19
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If all the movement is occurring on one side, i.e. between the upright position and
one of the end stops, adjust the wheel position until the movement is more evenly
distributed.
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If the windvane is permanently well over to one side, correct the course setting at
the windvane shaft either manually or using the remote control (check the degree
scale).
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NOTE: the reading on the scale at the windvane shaft 140 may differ slightly from
the reading on your wind instrument. This is because wind conditions at deck
level tend to be different from those at the top of the mast.
2.3.9 EMERGENCY RUDDER
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The PACIFIC PLUS makes an effective emergency rudder if the main rudder is
damaged or disabled.
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Remove windvane 100.
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Rotate windvane shaft 140 until the windvane hanger is perpendicular to the
centreline of the boat. You should now be able to steer the boat by moving the
hanger backwards and forwards with the boat hook.
−
NOTE: you are now steering through a servo-assisted system, so you should not
have to apply much force to the windvane hanger.
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CAUTION: the arrangement described will only work while the boat is moving
forwards and will not work at all for manoeuvring in harbour. The pendulum
rudder is useless without a flow of water across its surface.
−
CAUTION: the auxiliary rudder is considerably smaller than the main rudder and
is consequently considerably less powerful.
−
TIP: pay particular attention to sail trim and reef early if need be to reduce the
loads on the emergency rudder.
2.3.10 WINDPILOT AND AUTOPILOT
PREPARING FOR USE
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Remove the windvane.
−
Turn the windvane shaft to the marked position.
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Fit and secure the cockpit autopilot.
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Connect the power supply.
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Switch the cockpit autopilot from standby to on.
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CAUTION: check the polarity at the autopilot. If it turns to starboard when you
request port, you need to reverse the polarity.
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Reversing the polarity should be a simple two button function on most of today’s
cockpit autopilots (check the manual).
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TIP: the PACIFIC PLUS/autopilot combination only makes sense on a larger boat
(9 metric tons or heavier) with wheel steering if the boat has no conventional
cockpit wheel autopilot. It is normally advisable to use the boat’s inboard
autopilot when motoring, as turbulence from the propeller can easily set up
vibrations in the PACIFIC PLUS.
2.3.11 SWITCHING BACK TO MANUAL STEERING
2.3.11.1 EMERGENCY
−
There is no need to disengage the PACIFIC PLUS.
−
Release the wheel lock and begin to steer by hand.