Auto Pilot settings for Catalina 36

HerbMilgrim · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2005

I have a Raytheon ST4000 Wheel & Tiller Autopilot installed on a Catalina 36.

Does anybody know what the optimum settings are for rudder damping and rudder gain?

I will appreciate the help.

WHOOSH · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2005

Herb, I think you''ll find the owner''s manual implying - if not suggesting - that these be changed to suit the conditions, the sail balance, etc. You can either temporarily or permanently set these into your Display menu, making them instantly available to you while underway. One size fits all...doesn''t.

Jack

Sailmc · #3 (**permalink**) 06-03-2005

I had a Catalina 36 with an ST4000 Wheelpilot. I don''t recall the settings exactly but I do recall that I ocassionally tweeked them for some conditions. If you are asking the question because you are having trouble getting the piolt to stay on course you might want to look at your sail trim. If you are out of trim or overcanvassed the pilot will have a hard time steering. Generally if you have a hard time steering the pilot will as well. If you use the pilot you need to reef for the gusts. The pilot will not anticipate these but only react to them and just a little late at that. The pilot will always be one step behind gusty conditions if you are not trimmed for the gusts.

lgsailor19 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-06-2005

I have the 4000 on my Catalina 30. Many of the settings were NOT the default settings. Follow the owner''s manual, it is not too difficult to set it up. Trial and error.