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Rudder Position Indicator

Anything related to the operation of your boat. Steering, Bilge Pumps, thru-hulls, bottom paint, etc.
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Topic author United States of America
Low Flyer
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Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Low Flyer » May 10th, 2015, 7:12 pm

Hey all,
I've put up with this small issue for almost a year now and want to know how to fix it.

My rudder position indicator gauge, when the boat is going straight, is deflected almost a quarter needle to starboard. Does anyone know how to adjust the sending unit or gauge to center the indicator?

Not a big deal but I like stuff to work like it is supposed to work.

Thanks in advance.

Steve
"Water Wings II"
1998 355 Aft Cabin

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waybomb
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby waybomb » May 10th, 2015, 8:55 pm

On mine there is a set screw. Get your rudders centered and then adjust the rod.
The sender will be down by the rudder shafts.
Thanks
Fred
1969 Glaspar Avalon /1969 Johnson Electromatic 85
1987 Carver Mariner
1988 Cougar Kevlar 46' with triple blown 572 ci
1995 Boston Whaler Rage
Past - 1988 2807, 1989 4207 Aft
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Topic author United States of America
Low Flyer
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 24
Joined: October 15th, 2014, 3:07 pm
Vessel Info: 1998 Carver 355 MY
Mercruiser Bluewater 454's
Location: Allatoona Marina Resort, Lake Allatoona, GA
Has thanked: 2 times
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Low Flyer » May 11th, 2015, 12:58 am

Thanks Waybomb!
I'll check that out tomorrow.

Steve
"Water Wings II"
1998 355 Aft Cabin
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jnick
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby jnick » May 18th, 2015, 10:08 am

Any progress on this repair Low Flyer? I have the same issue and not sure what I am looking on the rudder assembly.

Jerry
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Topic author United States of America
Low Flyer
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 24
Joined: October 15th, 2014, 3:07 pm
Vessel Info: 1998 Carver 355 MY
Mercruiser Bluewater 454's
Location: Allatoona Marina Resort, Lake Allatoona, GA
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Low Flyer » July 21st, 2015, 7:43 pm

Trying to adjust Rudder Position Indicator Unit under bed in aft cabin. Not easy to get to and no adjustment available that I can see.
The "lollypops" on each end of bluish rotating balls are all the way in, making me think someone has already tried to adjust them. What looks like a set screw is actually the end of a screw and there is no head that I can find on the other side of the actuator arm.
Any ideas?

RPSU3.jpg
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"Water Wings II"
1998 355 Aft Cabin

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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Viper » July 21st, 2015, 11:05 pm

First thing I would do is check that you've got good clean tight connections at the sender and gage. Get someone up at the helm to watch the gage while you remove the linkage and see if there is further travel left on the sender after the rudder is turned all the way in that direction. It may simply not have been installed properly right from the beginning. If you need to shorten the distance between the the sender and rudder points, you could use a tap and die tool to increase the length of threads or just replace the rod with threaded rod. You shouldn't need much travel to make a difference. There is a threshold though that going past will bottom the sender out before you reach the end of rudder travel. There is a certain geometry/placement involved when installing to ensure it works properly or at the very least leaves some room for fine tuning one way or the other. If you have the manual still, check the measurements or try a Google search for that model's installation.
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Lyndon670 » July 31st, 2015, 9:04 pm

Gents,

Every boat I have owned has had one of these gauges, and every one has been about 75% accurate. They always show off either to port or starboard by 25%.

In my last 2 boats I have had autopilot - and the digital rudder indicator on these units have been bang on.

Just my 2 cents....
Lyndon,
2000 Carver 506
FOXY JOE
Volvo 7.4TAMD
Queens Cove Marina
Georgian Bay, Ontario
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Topic author United States of America
Low Flyer
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 24
Joined: October 15th, 2014, 3:07 pm
Vessel Info: 1998 Carver 355 MY
Mercruiser Bluewater 454's
Location: Allatoona Marina Resort, Lake Allatoona, GA
Has thanked: 2 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Low Flyer » August 2nd, 2015, 10:56 am

I was willing to do a lot of stuff to get this gauge to center but tried the easiest thing first.... and it WORKED.

With power OFF, I removed one end of the blue adjusters from the lollipop and moved the sensor back and forth full travel a few times. I then started both engines and the RPI gauge showed CENTERED. Took the boat out for a test and when I am going straight the RPI gauge is CENTERED now.

I can not believe it was that easy but after two outings, it is only maybe a needle width at most off center.
At least now when I steer to center the rudder position indicator gauge shows centered.
"Water Wings II"
1998 355 Aft Cabin

Canada
Viper
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Viper » August 3rd, 2015, 9:58 am

Awesome
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Lyndon670
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Re: Rudder Position Indicator

Postby Lyndon670 » August 3rd, 2015, 5:14 pm

Great news, and thanks for posting your fix!
Lyndon,
2000 Carver 506
FOXY JOE
Volvo 7.4TAMD
Queens Cove Marina
Georgian Bay, Ontario

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