Carver Owners Forum

I measured the number of turns the steering wheel turns and position the wheel at midpoint. The rudder position gauge reads off to the starboard at 2 o'clock. The autopilot's rudder position is just off 12 o'clock, almost perfect to the steering wheel position. Can someone tell me how to calibrate the gauge?

There was a turnbuckle at the sender connected to the rudder arm.
Center the rudder then center the sender.

Maybe yours is the same.

You don't calibrate the gauge, you adjust the position of the sender relative to the rudder's position by adjusting the length of the sender's connecting rod with the turnbuckle. You'll likely have two rudder position senders at the rudders; one for the gauge and one for the autopilot. The autopilot one should be stamped with the same brand as the autopilot. Start off as Fred describes above, then make subtle changes until the needle is centered. Having someone at the helm while you make the adjustments makes this job a lot easier. You must ensure the rudders are actually in the center position before you start this. You can tell by the position or the connecting arms. Providing all the hardware; gauge, sender and wiring are okay, you should get a true reading once it's set up properly.

Boy, I wish my Carver came with a rudder gauge. The Chris Craft I almost bought before I found the Carver did have a rudder gauge.

It's a pretty easy install Rick or get one of these. Not quite the same but a lot easier install.
https://www.amazon.com/Davis-385-Rudder-Position-Indicator/dp/B005GT6EZ0

Viper wrote:Source of the post It's a pretty easy install Rick or get one of these. Not quite the same but a lot easier install.
https://www.amazon.com/Davis-385-Rudder-Position-Indicator/dp/B005GT6EZ0

I had one like that and replaced it only to have it also go bad. Not exactly the best thing out there IMHO.

I replaced mine last year simply for aesthetic purposes with this unit. They are rather cheap as can be seen here. They come in black or white and are suitable for 12 or 24v systems. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KUS-Boat-Rudder ... cc&vxp=mtr

Rick, I recall you had installed some new electronics or a plotter. Depending on what you got, you may be able to tie a rudder position sensor to it and get a reading on the display.

Rick, my '82 has the gauge in both the lower and upper helm. My owner's manual mentions them a few times as well so I figured it a standard option? I'm surprised yours doesn't.

Thanks all for the instructions. I plan to do the job next week.

Rudder position adjustment went as Viper described. Had to adjust the position of the sensor's connection rod by loosening the set screw and repositioning it on the stud. This allowed the turnbuckle to be repositioned for more thread for adjustment. Rudder meter reading true position now.