seattleboatguy
Senior Member
My twin screw Marine Trader 38 has hydraulic steering, and it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that I would greatly benefit from knowing when my rudder is centered. What are my options to make that happen?
My twin screw Marine Trader 38 has hydraulic steering, and it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that I would greatly benefit from knowing when my rudder is centered. What are my options to make that happen?
Install a rudder angle indicator. The sending unit is attached to the rudder post and then there is a remote indicator. Garmin is one of many makers.
OR
Knowing how many turns of the helm wheel stop to stop, 1/2 the number of turns should place the rudder at 0 angle. Put a decorative cord on the spoke when the rudder is centered. You just have to remember to count the helm turns.
All I am really interested in is when the rudder is centered. Anything that will quickly tell me that is going to satisfy all my requirements.Are you trying to do it old school (very Basic), or do you want a gauge ?
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Knowing how many turns of the helm wheel stop to stop, 1/2 the number of turns should place the rudder at 0 angle. Put a decorative cord on the spoke when the rudder is centered. You just have to remember to count the helm turns.
For a fix now,follow the advice in post 3. You can also operate the boat straight ahead,and mark the top spoke.If you have twins,be sure your engines are at equal output.All I am really interested in is when the rudder is centered. Anything that will quickly tell me that is going to satisfy all my requirements.
All I am really interested in is when the rudder is centered. Anything that will quickly tell me that is going to satisfy all my requirements.
I made one that is very accurate. I bought a universal fuel gage and sender. Hooked the sender up to the rudder linkage and when the gage is showing half full the rudder is centered.Cost under $35.00.
Kenk’s idea is a good one. The fuel sending unit with a float arm, take the float off and center the sending unit where half full is straight ahead. Should work on both port and starboard. Hard part would be securing the fixed part of the sending unit where half full reads straight ahead.
Cool idea!I made one that is very accurate. I bought a universal fuel gage and sender. Hooked the sender up to the rudder linkage and when the gage is showing half full the rudder is centered.Cost under $35.00.
Kenk’s idea is a good one. The fuel sending unit with a float arm, take the float off and center the sending unit where half full is straight ahead. Should work on both port and starboard. Hard part would be securing the fixed part of the sending unit where half full reads straight ahead.