Hmm.. I need to do something with my fenders.. that holder looks interesting..
I am messing with my ST2000 tiller pilot and have found that if Im going out single had sailing - and really out to sail the boat (including some drag racing that always happens), I dont use the TP as it just adds one more hassle to control. Ive already been doing this for years but I can easily set up the sails, reef, run both main and jib single handed. When I first set the sails up, I lock the tiller in a fixed position with the outboard running and go forward and raise the main. The jib is on a furler, so easy to setup. I can easily get to all the sail controls (both sails - traveler, vang, sheets, outhaul, backstay) from a spot forward in the cockpit. For reefing the main.. just put the boat in Hove to. I have even set up the main in hove to by first deploying the jib, then put the boat in hove to. I think its good to know how to single hand the boat without needing the TP also..
However.. I sure do like having that TP!!! And of course it can be used to make single handing easier (unless its windy.. then I think it just creates more hassle). Ive done some long motoring runs down the local lake (like 15 miles) and the TP just makes this a relaxed pleasure. Intead of constant steering feedback, just hit that +/- 10 degree button every so often. Sometimes its also nice to relax with the TP sailing the boat. I have come to really like that instrument!!!!
This winter I started to have some problems with the TP where it would lose track and an alarm would sound. I think this was caused by a poor wiring job I did accommodating my batteries that are as far forward in the Vberth as possible and the TP which sits on the boat stern - ie, the TP and the batteries are far apart. I think I still need to re-calibrate. First picture below shows my before and after wiring for the ST2000. Note that the manual says that a max of 13 foot of 14 gauge wire can be used between the TP and the batteries. I was violating this on the way I had it wired. Fortunately I have a run of 4 gauge wire between the batteries and the electric start outboard that I took advantage of and very significantly reduced the impedance of the TP 12 volt supply run. Tested the new wiring out a couple days ago - pictures below.
Picture below - I use the tiller extension with a little ball socket to hold the tiller for short periods while performing other task (like initially setting up the main sail).
Picture below.. Dog looks pretty relaxed with the TP sailing the boat.
Some friends (R Wilcox) took these picture of my boat the same day just before I dropped the sails
