Counter Rudder (D)
Counter rudder is the function that applies rudder in the opposite direction to stop the boat overshooting the required heading.
To check this function, set up the boat under engine and note the angle at which you have started and where you want the pilot to steer. Then, put in some large course changes of say 20-30 degrees at a time. From this, you will be able to see whether the pilot is over or undershooting.
If it overshoots – increase Counter Rudder.
If it undershoots – decrease Counter Rudder.
“Getting Counter Rudder set up correctly is also important in getting the pilot to handle waves,” says Eirik. “This is the function that counteracts any fast changes in your heading. So, when a wave throws you off course, then it is counter rudder that reacts and takes care of it.”
Tuning the pilot across a range of speeds is also important as Simrad® product expert Tonnes Haavarsen explains.
“If you have a high-speed vessel, it is important to ensure that the pilot behaves correctly at speed, but to do this you must make sure that there is no one around you and that you do the checking and adjustments in stages. Work up from a slow speed first.”
“There is an auto-tuning function for gain and counter rudder,” continues Tonnes. “When you activate this function, it will take the boat through a series of S-turns which will take approximately 2-3 minutes. You need space to do this without other boats around you. This automatic tuning function will calculate your Gain and Counter Rudder settings, and it’s a good starting point for many people.”