Rudder position indicator

[SimonA]

My kids have a habit of turning the wheel while moored up meaning I then have no idea which way the rudder is pointing.

I'm thinking of getting a rudder position indicator. There seems to be two types, an expensive electronic one or a stick on indicator that turns with the wheel.

Does anyone have any experience with these? The stick on type is about £20 and being stingy I would prefer this if it works.

 

[RupertW]

Um, I've used a little bit of insulation tape in the past, even cheaper but naff. If you are just looking for something discreet before you get moving then making a small mark or little bit of tape on spoke or wheel will do the trick.

If you are after something which is quickly visible from a foot or two away then probably worth spending a little on something decent.

 

[SimonA]

I have tried the insulating tape marker. But the wheel turns a couple of times in each direction. So you never really know where straight is unless you turn it completely one way and count the turns.

 

[boatone]

Do you have two steering positions and hydraulic steering? If so, the stick on type are useless.

 

[SimonA]

No, Single position and not hydraulic.

 

[boatone]

Stick on might be ok then but I found mine kept coming off after a while.
Best route I have found is to put wheel hard over and then come back predetermined number of turns to known midships position. ie on mine its 2 and a half turns lock to lock so 1 and a quarter turns from hard over either way is midships. Doesnt take more than a few seconds and its foolfroof....and FREE!!!

 

[hightech]

Spinning the wheel from end to end then centring is good practice anyhow, checks for steering for any fouling and also that the steering is not disconnected!

 

[PCUK]

Get a reed switch and tiny magnet from Maplins for about 30p. Bond the switch to the transom near the steering arm. Bond the magnet to the steering arm so that it corresponds to the midships position. Fit a small indicator light on the dash. Wire up and the light will illuminate when the magnet operates the reed switch at the midships position. Fit an on-off switch to prevent the flashing light driving you crazy when under way as the wheel passes through the midships position.
Total cost about £3.

 

[bdsweeting]

Simon, there are a couple on Ebay at the moment, have a look there.

 

[ArthurWood]

This is what you need http://www.iboats.com/products/16/38398_davis_rudder_position_indicator.html

I used one for years until I had hydraulic steering and autopilot installed. Gave it away to someone over there.

 

[richson]

Had a stick on one on prev boat, but found it kept sort of unwinding itself so that it never actually showed the rudder amidships even when it was. Think I was turning the wheel too fast & it couldn't keep up. Cheap plastic thingy.

 

[blueglass]

problem with sticky tape method is that you don't know if the wheel is central, or one complete revolution from central if more than 2 turns from central to full lock. unlikely but worth checking.

 

[Lakesailor]

Train the kids.