Without autopilot, R-29CB needs constant steering input

P

PlanetoSea

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
84
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 CB
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2913I718
Vessel Name
Plane To Sea
Hello all, I posted an issue with my Garmin Autopilot a few days ago (no answers/opinions yet on that one, so feel free to add anything to that one…), and it reminded me of another basic question I had, as this is my first single engine stern drive boat. Without autopilot/heading hold, when underway at a constant speed, I have to keep feeding steering wheel inputs in to keep a steady course. So, I am literally constantly turning the wheel while at constant speed. Is this normal? I expect to do this when accelerating or changing speeds, but once at a constant speed, shouldn’t the rudder stay where it is and hold a constant heading until conditions or inputs change? As a prior single engine pilot, I needed rudder to counter the prop spin, but did not have to keep adding/increasing rudder when at a constant speed and heading. If this is not expected behavior, any ideas what I need to look at? Rudder responds to all steering inputs, and (when it worked…) autopilot holds headings with no issue. Appreciate any input here!
 
Search on Garmin check valve and you'll find a ton of posts. Assuming it's the same issue on your boat, the built in check valve leaks some, and an additional check valve needs to be installed to resolve the issue. It seems to get covered under warranty frequently if that applies.
 
PlanetoSea":3nkjx6be said:
once at a constant speed, shouldn’t the rudder stay where it is and hold a constant heading until conditions or inputs change?
Click to expand...

Conditions are constantly changing. Unless you are navigating in zero current, on a perfectly calm day with no wind, you are going to have to hold on to the wheel.

Think about it like driving a car. Sure, you can let go of the steering wheel, but even if nothing changes and your tires are perfectly balanced, you're still going to veer a bit even on a straightaway (usually because of banking, wind, or other conditions).

And smooth asphalt has many fewer "input" changes than blue water!
 
PlanetoSea":1tg68eex said:
t once at a constant speed, shouldn’t the rudder stay where it is and hold a constant heading until conditions or inputs change? !
Click to expand...

We had the exact same scenario on our 2020 C28 - had to constantly turn the wheel to stay straight once we got above ~15 knots. With check valve installed, I keep my hand on the wheel per FlyMeAway's comments, but other than compensating some for waves and such, I am not actually turning the wheel to hold a steady course.
 
FlyMeAway":375mrj1o said:
PlanetoSea":375mrj1o said:
once at a constant speed, shouldn’t the rudder stay where it is and hold a constant heading until conditions or inputs change?
Click to expand...

Conditions are constantly changing. Unless you are navigating in zero current, on a perfectly calm day with no wind, you are going to have to hold on to the wheel.

Think about it like driving a car. Sure, you can let go of the steering wheel, but even if nothing changes and your tires are perfectly balanced, you're still going to veer a bit even on a straightaway (usually because of banking, wind, or other conditions).

And smooth asphalt has many fewer "input" changes than blue water!
Click to expand...

It’s much worse than that. If I do not constantly add 1/2 a rotation of wheel turn every 5-ish seconds, the boat will simply turn left and keep turning. If I do not touch the wheel, it will not “drift”, it will go in a circle…
 
it4llc":yvj3nivu said:
PlanetoSea":yvj3nivu said:
t once at a constant speed, shouldn’t the rudder stay where it is and hold a constant heading until conditions or inputs change? !
Click to expand...

We had the exact same scenario on our 2020 C28 - had to constantly turn the wheel to stay straight once we got above ~15 knots. With check valve installed, I keep my hand on the wheel per FlyMeAway's comments, but other than compensating some for waves and such, I am not actually turning the wheel to hold a steady course.
Click to expand...

Appreciate this and the first reply in the check valves. I’ll get that taken care of. Thanks!

L
 
PlanetoSea":2sv4dv7j said:
It’s much worse than that. If I do not constantly add 1/2 a rotation of wheel turn every 5-ish seconds, the boat will simply turn left and keep turning. If I do not touch the wheel, it will not “drift”, it will go in a circle…
Click to expand...

Ah yes this is a more detailed description and not normal 🙂
 
FlyMeAway":j3pjaytq said:
PlanetoSea":j3pjaytq said:
once at a constant speed, shouldn’t the rudder stay where it is and hold a constant heading until conditions or inputs change?
Click to expand...

Conditions are constantly changing. Unless you are navigating in zero current, on a perfectly calm day with no wind, you are going to have to hold on to the wheel.

Think about it like driving a car. Sure, you can let go of the steering wheel, but even if nothing changes and your tires are perfectly balanced, you're still going to veer a bit even on a straightaway (usually because of banking, wind, or other conditions).

And smooth asphalt has many fewer "input" changes than blue water!
Click to expand...

Exactly, and well detailed and said. Tis natural for the Captain to be at the wheel when steering without engaging an auto pilot. This aspect should also indicate just how well the auto pilot's feature works for holding a heading, and most comforting in heavy seas and changing weather conditions. Personally I would never have a boat without it having an auto pilot, unless I boated all the time along canals. 🙂
 
On our R-31CB we noticed this was happening and improved when we added more fluid, which is probably this same issue to look into the check valve.
 
Our 31 tracks like a train.
 
Same Same. We called ranger. They added a check valve, auto pilot unit (Gratis from Garmin) and bled our system after replacement. Tracks perfectly now. Great service. Ranger contacted Ben Miller at S3 maritime for me, and set it all up.
 
Johnnyslim":2bz9fwgi said:
Same Same. We called ranger. They added a check valve, auto pilot unit (Gratis from Garmin) and bled our system after replacement. Tracks perfectly now. Great service. Ranger contacted Ben Miller at S3 maritime for me, and set it all up.
Click to expand...

Thanks! What year is your R29-CB?
 
2019
 
My 2018 R 31 had the exact same problemo.. constantly had to correct to starboard..... A Lot !!
Got the Garmin Check Valve repair..( Freebie.. thank you Garmin and Ranger Tugs)..
Now tracks as straight and true as a Locomotive on the tracks in Kansas !!!
Pete S.
 
pete s":q255jbh4 said:
My 2018 R 31 had the exact same problemo.. constantly had to correct to starboard..... A Lot !!
Got the Garmin Check Valve repair..( Freebie.. thank you Garmin and Ranger Tugs)..
Now tracks as straight and true as a Locomotive on the tracks in Kansas !!!
Pete S.
Click to expand...

If you don’t mind me asking, what year did they do this repair? How long after you got the boat? Thanks!
 
Got the repair done last year, 3 years after I bought the boat...
 
I also had this issue on my R31. The factory processed the paperwork with Garmin, and then Garmin set up an appointment to have the repair done by a local shop that is an authorized Garmin dealer. I had taken delivery on the boat two and a half years before the repair work was completed.

Gini
 
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