I was looking at Aubrey Scott's video and noticed he was running a Tiller Tamer. Steering control is something I've been interested in, for a lot of reasons; but the TT device is new to me.
Did some online searching and learned a little more about how the TT works, and I think I like it. As an alternative, one sailor said electronic autopilots aren't very expensive. I did a quick shop-around, and actually the prices weren't all that low.
I've got a bunch of stuff in the shop: actuators, cylinders, motors and the like; and I believe I could make one. I have a hydraulic pump and cylinder from a Mercruiser trim system that might be adapted to the purpose; noodling around about how to interface that with some form of heading sensing indicator...
Meanwhile, thought I'd ask. Any of you folks using an electronic autopilot on your tiller-steered sailboats? For a complete, off-the-shelf unit, what kind of money are we talking, retail? Any thoughts on best bargains or alternatives?
As always, thanks in advance.
VBR,
Pat
Did some online searching and learned a little more about how the TT works, and I think I like it. As an alternative, one sailor said electronic autopilots aren't very expensive. I did a quick shop-around, and actually the prices weren't all that low.
I've got a bunch of stuff in the shop: actuators, cylinders, motors and the like; and I believe I could make one. I have a hydraulic pump and cylinder from a Mercruiser trim system that might be adapted to the purpose; noodling around about how to interface that with some form of heading sensing indicator...
Meanwhile, thought I'd ask. Any of you folks using an electronic autopilot on your tiller-steered sailboats? For a complete, off-the-shelf unit, what kind of money are we talking, retail? Any thoughts on best bargains or alternatives?
As always, thanks in advance.
VBR,
Pat