T&T: Auto pilot "hunting"

[Richard Tomkinson]

This seems like one of those stories where everyone has a contribution. I 
have two.
The compass sensor driving my very old Wagner does a very good job except 
when I key the mike on VHS, even though the wiring is all quite distant. I 
just live with it.
However the boat wanders predictably over perhaps five degrees or more and 
off auto pilot will not maintain a straight course in the absence of wind or 
current. Last year before going North, I had a wedge welded to the aft edge 
of the rudder. The wedge is an angle, less than 90, about 2.5 inches on a 
side.
Now, although still more tender than I wanted, in ideal circumstances will 
go straight for more than a half hour. Under auto pilot, it will maintain a 
course to about +- 1 degree and the auto pilot is far less active.
Bonus is that the docking speed maneuvering is excellent, a welcome surprise 
as I do not have thrusters.
Now can turn around in my own length + about four feet. Still can't back to 
port though.
Richard