I'm inthe process of installing a ST4000 wheel autopilot on my 1998 Hunter 280 - anyone have any experience with whether or not the optional rudder sensor is necessary? Any advice is appreciated!
Auto Pilot Installation Question
- Thread starter PhilD
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IMO: Not really
I've been using the ST4000 on my H33 for a few years now without the rudder indicator and I don't miss it. You can usually just look over the stern and see if your rudder is "straining". I once delivered and captained chartered a Jeanneau 50 which had the the 6000 model (as I recall) and it did have the indicator. There it was a good thing because of the size of the boat and less indication off the stern. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the added expense. Just my two cents
I've been using the ST4000 on my H33 for a few years now without the rudder indicator and I don't miss it. You can usually just look over the stern and see if your rudder is "straining". I once delivered and captained chartered a Jeanneau 50 which had the the 6000 model (as I recall) and it did have the indicator. There it was a good thing because of the size of the boat and less indication off the stern. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the added expense. Just my two cents
Make one?
I am not familiar with your Hunter. But there was a Photo Forum post wherein the owner installed a clear plexiglass cover over his rudder post, the place where you insert your emergency tiller. On top of the rudder post he installed a red arrow which clearly indicated the direction of the rudder. I plan to do the same on my H37C.
I am not familiar with your Hunter. But there was a Photo Forum post wherein the owner installed a clear plexiglass cover over his rudder post, the place where you insert your emergency tiller. On top of the rudder post he installed a red arrow which clearly indicated the direction of the rudder. I plan to do the same on my H37C.
Sensor or Indicator????
If you are talking about the rudder position sensor, it is now included in the ST4000 package. I installed an older ST4000 on my 280 and I believe the rudder position sensor would have made a HUGE difference in performance. The autopilot worked itself to death. It would zig-zag and meander and generally do everything it could to run down the batteries. I wouldn't even consider installing one again without the rudder position sensor. I have the newer ST4000 on my H33 and it works flawlessly. Of course it has the rudder position sensor. The indicator on the instrument head is a nice bonus, especially when I am backing into the slip.
If you are talking about the rudder position sensor, it is now included in the ST4000 package. I installed an older ST4000 on my 280 and I believe the rudder position sensor would have made a HUGE difference in performance. The autopilot worked itself to death. It would zig-zag and meander and generally do everything it could to run down the batteries. I wouldn't even consider installing one again without the rudder position sensor. I have the newer ST4000 on my H33 and it works flawlessly. Of course it has the rudder position sensor. The indicator on the instrument head is a nice bonus, especially when I am backing into the slip.
Setting up the ST4000 for your boat is ...
also very important....there are various settings (read your manual)that are software configurable that make a tremendous difference as to how well the autopilot works under different conditions...you may be able to find someone that can give you a starting point of settings for your boat, or you can just start with the defaults, but you will probably be able to make it work better, rudder position indicator or not, with the correct settings. My H33 wandered all over until I got the correct gain and sensitivity setting combination...now the only thing it does not handle well is DDW, but most autopilots don't do well then anyway...this may be obvious to some, but it should always be tried first before using more costly solutions, IMHO.
also very important....there are various settings (read your manual)that are software configurable that make a tremendous difference as to how well the autopilot works under different conditions...you may be able to find someone that can give you a starting point of settings for your boat, or you can just start with the defaults, but you will probably be able to make it work better, rudder position indicator or not, with the correct settings. My H33 wandered all over until I got the correct gain and sensitivity setting combination...now the only thing it does not handle well is DDW, but most autopilots don't do well then anyway...this may be obvious to some, but it should always be tried first before using more costly solutions, IMHO.
On Hunter 28.5
I put one on a Hunter 28.5. I had a lot of problems with it until I called Technical Support. They gave me some settings to try and they worked. I've been happy with it. I don't have wind or rudder position but I do have it linked to my gps so it follows the gps course.
I put one on a Hunter 28.5. I had a lot of problems with it until I called Technical Support. They gave me some settings to try and they worked. I've been happy with it. I don't have wind or rudder position but I do have it linked to my gps so it follows the gps course.
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