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Overactive Rudder

If the rudder is overactive, it's typically a sign that the rudder gain is set too high. To improve, reduce the high-speed or low-speed rudder gain (depending on the boat speed at which the zigzag occurs). Dealer Mode setting is within the Software Information page of the GHC™ display, and directions are below. If you have a compatible Garmin chartplotter, the gain settings are accessible from within the Autopilot settings on the chartplotter.


Dealer Mode

From the GHC (Garmin Helm Control)

  1. Select Menu > Set up > System > System Information > Press and hold the center soft key until Dealer Mode Displays (it will be gray in color)

  2. Press the back button twice


Autopilot Gain Settings

On GHC (Garmin Helm Control)
  1. On GHC – Garmin Helm Control

  2. Enable Dealer Mode (see above directions)

  3. Select Dealer Autopilot Set up > Autopilot Tuning > Rudder Gains - Adjust the Gains and or Counter Gains as needed

Note starting numbers. Make small increment changes when adjusting the gains and counter gains. Then test the autopilot with those settings. The changes are fine-tuning the rudder; it may take several adjustments to achieve desired results.


On Chartplotter

From any page select Options > Settings > My Vessel > Autopilot Installation Set up > Autopilot Tuning  > Rudder Gains

Note starting numbers. Make small increment changes when adjusting the gains and counter gains. Then test the autopilot with those settings. The changes are fine-tuning the rudder; it may take several adjustments to achieve desired results.