Rudder Amidships

[baz]

This is a FYI posting.

Before I leave the marina dock or weigh anchor I always ensure "rudder amidships".

I don't know what others do to ensure this, but Andrew Custis gave me this tip some time ago.... it might be useful to others. 😉

Our R25's wheel has approximately 4 full turns from hard over to port to hard over to starboard. Thus, before I leave the dock I always turn the wheel hard over to starboard and then return 2 full turns to port. Thus I'm assured my rudder is amidships.

 

[RProffer]

That is a neat tip. There have been lots of times I have wondered where my rudder was. Thanks.

FYI - that tip also works on the R21EC

 

[BILLR]

Once you have determined the rudder is centered, mark that spop on the the wheel.
In sailing ship days, if the wheel has spokes, that spoke became the "king spoke" for reference to the rudders position.
It can be marked with fancy ropework and it will be easy to "feel" in the dark.
Bill

 

[commander bill]

LENABELL has just less than 4 1/2 turns full Port to Starboard. I installed a rudder reference gauge. My Navy experience made use of rudder indication more than I could overcome and I have never felt comfortable without a gauge.

With reference to the "King Spoke" method I do not think that would always work if you also have an AP since the relative position of the wheel could shift with use of AP.

 

[BILLR]

Bill,
Good point about the AP affecting the position of the wheel.
I'm old school using boats without an AP.