Adding rudder position indicator.

[Tuscany]

We have some very sharp members on board this site who understand the Garmin capabilities.
Before I ask my dealer about adding a rudder position, I would like to know what I’m talking about.
Question, hasanyone added it to a 17+ boat with the twin Garmin screens?
It would make docking/loading so much simpler.
Definitely an option I would add on the order “re-do” list.
Thanks.

[Ytmsn]

Since I started backing in every time I dock I've come to understand the importance of a rudder indicator. Since I dont have the fancyshamcey instrumentation you have Tusc I have to resort to redneck ingenuity.

I want to center my wheel and then put a small Cobalt C sticker of some sort or something at the top of the wheel. That way when my wheel is centered I know where it is, and likewise, pulling out of my slip I can tell if its cranked over one way or the other so I dont slide down the side. I just haven't found anything I'm willing to put on the wheel yet.

Even last night we had some friends over for dinner. I had picked them up at their dock and brought them to our place about 5. I told them I would take them home after dinner, no problem. A 20 minute boat ride as opposed to a long drive in the car.

We had too much fun! At 1 this morning, we headed out back to their dock. I got back at 2AM (uhhg)
But in launching, a rudder indicator would have been SO nice when pulling out. Jeesh I'm getting old.

When I grow up, I want to be like Tuscany

[Big Block Power]

Yea some of us would have a problem with the Cobalt symbol always being up on our steering wheels. I would never turn mine. Lol

[ajcampen]

I think you are basically adding a sensor and running something to the outdrive

[Big Block Power]

I think you are basically adding a sensor and running something to the outdrive

I agree nmea set up will plug right into it.

[Alaskabound]

T , I agree that would be a great addition. When I was deciding whether to order a boat or buy off the floor, I ask about a rudder option & think the answer was it was not available. May be you have to have the Garmin setup first. Will be interested to see what you find out. It is more of a problem on the Cobalt than other boats because the outdrive is very difficult to see because of the swim platform, obviously. Good luck.

Yt, the red neck solution would be to use a loaf of bread tie or glue an Ale 81 cap to the correct spot on the steering wheel. Lol
Ale 81 is a Ky. Staple for you non-red necks

Dub

[Big Block Power]

You all could put a orange bicycle flag on your drive so you can see it.
I can see T and Yt drag racing down the lake with they're flags just a waving

[sailor55330]

Use some embroidery twine and wrap a 1/4 line on the top of your wheel. You can whip the ends under so you don’t need to stitch anything. You can choose your color of thread to be as bold or understated as you want. Should take about 5 mins. Happens all the time on cruising sailboats with wheel steering. You are marking what’s called “top dead center”on the wheel

9CD7B5F6-BDD2-41FA-9C9E-11616BAD43A9.jpeg

[Ytmsn]

Use some embroidery twine and wrap a 1/4 line on the top of your wheel. You can whip the ends under so you don’t need to stitch anything. You can choose your color of thread to be as bold or understated as you want. Should take about 5 mins. Happens all the time on cruising sailboats with wheel steering. You are marking what’s called “top dead center”on the wheel9CD7B5F6-BDD2-41FA-9C9E-11616BAD43A9.jpeg

See, I knew I liked you. Thanks Sailor!

[Tuscany]

I'll ask my dealer. The answers come slow though.
I would think with the glass dash, the solution should be.... uh hum... simple plug and play.
Famous last words, right YT?

I was under the impression that when I ordered, I would lose one of the screens and have the Surf style dash.
Wrong...
Not the end of the world, but it's a PITA when loading to not know where the drive it pointed, especially when trying to maneuver when using reverse to angle.

[Soonerfan]

Tusc,

IMO, the cost of the option is well worth it. I wish I had seen this yesterday prior to heading back to the lake as I would have taken a picture of the real estate it takes up on the screen.

I have been using my boat a lot this summer and have not had the option to dive in and customize the screens on the Garmin. I generally have the canned "cruising" screen on my 7607 that shows depths, tracks, waypoints, etc... The rudder indicator shows up as a little bar about 1 1/2 inches wide. The bar has a little green line right in the middle that indicates top dead center. When you turn the bar turns red the way you are turning until it reaches the end and you are turned all the way to one side.

This has been very useful for me when backing in to my slip, when I need quickly push the rear toward a gas dock, and when I have surfers in the water to avoid prop wash. Let us know what your dealer says as I am sure there are others that didn't order the option and if it is reasonable and a easy addition would love to have it.

[BobRae99]

My wheel is about 3 turns lock to lock, so after I land at the dock and tie up, I bring the wheel hard over to the right and back off 1- 1/2 turns. That way, the next time I have to back out of my slip, I'm ready to go - straight back). if I order an R3 next year, I'll include the option though.

[MnLakeBum]

I'll ask my dealer. The answers come slow though.
I would think with the glass dash, the solution should be.... uh hum... simple plug and play.
Famous last words, right YT?

I was under the impression that when I ordered, I would lose one of the screens and have the Surf style dash.
Wrong...
Not the end of the world, but it's a PITA when loading to not know where the drive it pointed, especially when trying to maneuver when using reverse to angle.

I 'd like the rudder indicator as well. Mostly for backing up into or out of a slip or when surfing. I called Cobalt and they confirmed that it can be added to my R5 Surf and my dealer said he will get back to me with a cost for it in the next couple days. I will update when I find out the price.

[NautiGirl]

My wheel is about 3 turns lock to lock, so after I land at the dock and tie up, I bring the wheel hard over to the right and back off 1- 1/2 turns. That way, the next time I have to back out of my slip, I'm ready to go - straight back). if I order an R3 next year, I'll include the option though.

Smart. Tuscany the Rudder Indicator is listed as a $233 option on the R7 /w the Volvo Drive, looks like BobRay just saved you some money. The way I see it you go /w this method and send BobRay $200 worth of deli meats as a thank you.

[rrfisher]

Anybody try one of these bad boys? https://www.amazon.com/Davis-385-Rudder ... +INDICATOR