Rudder Position Indicator

[Low Flyer]

Hey all,
I've put up with this small issue for almost a year now and want to know how to fix it.

My rudder position indicator gauge, when the boat is going straight, is deflected almost a quarter needle to starboard. Does anyone know how to adjust the sending unit or gauge to center the indicator?

Not a big deal but I like stuff to work like it is supposed to work.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[waybomb]

On mine there is a set screw. Get your rudders centered and then adjust the rod.
The sender will be down by the rudder shafts.

[Low Flyer]

Thanks Waybomb!
I'll check that out tomorrow.

Steve

[jnick]

Any progress on this repair Low Flyer? I have the same issue and not sure what I am looking on the rudder assembly.

Jerry

[Low Flyer]

Trying to adjust Rudder Position Indicator Unit under bed in aft cabin. Not easy to get to and no adjustment available that I can see.
The "lollypops" on each end of bluish rotating balls are all the way in, making me think someone has already tried to adjust them. What looks like a set screw is actually the end of a screw and there is no head that I can find on the other side of the actuator arm.
Any ideas?

RPSU3.jpg

RPSU1.jpg

[Viper]

First thing I would do is check that you've got good clean tight connections at the sender and gage. Get someone up at the helm to watch the gage while you remove the linkage and see if there is further travel left on the sender after the rudder is turned all the way in that direction. It may simply not have been installed properly right from the beginning. If you need to shorten the distance between the the sender and rudder points, you could use a tap and die tool to increase the length of threads or just replace the rod with threaded rod. You shouldn't need much travel to make a difference. There is a threshold though that going past will bottom the sender out before you reach the end of rudder travel. There is a certain geometry/placement involved when installing to ensure it works properly or at the very least leaves some room for fine tuning one way or the other. If you have the manual still, check the measurements or try a Google search for that model's installation.

[Lyndon670]

Gents,

Every boat I have owned has had one of these gauges, and every one has been about 75% accurate. They always show off either to port or starboard by 25%.

In my last 2 boats I have had autopilot - and the digital rudder indicator on these units have been bang on.

Just my 2 cents....

[Low Flyer]

I was willing to do a lot of stuff to get this gauge to center but tried the easiest thing first.... and it WORKED.

With power OFF, I removed one end of the blue adjusters from the lollipop and moved the sensor back and forth full travel a few times. I then started both engines and the RPI gauge showed CENTERED. Took the boat out for a test and when I am going straight the RPI gauge is CENTERED now.

I can not believe it was that easy but after two outings, it is only maybe a needle width at most off center.
At least now when I steer to center the rudder position indicator gauge shows centered.

[Viper]

Awesome

[Lyndon670]

Great news, and thanks for posting your fix!