auto pilot support on oc 40

[Penny Blackmore]

Crossing Biscay With A Following Sea And 20kt Wind, We heard Graunching Sounds From The Auto Pilot, And Saw That There Was some Movement Where It Was Supported On A Wooden Platfrom, Because It's,  Wooden Tightening The Bolts Squeezed The Wood, We Have Put In Two More Bolts But Are Still A Bit Nervous About Its Strength, Any one Any Thoughts Or Similar Experience

[Jeff Shukis]

Where did you add the two new bolts? Perhaps your mounting was missing a few that should have been there?

[Penny Blackmore]

Hi jeff
There are 4 in total , ! we added 2 more and tightened them all but are concerned at The Inherent Flexibility Of Wooden Mounts and Wondered If A Metal Reinforcing Plate Would Be a Useful Addition

[John Whitehead]

How old is your B40?  Reason for my question is that Beneteau made a post-production modification in about 2008 when the steering gear was beefed-up.  If your yacht was built before about mid-2008, it would be worth checking that the modification was made to your yacht because if not, that might have been a contributory factor in the problem you experienced.

John