I am a new owner to a Cat 30. The course reading on the auto helm bounces all over the place. When I engage the autohelm on the wheel it turns the boat to the course it reads. It's an expensive system to replace so is it possible to troubleshoot the compass input or just replace one component vice the whole thing?
Auto Helm Not Tracking
- Thread starter Storm Brewer
- Start date
- Status
Rudder Gain setting is probably off....
Match the rudder gain (how fast the rudder responds to an off course attitude) to the precision of the track/course you want. On Raymarine control heads its 'usually' found by simultaneously pressing the +1 and -1 buttons. Default rudder gain everytime you turn on the autopilot should be a 6 which is 'normal' for a well balanced sailboat .... if you need more gain, simply turn it up. Consult your owners manual. Of course, setting/shaping the sails so that the boat will essentially sail itself in a straight line before engaging the autopilot, will make it easier and the auto pilot wont have to do much work/correction.
Match the rudder gain (how fast the rudder responds to an off course attitude) to the precision of the track/course you want. On Raymarine control heads its 'usually' found by simultaneously pressing the +1 and -1 buttons. Default rudder gain everytime you turn on the autopilot should be a 6 which is 'normal' for a well balanced sailboat .... if you need more gain, simply turn it up. Consult your owners manual. Of course, setting/shaping the sails so that the boat will essentially sail itself in a straight line before engaging the autopilot, will make it easier and the auto pilot wont have to do much work/correction.
Calibrate
Hi, Sounds like the flux gate compass needs to be calibrated. That's done per the manual and involves slowing running the boat in a circle or two. You will need the instructions since different mfgs use different setups. Good luck.
Hi, Sounds like the flux gate compass needs to be calibrated. That's done per the manual and involves slowing running the boat in a circle or two. You will need the instructions since different mfgs use different setups. Good luck.
agree with Bob
if the course readout is bouncing around then the fluxgate compass is not sending a correct signal. Check for a big iron piece near the compass unit. It can be a small piece if it is close to the unit also.
if the course readout is bouncing around then the fluxgate compass is not sending a correct signal. Check for a big iron piece near the compass unit. It can be a small piece if it is close to the unit also.
Motoring or Sailing
Are you motoring or sailing? I recently had problems tracking while motoring with my ST4000+. I lowered the rpms by 500/1000 and the boat tracked perfectly. There is a lot of pressure on the rudder if you are motoring at hull speed.
Are you motoring or sailing? I recently had problems tracking while motoring with my ST4000+. I lowered the rpms by 500/1000 and the boat tracked perfectly. There is a lot of pressure on the rudder if you are motoring at hull speed.
- Status