Cutwater 28 Constantly Steering to Starboard

[Jeff58]

I recently acquired a 2014 Cutwater 28 manufactured in late 2013. The boat was like new with only 39 hours. On the maiden voyage (relocation) of 9 hours it performed great running almost exclusively on the Garmin 10 Autopilot. When I took control at 15 knots I did not think I had any steering ....constantly turning to the right. Regained control at low speed.
Subsequently, added fluid, worked out several air bubbles, got it turning 4.5 lock to lock (although you can push past the lock). Checked all the fittings I could find. Found one hose with a slight kink leading into the autopilot but not crimped shut. Straightened.
I still have to constantly adjust steering to the right at speed (without autopilot) to maintain course. Need help diagnosing can't believe this would be normal?
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[scross]

Trim tabs even??

 

[Spinner]

Send a note to the factory. If this happens only when autopilot is on standby, it sure sounds like the autopilot pump issue that I experienced. They can advise you on how to confirm the problem.....

 

[Connerkip]

My C30 had the same symptoms. Garmin replaced the pump, after a few months the issue returned. Garmin (actually their certified service company) then added a much more robust external check valve. Problem seems to be solved. They felt the hydraulic fluid was bleeding under load of high speeds, and the built in check valve on the pump was not adequate. I will add that Garmin did say they were not sure why the issue resurfaced, that upon disassembling the second pump they found no source of failure, but was confident this would solve the issue.

 

[S. Todd]

I have a 2015 R25SC and have experienced a similar issue when I have seas or significant wind (which they usually do in tandem) coming from the starboard. In order to drive a straight line I have to keep correcting to starboard. The last time I experienced this my estimate was that I turned the wheel a complete revolution to starboard in about four or five miles. When on autopilot I do not know what the auto pilot pump is doing, but I presume it does the same thing. I discussed this issue with another owner with a 2015 R27 and he said he experienced exactly the same symptoms that I had. It is not really a handling problem but you cannot mark the top dead center of the wheel like you can with cable steering because it constantly moves.

 

[Connerkip]

To diagnose if it's the autopilot pump, isolate the pump out of the loop by closing the three screws on the pump. Run your boat fast and see if manual steering responds well without the drift you had described.

In my case, with the pump in the loop and operating, I could turn the steering gradually to starboard, an eighth of a turn at a time and never reach the stop. The boat would initially start a turn, then return to straight. Turning to port, which has a lower force on the rudder as the prop wash is in its favor, always worked well. I would start a turn and the boat would maintain the arc.

The starboard problem only manifested itself at high speeds.

 

[Jeff58]

Turned the set screws in to eliminate the pump and the manual steering tracked like a champ. Garmin shipped an exchange unit. They also recommended modifying the Cutwater factory hook-up to the pump. Cutwater routes 3 lines from the helm to the pump manifold and 2 out of the manifold to the cylinder (5 line hookup). They recommend a T fitting to the pump in the Starboard and Port lines routing from the helm directly to the steering cylinder ..... and only the return line going from the helm to the pump directly. This allows manual steering as a safety feature without shutting the set screws. More work and bleeding of lines to come!

 

[Osprey]

I have three of questions with respect to the above posts. The first are the systems described with or without the "shadow drive" component? The second is where (in which line) was the "much more robust external check valve" installed? Finally, is this check valve only available from Garmin?

 

[Connerkip]

I do have shadow drive. The valve is tagged Garmin, but I don't know if it's available elsewhere. Probably is. I have a photo of the installation, but can't figure out how to get it into this reply. PM me your email and I'll send you the photo.
In My case I drove from Annapolis to Punta Gorda, Fl using the auto pilot remote control. Manual steering starboard was very unreliable. I would think replumbing the pump to allow manual override would only hide the problem with the pump as the pump is tireless in pumping to overcome the bleeding check valve vs the captain.

 

[Jeff58]

Received an exchange pump from Garmin installed it and corrected the problem. I was unable to locate hydraulic lines compatible with the factory installation to modify the setup as Garmin suggested i.e. placing T fittings in the starboard and port lines for the pump and routing directly to the rudder cylinder. Continued the original "5 line setup" to the pump manifold...3 in from the helm and 2 out to the cylinder. The only benefit to the T is if the pump malfunctions you are directly routed to the cylinder, otherwise you have to turn in the 3 set screws on the manifold to override and eliminate the pump.

 

[FredJ]

I'm having this exact problem on my new to me 2015 C28. The markings are obscured on the autopilot pump. Does this system use the 1.2L or the 2.0L pump? I'm looking a new units around $1k on amazon etc. Does that sound about right for this unit?

At the same time, my helm pump is also leaking onto the foot rest in front and into the head area behind the helm. Has anybody replaced seals in this Uflex unit? I think its a UP28F. Can anybody confirm this model number?