Has anyone added a rudder angle indicator to a Raymarine ST4000+ autopilot? The literature says it should improve performance but it would be nice to know how much and in what ways. My pilot works okay for most of what I use it for but if it would wander a little less under sail it might be worth the price.
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
Paul,
No personal experience, but did notice a good article on the topic in case of interest to anyone else: https://marinehowto.com/installing-an-autopilot-rudder-position-sensor/
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch 26U #233
I have a RPS on my Raymarine Evolution A/P. I was fortunate to get one of the last linear ones (discontinued) which mounted nicely on top of the Hinterhoeller-installed hydraulic ram that was originally connected to the OEM C-Map A/P. The current models are all rotary, as shown in the Bob’s post, so a rigging to the quadrant is necessary.
A rudder position sensor does make the AP more precise, understanding that that comes at a battery usage cost when under sail. Not a problem when motoring.
Fortunately, the Evo A/P has three “response level” settings: Performance, Cruising, Leisure, which determine how “tight” the A/P follows the route track and consequently, how much power the A/P consumes from the House bank…
Michael Jabara
Hobbes II - 1995 NS 354
San Rafael, California
HI Paul, We seem. to have that installed on Catalyst. You will have to come out for a sail and you can compare for yourself
Peter Moodie
Nonsuch 30U Catalyst #366
Port Sidney, BC/Winnipeg, MB
Sounds like a plan! 
Bob, thanks for the link.
Is Rod Collins back to his former online presence? I know he isn’t operating Compass Marine anymore but it would be great to know he was back online.
Paul,
I don’t know for sure.
There’s the following text on the article section:
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Due to health issues we’ve been forced to close Compass Marine Inc., AMP-It Alternators and the on-line consulting business.
We Still Love old fashioned $$ Support Too. PLEASE DONATE TODAY.
It has articles I don’t think I’ve seen before, and the copyright notice on the bottom of the web pages indicates updates in 2023.
So, I hope so.
Apologies for taking the thread off the rudder angle topic. Hopefully people will return to the regularly scheduled program.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch 26U #233
Rod Collins is back and active online. He is Admin and regular contributor on the Facebook group: Boat Electrical Systems. He’s a great resource to all. I also see that he has published a few new articles on his Marine How To website.
Great news! ….and I don’t mind that the thread wandered.