ComNav 1001 - RUDDER FOLLOWER INSTALLATION; LINKAGE AND ALIGNMENT

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RUDDER FOLLOWER
The rudder follower is used to transmit
the position of the rudder back to the
autopilot. It should be connected to
whatever part of the steering system the
autopilot controls. Normally, this will be
the vessel's rudder. However, if the
vessel has 2 stage steering, such as
Wagner M10, Kobelt Power Steering or a
similar system where the autopilot drives
a control or servo ram, the rudder follower
should be mounted to the servo ram
rather than to the rudder. If the rudder
follower is connected directly to the
rudder in this case, uncontrollable hunting
of the rudder will result.
Normally the rudder follower is mounted
in the stern of the vessel, close to the
rudder post. A mounting base may have
to be fabricated to position the rudder
follower properly. Mount the follower in a
location where the possibility of damage
from any equipment stowed in the area is
minimized.
If a Medium Duty rudder follower was
supplied:
Mount the rudder post arm on the rudder
post using a stainless steel band clamp
(not supplied). Bolt the ball joint to the
hole in the rudder post arm corresponding
to the diameter of the rudder post in
inches, making sure the ball is facing
upwards (see Figure 5). Mount the rudder
follower so that the rudder follower arm is
the same height as the rudder post arm.
The rudder follower is centred when the
arm is directly above the cable gland.
(See figure 6 for alignment details.)
Figure 5 - Correct Linkage Orientation
If a Heavy Duty rudder follower was
supplied
Mount the rudder follower so that the top
of the vessel's tiller arm is 1 3/4 inches
lower than the top of the rudder follower
arm. On the centerline of the vessel's tiller
arm, and within 3 to 5 inches from the
centre of the rudder post, either:
- drill and tap a hole 1/4-20
or
- drill a clearance hole for a
1/4 inch bolt if enough of
the threads of the supplied
ball joint will come through
the tiller arm to permit the
supplied nut to be threaded
onto it.
The rudder follower is centred when the
arm is pointing away from the cable gland
and is directly over the stainless rivet in
the top cover. (See Figure 6 for
alignment details.)