Rudder Behavior Under Power

[NW_Explorer]

I am wondering how hard should it be to steer the tiller on a full keel/rudder under power? With low throttle or Sail it moves freely and easy.

I have a Windjammer 34 which is basically a Westsail 32 in terms of the rudder configuration and a 18X11 Prop. Under power the tiller wants to move back and forth like maybe it is in prop wash. I am wanting to fit it with an autopilot using Py Pilot but am concerned something isn't quite right.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by NW_Explorer

...Under power the tiller wants to move back and forth like maybe it is in prop wash. ....

Err.... of course it is in the prop wash...

With a properly designed autopilot drive, there should be no electrical load needed to hold the rudder in one spot, so a bit of wobble back and forth will not be a problem.