In one embodiment, a gimbal adjustment system and an associated method for adjusting the position of an object. The system comprises a base, a plate and a shaft including a pivot attached to the plate. The pivot has a point of contact with the plate in a joint about which the plate is rotatable. Magnetic elements are positioned on the base and the plate to stabilize or rotate the plate. The object may be an optical unit attached to the plate. A combination comprising the plate, optical unit and magnetic elements may form a gimbaled assembly having a center of mass in the joint.