Helm Question

[bocajim]

We have an Alerion 41, with a large diameter racing type wheel. Recently noticed that helm takes about 1.5 turns to starboard but only about .75 to port. Boat seems to turn fine either way and inspection of steering system reveals that the starboard mounted rod connected to the autopilot might be the limiting factor on the helm stop to port. But seems weird to have such a difference in the turns on the wheel. We have the boat on the hard now and the rudder seems to turn fully to each side. Can't figure it out. Any clues out there on this issue? Thanks.

[Phyrcooler]

Confirming that this asymmetrical wheel movement is still resulting in full rudder deflection both directions?

Beautiful boat btw.

[bocajim]

negative. Rudder does not complete full range of motion when turning wheel to starboard. (autopilot piston on the starboard side of steering quadrant, which seems to prevent the full rotation of the rudder when wheel input is hard to starboard, moving trailing edge of rudder to port). weird. Is it incorrect autopilot installation; or a 'live with it' feature of this particular set up. Boat turns fully in both directions; but most likely more slowly and not fully when put helm over hard to starboard.

[mlydon]

Incorrect installation. Definitely fix it

Matt

[wholybee]

It sounds like an incorrect AP installation. With the rudder centered, the actuator should be in it's center of motion. The Actuator should be 90 deg to the tiller arm. And the tiller arm should be the correct length such that the actuator doesn't hit it's limits in either direction.

Maybe it is as simple as the autopilot tiller arm having slipped on the ruder post. Or maybe the installer totally goofed the geometry.

[bocajim]

This is an Edson 336 quadrant steering system. the Autopilot motor is mounted on a bulkhead and the piston or tiller arm extends to to the quadrant on the starboard side. We will have it looked at. Hopefully just an adjustment to allow more travel of the system when turning to starboard. Thanks for guidance guys!

[smac999]

Originally Posted by bocajim

negative. Rudder does not complete full range of motion when turning wheel to starboard. (autopilot piston on the starboard side of steering quadrant, which seems to prevent the full rotation of the rudder when wheel input is hard to starboard, moving trailing edge of rudder to port). weird. Is it incorrect autopilot installation; or a 'live with it' feature of this particular set up. Boat turns fully in both directions; but most likely more slowly and not fully when put helm over hard to starboard.

I would not want the autopilot ram to be what stops the rudder. Probably a good way to break it. Sounds like it wasn’t installed centered or at correct angle. Or too far from the rudder post. (

[Searles]

Do not use the autohelm travel to be the rudder stops ,this will destroy the auto pilot drive quick smart ,especially if used in astern ,30to35 dgs pt and stbd more is just drag ,fit the stops to the quadrant not the cables or chains ,an easy job with the boat out of the water .⛵️⚓️

[bocajim]

just for clarity's sake: There is a rudder stop beyond the throw at which the tiller arm on the autopilot seems to stop the travel of the system. but yes, it also looks like the tiller arm is causing the asymmetrical wheel behavior and in turn (pun intended) the reduced turning radius to one side. So we are on it--and again thanks for helpful insights.

[deblen]

This link may help: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...-140087-2.html


https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...nt-140087.html

[bocajim]

Thanks deblen. This site never ceases to amaze me....so much info out there...