The factory default settings and the APC routine will provide acceptable performance
for most boats, but each boat has different steering characteristics and some fine
tuning may be necessary for optimum performance.
For individual settings referred to below, see the setup section.
The tests should be performed under fairly calm sea conditions with minimal wind or
tide. If wind or tide are unavoidable, set a course for minimum effects from these
causes. It is recommended that these sea trials should not be done in restricted or
busy waters.
Step by step instructions how to fine tune the Autopilot:
1. Check that Dockside Testing, Sea Trials including the APC routine has been done. If
not, go back and make sure they are done.
2. Activate the Autopilot on a course and ensure that it holds without excessive
understeering or oversteering.
3. With the boat travelling in a straight line at its normal cruising speed in calm water,
activate the Autopilot compass function. Make a 40° course change using the LEFT or
RIGHT and the boat should not overshoot by more than 3° to 4°. Continue making 40°
course changes while adjusting the Rudder [RUD] setting until the boat overshoots the
correct course a few times prior to setting on the course. This is the optimal [RUD]
setting that can be used on the boat at the current cruising speed and load, in calm
waters.
4. Continue making 40° course changes while slowly increasing the Counter Rudder
[CRD] setting, until the boat settles onto course with only one overshoot of 2° to 3° or
less. On some boats, the [RUD] setting may have to be decreased by one position to
get the boat to control properly. The [RUD] and [CRD] settings are set to the maximum
combined settings that should be used on the boat at that speed and under the existing
sea conditions.
The [RUD] and [CRD] settings may need to be increased in rough weather. The higher
the [CRD] setting relative to the [RUD] setting for calm weather, the less it will need to
be increased in rough weather. As the boat's speed decreases, the rudder becomes
less effective.
The [RUD] and [CRD] settings may need to be increased as the speed decreases. The
higher the [CRD] setting relative to the [RUD] setting, the less it will need to be
increased at lower speeds.
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