self steering ??

[Rich Prange]

I'm interested in some extended singlehanded cruising,therefore I would like to look into a selfsteeing setup that won't cost and arm/leg.Do ant of you tiller boat sailors have any experience with a"tiller to sheet" selfsteering arrangement?Thanks

 

[Steve Dion]

Navico/Simrad.

Rich:The Navico/Simrad tillerpilots have an excellent reputation. Be sure you get one sized for your boat. DO NOT buy a smaller one because they are cheaper. These units have come down a lot in the past year. Check www.pyacht.com www.onlinemarine.com and the regular sites for prices.They really are nice to have even when you are not alone. Makes long trips a lot more fun.

 

[Frank]

sheet to tiller steering

Sheet to tiller steering is really cheap. the most expensive part is a snatch block, Holt makes one you can get for under twenty bucks. also collect some 1/4 inch line, two small block and some sugical tubing. To see how it goes together check out Jobst Vandry's site for his Flicka 20. I think the link is on the links section of the trailersailor.com site. I have been tinkering with self steering and find that it is more of a skill than a specific instrument. Once you assemble your kit and get it to work well on your boat, you can usually transfer the kit to other boats and adapt it to work well in a few sessions.Have fun and by all means stay on the boat.Frank