I installed a Raymarine wheel pilot about 10 years ago on Misty Cat. I learned on the first sea-trial that the maximum angles for the rudder sensor that came with my unit were somewhat less than the generous rudder rotation on my Nonsuch 26. As a result the sensor was torn from its temporary bracket when I steered to maximum rudder angle. Since then I sailed her without the sensor. I had considered moving the rudder stops to prevent such a maximum rotation, which I believe turns the rudder almost 90 degrees to the centreline, and which I think is not really necessary. I used the AP without the sensor and thought it worked pretty well - although I understand the sensor would improve performance.
This boat has been high and dry in my shed since beginning of COVID, enjoying a leisurely mid-life refit and I have not got back to resolving that matter.
I’d be interested to hear if anyone else had that experience, and how it was resolved.
Cheers,
Greg Silver
26C #121 Misty Cat
St. Peter’s, Cape Breton