Electronics for H26

[Tom]

I'm looking at used H26's. My intended use will be a combination of coastal cruising and inland/lake sailing. Most of the boats I've considered have little more than a VHF radio (without DSC). Any advice from others using this boat (or similar boats) as I plan to do would be appreciated, both in terms of general requirements and specific product recommendations. I'm interested in where on the H26 you've installed your electronics, as well. Also, any web or magazine articles you are aware of to help me get up to speed on this topic.Thanks in advanceTom

 

[Michael Bell]

ST 30's

My depth meter, wind indicator and electronic compass are mounted just to the right of the cabinway door. Keep them close to the door and you will still have a nice back rest on that side of the cockpit.That makes the back end of the instruments just out past the headliner in the galley area about an inch, but no big deal (we put our clubs burgee over them).Also close to power that way.They are all AutoHelm ST 30’s.I especially like the wind indicator. It gives direction and speed.You can buy some of the instruments as combinations.Hope this helps. Could post picture if you think it would help.

 

[Ron Mehringer]

Autohelm

I just added a Raytheon ST2000 autohelm. What a joy! Now I don't have to ask others to tend the jib. Of course single handing is much easier and safer too as is raising and dropping the sails. I sailed solo on the lake this past Sunday. My H26 tends to outrun just about every other boat on the lake. All the other sailors looked puzzled as I passed them by while sitting in the cockpit doing some rope splicing. Look mom, no hands. There is an excellent post on this subject in the Photo Forum. Do a search.My other instruments are a VHF, ST30 Depth and Speed, Bulkhead Compass, Garmin Legend handheld mapping GPS.Ron Mehringers/v Hydro-Therapy

 

[Bob Gravenstine]

Ron, that's good news.

What, no pictures?What effect does this have on your outboard tiller connection setup?BobS/V Gravyboat

 

[Ron Mehringer]

Motor-Tiller attachment

The autohelm works just fine with the motor-tiller attachment engaged. The downsided is that it probably draws more current due to the greater force needed to move both the motor and tiller. When I get some time I'll post pics in the photo forum.Ron Mehringers/v Hydro-Therapy

 

[Neil King]

Motor-Tiller Question

Is the motor-tiller control something that I can buy or is it a manufactured part? Does it allow you to steer both the outboard and rudder simultaneously?

 

[Ron Mehringer]

Motor-Tiller Answer

Connecting the outboard to the tiller/rudder is pretty much a custom project. A number of people have done it using whatever parts they could get to work. I posted mine in the Photo Forum: http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Mehringer73098573044&fno=17Here's another one by Terry Vacha: http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Vacha73043150678&fno=17Ron Mehringers/v Hydro-Therapy