Off-center helm position

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

John Richard

I recently noticed that my boat was pulling to starboard. The helm needed to be turned slightly to port to compensate. This is a new situation. I placed a wrapped line on the Edson wheel to show where the rudder's neutral position is supposed to be. But, now, my Autohelm 7000 has one hash mark to port when I'm steering straight. I was told that this might be a rudder problem, but I've never hit anything. Any suggestions? John Richard s/v Jack's Place
 
B

Bill Murray

check out....

if you have cable-quadrant steering mechanism, the wheel position can be effected by changing (tensioning) the steering cables.
 

Rick D

.
Jun 14, 2008
7,199
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Interesting Point Bill Makes

I find that my steering cables need some adjustment every two to three years. They do now... its been three years. In any event, its a good opportunity to inspect and lube them. See you at the rendezvous. Rick D.
 
B

Bryce Grefe

410 steering

The 410 has rack and pinion steering. I'd check the rudder reference indicator on the autopilot. I think its virtually impossible for the steering to have jumped a cog. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
 
J

John Richard

Follow-up and a solution

I got the manual for my autopilot. It described a part called the rotary rudder reference transducer. This is attached to the RayMarine transducer and rudder post. The book says that the two arms have to be parallel with each other. Mine weren't. I turned two sockets on each end to tighten enough to center the 7000 rudder readout. I greased what I could and put it back together. Looks like the boat is good to go. Thanks for your help. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
 
Status
Not open for further replies.