Steering problem

[alan warrenParticipant @alanwarren38645]

Rudders

[alan warrenParticipant @alanwarren38645]

I have built a metcalf Arun Class lifeboat and cannot get it to steer properly.

 

Information on causes of steering problems would be most welcome.

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

how do you mean “it won’t steer properly”

how exactly won’t it steer.

 

what’s it doing wrongly.

Edited By neil howard-pritchard on 19/10/2010 23:56:21

[alan warrenParticipant @alanwarren38645]

Boat will not steer /hold a course when rudders are moved either port or stbd.

 

Twin Prop ,size 40MM , 3 Blade.  Rudders are directly astern of props.

 

Have made a sleeve to slip over the flat plate rudders to increase depth and surface area of both rudders. Have not tested that in the water yet.

 

Other thought that I have is that boat is under ballasted e.g. not down in the water enough?

 

Frustrating!

[Laurent Gontier-VersaillesParticipant @laurentgontier-versailles47241]

Hi Alan,

 

How did you ballast your model? all weights into a hull should be put in the middle, to allow faster turns.

 

Regards,

 

Laurent

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Insufiicient rudder movement – should be around 35-40 degrees each way

Back-lash (“slop”) in rudder linkages – should be none

Rudder servo not powerful enough when the boat is in the water – fit a higher torque servo (1) or fit a standard servo to each rudder and link them with a Y lead.

Rudders too small – should be same as plans/supplied units

Props both turning in the same direction – should be counter-rotating; this can make a heck of a difference. If they already are, then try running them the opposite way e.g. if currently outward-turning, try inward.

If all else fails then fit a rudder/motor mixer – see the article “Do they both go round, mister?” on the ACTion website.

Dave M

 

 

 

 

 

[alan warrenParticipant @alanwarren38645]

Problem solved today !

 

Set boat up with counter rotating props and off it went in a straight line with perfect steering response. Sea trail has been a success!

 

Thanks for all the tips and educational stuff, especially the ACTion technical stuff on mixers. Resposnes got me thinking in the right direction e.g. counter rotating props!

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Glad you got it going OK Alan – got any photos for us to see?

 

Colin

[alan warrenParticipant @alanwarren38645]

Pictures to follows…..

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