self steering question

[David]

Greetings all from Florida. I've seen several people mention putting together a self steering rig using some snatch blocks and line. Does anyone know where I may find either a diagram or a good description of how to do this?Thanks!David G."Sea Monkeys"

 

[Steve Dion]

wishful thinking?

David:Maybe this is a little naive on my part, but I do not think that there is a way to setup a self steering mechanism using this technique. You are better off getting a tiller extension and a mounting point to hold your tiller in a fixed position. Look around for a new or used electronic tiller pilot and be happy for the rest of your sailing daze.

 

[Frank]

Trailersailer.com

The Trailersailor.com site helped me find this one and in thier links section under trailer sailing there is a site about a "Comfortable pocket cruiser" and Flicka sailing by Jobst Vandry. His site explains it pretty well. Also there are some basic drawings in the Pardey's book "Cost Conscious Cruiser".I think self steering is more of a skill than a set rig or system. the most imortant thing is to set up the boat so it always has a slight weather helm. Then you can practise lashing the tiller in the center and trying to steer with the sails and or the centerboard. Then you can work out how to attach the bungee cord to the tiller on one side and the main sheet to the tiller on the other side. In small boats moving around the boat changes the balance enough to make it hard for the system to stay on course so you can "steer" by moving around on the deck. Don't fall of once you've attached the tiller to the shock cord!I think it works fine for long runs when everthing stays balanced. near shore changing winds and conditions make it a hassle. I guess it is like everything else with sailing it takes an afternoon to learn and a lifetime to perfect.

 

[red coles]

Can be done

Hello David: This can be done and consists basically of a rigged sheet between the tiller and jib. It is counterbalanced by bungee cord. There was an entire book on the subject, I believe by a Swedish sailor (can't remember his name), but it's probably out of print. One of the drawbacks is, it is probably only good on long open water passages, with steady wind strength and direction. My suggestion is do as Steve says and get an autopilot. Good luck red

 

[David]

Thanks all

Thanks everyone. I thought it may be a good way to keep the boat heading forward when I single hand her; pointed into the wind longer. Guess I'll have to do it the way I have been. David