Rudder sensor needed for new EV-100 wheel install?

[marchem]

Just putting together an EV-100 wheel system for our Catalina 310. Wondering how important the rudder sensor is? Someone whose boating and electronics opinion I greatly respect says he won't install an AP without one. But it seems that Raymarine isn't encouraging them, in fact it's hard to find it on their web site.

I guess maybe it depends some on how we'll be using the AP, and relates some to battery usage, and accuracy.

I can always install it later, if it turns out to be useful.

[Steve - Raymarine - Moderator]

With newer pilots with gyro compass information, gives the autopilot virtual rudder reference data so they are no required. The rudder reference sensor gives the pilot specific rudder position data of your boat, which adds to the performance of any autopilot system. I recommend they be installed for best performance of the autopilot.