Piloting the C30

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B

Bob

Does anyone use the wheel brake when steering the boat like on long tacks or to do something quickly on the boat when you are singled handed. I find time when I need to adjust a jib sheet or something and when I leave the wheel the boat just goes off course immediatly. Whaddya think, just tighten it up for a brief period and then let it go?
 
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Wayne

Wheel brake

Bob I have the same problems with the wheel brake on my C380. Unless you have nice light breezes and the sails set perfect you just can't walk away for any period, even under power she will wants to wander. I have given up and just purchased an auto helm. Can't wait to get it fitted. They cost a heap but when you think about it, you are basically buying a captain, he can drive while my partner and I enjoy the beauty of sailing. Regards Wayne
 

mortyd

.
Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
wheel brake

it's' asking for trouble sailing with the wheel brake applied; it's only meant for when the boat is moored or docked to keep the rudder from straying.
 
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Bob

Autohelm

Struth mate..... I have an Autohelm 4000 installed but I have just not set it up yet because most of the time I have some crew. Is there a place I can get a document that will explain how to set it up.
 
W

Wayne

Autohelm

Bob Whats the brand? I'm sure you could jump on the net and pickup some info. I am picking up mine today. I have been told I will need to do some strengthing to the area I intend to set the Hydraulic ram, lucking I have my own engineering company, I will install the unit myself and get a marine electrician to wire it up. I brought a Navman system and found out a lot about them from there web site. I'm sure once we have autohelm we will wonder how we ever did without them. Good luck
 
Jun 7, 2004
24
- - Havre De Grace, MD
Autohelms are good, but

to your original question, yes. On many points of sail you can trim so that the boat is balanced and nearly sails herself. At that point the wheel brake can hold it long enough for a short trip away. For longer duration, heave to in order to do whatever task takes you away from the helm.
 
J

Jim G.

Auto Helm info'

For full info' re. the 4000 auto-helm just search at Raymarine + ST4000 on the Web and get the full manual.
 
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John

auto helm 4000

I have a auto helm 4000 and it works great but i dont use it much the C 30 tacks for miles with out me moveing the wheel .I dont seem to run with the wind much.I do use the auto helm to put up the sails and to moter home sunday night wile i clean up and put my covers on. John
 
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