Autopilot Jams Steering When Hard Over

[PDX Boater]

Dear Cutwater,

I am experiencing the same issue reported by Chris R. I am also the second owner of a 2023 Cutwater C30-S.

On multiple occasions, while maneuvering in close quarters (including near other boats and at a fuel dock), the steering has locked when turning hard over. This has occurred with the autopilot powered on but not engaged. During these events, both the forward and aft helms became unresponsive. I was able to avoid a collision by using the bow and stern thrusters. After a period of time, steering function returned to normal.

I have since been able to consistently reproduce the issue using the Garmin autopilot Dockside Wizard by performing the lock-to-lock (rudder calibration) test. At the completion of the test, the steering becomes locked.

For reference, my system is equipped with a Garmin SmartPump v2.

I am including a photo of the autopilot pump setup for review. I would appreciate any insight or guidance you can provide, as this appears to be a safety-related issue.

Thank you,


Eric

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Eric,

Sorry that you are experiencing these issues. Yes, the system should not jam when performing the lock-to-lock test. As I mentioned on Chris's post, the first thing is to check to make sure that the system is properly bled. This should be done with this tool https://anchorexpress.com/products/uflex-portable-hydraulic-purging-system-bubblebuster

That is the tool that we use, per request by Uflex, our pump manufacturer. Also, another thing I mentioned to Chris was to make sure that the fluid in the pumps is not overfilled. The fluid needs to be just covering the gears in each pump. You can check that by removing the cap and looking straight down into the hole. You will see the gears, which should just barely be covered. If you cannot see the gears, the fluid is too high.

Not sure if your boat is a dual helm, but if it is, the pump at the main helm in the cabin should have a vented cap, and the aft helm should not. If you only have one helm, that cap still needs to be vented. Let me know if that helps get you started.

Cheers!

Ralf

 

[PDX Boater]

Thank you for your quick response. I do have a second helm outside. I do have a vented cap on the inside helm and the fluid is just covering the gears as you described. There was air in the system when I bought the boat and the dealer used the bleed system you described to purge the air from the system. I think the response Chris got from Garmin was blaming the problem on how the pump was mounted.

Eric

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Eric,

Understood. One thing though is that you should still have the system bled, as the boat is getting close to four years old and should be checked.

For the Garmin response, please note my response to Chris. First: the pump is mounted horizontally, as both his and your picture prove. Second: Garmin has worked with us directly on that installation to ensure that it meets the operating standards of their products. And third: we have hundreds of boats out in the field with the same installation, yet this has been a limited issue, at best. Your and Chris's cases are the first ones that I have dealt with personally.

The second point is very important. as Garmin had quite a few autopilot pump failure issues several years ago (different failure type) and was very adamant that we work together in designing this installation to ensure it meets their needs. Garmin, in effect, signed off on this.

I'll do what I can to help try and resolve this issue. Garmin does need to dig into this a little deeper to do their part, however. Bear with us and we'll do what we can to get this resolved.

Thanks Eric!

Ralf