hydraulic steering

[JoeLane]

Just purchased 2008 R25 Classic. On our first leg home noticed intollerable slew on following seas. Upon arriving home a friend told us that is "normal" on following seas but that auto helm solves it? True on any count? All counts? How difficult is it to add auto helm (don't currently have it). Any guidance you can give would be appreciated. Joe

 

[knotflying]

Following seas require diligence. I actually turn my autopilot off with following seas. Depending on how strong they are I go bow up, fluctuate throttle and steer as required. I want to have full control and not rely on the autopilot. Others may have other thought though. In general though, autopilot is a nice add on when cruising.

 

[captstu]

As a sailor "retired" to a Ranger 25, I avoid following seas by zig zagging so I take the water on a quarter - alternating from port to starboard to stay about on course. Makes for a smoother, safer and slightly longer ride.

 

[dclagett]

Joe,

I agree with knotflying on how to handle following seas. Another approach is to just slow up, let the waves pass underneath you minimizing your work load. I have not found a configuration on my RT25SC that handles 3 foot or higher following seas without significant effort on my part other than going very slow. If anyone out there has found a better approach please share it.

Dick

 

[NorthernFocus]

Others have already said it. Autopilot is not a solution for steering in following seas. If your prior boating experience was in faster boats with a higher HP to weight ratio, you've got some getting used to ahead of you. It's just the nature of the beast. I will say that having been at the helm of quite a number of boats of various configurations the R25 behaves fairly well. When I bought the boat I was concerned about the small rudder. But I've found it steers the boat much better than I expected.

If you are fairly well experienced on similar boats and still think the steering was not responsive then it is possible that you have air in the hydraulic hoses/cylinder. But that should manifest under any conditions albeit worse when you're steering a lot as in a following sea.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

often I find it better to quarter the seas on the stern quarter as apposed to direct down waves/wind

essentially gybe you way down wind. a lot has to do with getting your speed right to the waves though