll take my chances in the garage with mine.

It is connected to the house and stays warmer than a pole barn would.