What is an electronic steering assist and what does it do on a boat?
An electronic steering assist is an assistance system that produces the arm force needed to turn the rudder with an electric motor. In the SAROZ K.E.V.2 a geared high-torque DC motor is mounted on the rudder shaft, a 30A DC motor driver module is fixed to the console, and port-starboard movement is commanded with a remote control or joystick. The course decision belongs entirely to the skipper.
The system consists of three parts: the geared DC motor connected to the rudder shaft, the 30A driver module mounted on the console, and the remote control or joystick with which the operator gives commands.
The gearbox has two functions: obtaining low speed and high torque from a small-volume motor, and also holding the rudder in the given position by making back-driving difficult. The soft start and stop profile in turn reduces the shock loads on the rudder bearing and the gear.
What it provides in practice is freedom of operation: with the remote control the rudder can be commanded from the deck, from the stern or from the bow. In single-handed fishing, the obligation to stay at the helm while dealing with nets or fishing rods disappears.
This is not an autopilot. There is no compass, GPS or course computation in the system; it executes the command you give and does not navigate on its own. For the suitability of your boat and rudder, confirm with our technical team. The kits come with a 2-year electronics warranty.