Steering System Question

[Naughty Lottie]

Thought I would throw this out to the group....I am trying to identify and solve what I think is a problem with my steering system. Nauti has the original Hynaitic, with enlarged rudders. There is a powere assist system that is driven of the main engines. It seems to work very well light touch no feed back. The problem is that with the auto pilot engaged, the rudders "chatter" being moved by the system. At slow cruise this is not noticeable and she tracks like a lazer. At fast cruise she yaws back and forth. In hand steering there is no chatter. We have reduced the gains on the auto pilot, but no change.Any ideas on what system this is, and if there is an adjustment or tuning that needs to be done? So far I can't find any manuals.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Insofar as AP is concerned, you didn't mention brand. Have you tried adjusting rudder dampening value? Is your counter rudder value too high or low?

 

[Naughty Lottie]

Insofar as AP is concerned, you didn't mention brand. Have you tried adjusting rudder dampening value? Is your counter rudder value too high or low?

AP is a late 90' Simrad and pump. When I can I'll look at the pump and valve block.Thanks for your input!

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I won't be of any use to you, not familiar with that unit. Best of luck, though!

 

[Boatsb]

Is the rudder feedback indicator working?

 

[scottinsydney]

Robert, were u discussed Ng the Robertson autopilot? I have a similar boat to Nauti Lottie. In which case my autopilot seems overly sensitive adjusting and correcting every second or so. What adjustments would I make to reduce correction frequency and twitchyness please? What autopilot functions control this? CheersScott

 

[Naughty Lottie]

Is the rudder feedback indicator working?

Yes the Simrad feed back unit connected to the quadrant is giving good information as verified by visual observation.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Scott, I was referring to autohelm. Set too high, gain overdoes it. Rudder feedback, damping and counter rudder settings can all combine to make her twitch. Maybe back off and let her wander just a bit more would be worth a shot. Robert