Big boat fix in Z-town, thanks to my new buddy Alan on "Beverly J." This is the level Raymarine shudders to think of - guys like me deep in the intricate workings of the autohelm. "The ST-4000 unit is not service-able in the field," says the manual. Well, get online and find a different manual, I say. Go ahead - pry it open with a flatblade. Have out the offending piece. And you bet let's re-manufacture it, using drill bits for pins, and be very gentle when you need to, and a bit rough when it's time. His Ocean Alexander trawler's got a perfect workbench setup, an inverter, and power tools. One of the most enjoyable mornings I have spent. And the feeling when you put the piece back right, and just for kicks turn the crazy thing on, and it goes right, and it goes left, and it goes straight? Well you can't get that feeling any other way.