The Marinervideo
Rougher Conditions Sailing Solo Across the Atlantic + Rudder Stock Repair
July 13, 2025 · 20 min · 3K views · North Atlantic Ocean
What this video covers
Chris, sailing solo across the Atlantic toward the UK on his boat *Osprey*, reports autopilot "drive stopped" errors caused by slippage in the rudder stock clamp.7:06 The autopilot’s mechanical arm connects to a carbon fiber clamp on the rudder shaft, but the clamp lacks sufficient friction to prevent vertical movement under load.7:25 To resolve the issue, Chris cleans the carbon surfaces and installs a grippy, rubberized drawer liner between the clamp and the rudder stock to increase friction and maintain the correct alignment.14:22 He notes that carbon components can facilitate galvanic corrosion when in contact with dissimilar metals, requiring careful maintenance.12:17 During the passage, he uses PredictWinds GFS and European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting models to determine his route, preferring the latter for accuracy.0:36 He also compares great circle and rhumb line navigation settings on his B&G chart plotter, noting a 13-mile difference over a 1,460-mile distance.3:13 Proper friction and secure clamping are essential for maintaining autopilot integrity on high-load carbon rudder systems.
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