[PUP] Emergency tiller

[Scott E. Bulger]

Now let's get one thing straight.  I'm not condemning my boat to the world,
I have said OVER and OVER "I LOVE my Nordhavn 40".

A.  I have acknowledged in my postings that it's my PERCEPTION based on my
experience that it wanders a lot.  This is based on other boats I've owned.
When Peter P. said he has operated 40's and they have not been any better or
worse than other boats, that was very valuable feedback, and helps me modify
my perception.

B.  I did install a secondary autopilot and did introduce air in the system.
I did follow the manufactures bleeding process.  There is less than 1 inch
of play in the system, I can't tell you if thats normal or not?

C.  I have seen the video of the boat running downswell in the med.  Didn't
you have paravanes out during those storms?  My boat doesn't have paravanes,
only TRAC fins.  I believe the paravanes improve downswell tracking, but my
lack of experience here leaves me in a poor position to state it as fact.  I
can tell you when we broached the boat enter Puesta del Sol it wasn't
because of a lack of steering input on my part.

D.  If your not hand steering how would you experience the minor wandering
I'm describing?  It's only experienced when hand steering, otherwise the AP
take care of it with a bump to the left, a bump to the right a bump to the
left, on and  on and on and on.  

Jim, I sense you think I'm bashing the boat or PAE.  This forum is a place
for open and honest exchange of information.  I'm simply relating my
experience.  If you or any representative or the company would like to take
a look at the boat and tell me if it's performing normally I'd welcome the
interaction.  The only time someone from PAE has been on the boat was during
the sea trial and offshore delivery and I operated the boat 99% of the time.
I'm going to be in Stuart FL to have the paint repaired, this would be a
good time to have someone look at it.  Thanks!  Scott