Rudder reference for raymarine

[p.hammar]

Hello all

I am
Installing a raymarine autopilot with a tiller drive (about which I have posted a recent question on wiring). Assuming I make it work, my new question is whether I need a rudder reference unit or not.
The gear I have:
Course comouter raymarine type 100
Fluxgate compass
Tiller drive (black cylindrical drive without clutch)
A 29 foot boat, fin keeled and light on the rudder

As you will guess I am not exactly sure what a rudder reference does, and whether it is vital, or just an extra help.

Kindly
Per

[p.hammar]

Oh, and I have a contol head Raymarine st6000+...

[Pete7]

Probably.

I did try something similar with an ST4000 set up but couldn't get the different components to work together in the shed never mind on the boat. So only thing for it was to sell the bits off and bit the bullet for a new EV100 system.

The value of old secondhand Raymarine items is just astonishing and covered 50% of the cost of new which being a generation later is much better.

If you are looking for something to be utterly reliable then perhaps consider a new system.

[redpointist]

We have the raymarine EV-100 wheel drive system, and we didnt get the rudder sensor. Its been working great for us.

[mikedefieslife]

I have the EV1 and ACU200 with P70s. I initially didn't use the rudder reference and the system worked but would weave a little side to side even when very well calibrated.

I do have the brand new Raymarine rudder sensor that came with the pilot but decided to use an old one from my cetrek system as it was easier to fit. Now the autopilot tracks immensely straight with minimum rudder movement and power.

[s/v Moondancer]

I recently sailed 1,500 blue water miles without the rudder sensor working but the sail plan had to be perfectly ballanced and a big wave hitting would require we reset the pilot.

Next 1,500 nm in bad weather the Raymarine autopilot worked perfectly with the new sensor fitted.

[Dave22q]

Rudder sensor can be very helpful if you have wheel drive especially going out after a few days. If you can see your tiller you do not need an indicator.

[Pirate007]

I have a Raymarine linear rudder feedback available that may be easier to install if your interested. Rfb units can make a significant improvement in steering performance.

[basssears]

Originally Posted by Pirate007

I have a Raymarine linear rudder feedback available that may be easier to install if your interested. Rfb units can make a significant improvement in steering performance.

Is this linear feedback something different from the standard transducer like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Raymarine-Rot.../dp/B000OTMZZA


If so, what is model #, and how does it differ?


-- Bass

[RichandHelen]

Our Raymarine rudder sensor does several nice things:

1) When the remote is out of battery charge it is our autopilot engage/disengage switch. This can also be done through the GPS screen, but it is fussier to use.
2) When you engage the autopilot (either on the head or with the remote) it indicates digitally the magnetic compass heading you have selected.
3) Might not matter with your tiller, but with a wheel it digitally shows you rudder deflection. Particularly handy when you are done for the day to center up the rudder.

[p.hammar]

Pirate007; thanks for the offer, but I live in Sweden...

I gather from the responses that I can install my autopilot system without one and it will work, then install one when I find one for a good price and it will then improve performance.
Thanks for all your input!
/Per

[landonshaw]

Interesting read, thanks. I just installed the rudder sensor after using the new evolution system on a 6 wk trip this past Christmas. The system worked well without the sensor, it will be nice to see the difference when I get out again for a smaller trip in a few weeks. We are on an academic schedule and summer is about here.

[Snore]

Reasons to install rudder sensor-

1-improves AP operation

2-when sailing under AP it allows you to check sail plan trim. If the boat needs 5-6 degrees of rudder to sail straight, your rig is not balanced.

3-helps in docking. We have all had dockings when things threaten to go UGLY. Having a rudder position indicator let’s you know EXACTLY what position the rudder is in.

Check eBay, you can usually find one there cheap.

[ilCigno]

The RM EVO100 works fine without a rudder sensor, but with the extra input from a rudder sensor it improves it's capabilities. Better stearing, less power consumption. The EVO200 and other (older) systems require a rudder sensor to be present.

[Pete7]

To those who are recommending fitting a rudder reference unit, do you have a EV100 on your boat? and have you tried it with and without a reference unit? What was the real difference in your experience?

Pete