I would like to install an auto pilot on our 1980 Catalina, but I have what seems to be an excessive amount of play in the wheel. I've tighten the cables some, but it's still noticeable with the clunk we feel when the rutter swings from side to side. Is it normal to have some play in the wheel? If so how much? Will this affect the auto pilot? Thanks Greg
Auto pilot and play in wheel
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Its a bit more compicated, but i beleive you can set up an autopilot underdeck and it drives the quadrant directy by its own little tiller- both avoiding the slop in your wheel, and preventing it from getting worse/breaking when the pilot is steering.
Its a bit more compicated, but i beleive you can set up an autopilot underdeck and it drives the quadrant directy by its own little tiller- both avoiding the slop in your wheel, and preventing it from getting worse/breaking when the pilot is steering.
autopilot should be your secondary concern
Before thinking about installation of an AP, you might want to find out what the problem is with the steering. Slop in the chain drive is not a big deal and easily fixed but installing an AP with a loose rudder bearing isn't going to turn out too well if that is the source of the problem and it sounds ("clunk") like it is.
Before thinking about installation of an AP, you might want to find out what the problem is with the steering. Slop in the chain drive is not a big deal and easily fixed but installing an AP with a loose rudder bearing isn't going to turn out too well if that is the source of the problem and it sounds ("clunk") like it is.
Rudder play
On my '81 C-30 I found the rudder play came from the large wheel that is attached to the rudder shaft. I dont have time to look up the name of that wheel but the cables attach to it. It has two bolts that you can tighten down. See if that works, it did for me. IF it is a worn rudder post tube here is a link for a fix. By all means track down the cause of the play, it will only get worse. for our boat a wheel mount unit is the best way to go. I have the simrod and I am happy with it but I don't ask too much of it, I havn't heard of anyone that could get it to tack right.
On my '81 C-30 I found the rudder play came from the large wheel that is attached to the rudder shaft. I dont have time to look up the name of that wheel but the cables attach to it. It has two bolts that you can tighten down. See if that works, it did for me. IF it is a worn rudder post tube here is a link for a fix. By all means track down the cause of the play, it will only get worse. for our boat a wheel mount unit is the best way to go. I have the simrod and I am happy with it but I don't ask too much of it, I havn't heard of anyone that could get it to tack right.
Clunking? *yks
The time I reported "clunking" to my yard manager, the investigation found that I needed to replace the rudder bearing! Fixed now and all is OK with the A/H.
The time I reported "clunking" to my yard manager, the investigation found that I needed to replace the rudder bearing! Fixed now and all is OK with the A/H.
I had clunking too ...
Legend 35 with Raymarine wheel pilot. The "clunking" would only occur once an a while and it appears that it was only you actually changed the loaded direction of the wheel. It was most noticable using the autopilot, but the same clunk could be made to occur if you manually forced the wheel from side to side in short jerky motions (similar to what the AP does). Anyway .... rebuilding the Edson pedestal bearings (using the Edson kit) and greasing the system appears to have solved the problem for me. I believe that the roller chain and gear were completely lacking in lubrication, and not seating to each other that well. Add to that some bearing wear, and the system then clunked quite readily. It's also important to ensure that your wheel nut is tight. Obviously, as noted below, there are many other potential "clunk" sources, - Rudder blade loose on shaft, rudder bearing worn, radial drive wheel loose on shaft, loose cables, loose idlers, loose sprocket on wheel shaft, worn wheel shaft bearing, loose wheel on shaft, etc. For those with older boats, I can't recommend enough how much of a difference a tune up to your stearing can make. Before, the cable tension was too high due to PO), there was no lubrication anywhere, and components were worn. After replacing cables, bearings, cleaning, greasing, oiling the cables, etc. The system now steers as smooth as silk, requiring much less force. Chris
Legend 35 with Raymarine wheel pilot. The "clunking" would only occur once an a while and it appears that it was only you actually changed the loaded direction of the wheel. It was most noticable using the autopilot, but the same clunk could be made to occur if you manually forced the wheel from side to side in short jerky motions (similar to what the AP does). Anyway .... rebuilding the Edson pedestal bearings (using the Edson kit) and greasing the system appears to have solved the problem for me. I believe that the roller chain and gear were completely lacking in lubrication, and not seating to each other that well. Add to that some bearing wear, and the system then clunked quite readily. It's also important to ensure that your wheel nut is tight. Obviously, as noted below, there are many other potential "clunk" sources, - Rudder blade loose on shaft, rudder bearing worn, radial drive wheel loose on shaft, loose cables, loose idlers, loose sprocket on wheel shaft, worn wheel shaft bearing, loose wheel on shaft, etc. For those with older boats, I can't recommend enough how much of a difference a tune up to your stearing can make. Before, the cable tension was too high due to PO), there was no lubrication anywhere, and components were worn. After replacing cables, bearings, cleaning, greasing, oiling the cables, etc. The system now steers as smooth as silk, requiring much less force. Chris
Raymarine S30
Hi .. I just bought the Raymarine S1 for my '86 Catalina 30. It's still in the box, because I'm not sure if the rudder positioning portion of the instal works with this type of steering system. It seems the diagrams in the instructions indicate I should be looking for a different mechanism to tie this thing into. Anyone know anything about this? Thanks.
Hi .. I just bought the Raymarine S1 for my '86 Catalina 30. It's still in the box, because I'm not sure if the rudder positioning portion of the instal works with this type of steering system. It seems the diagrams in the instructions indicate I should be looking for a different mechanism to tie this thing into. Anyone know anything about this? Thanks.
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