When sailing alone how do most of you handle the tiller. Tiller tamer, Autohelm, etc., etc.????? Thanx Gary
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USE TILLER TAMER
I use a tiller tamer and it works quite well. I sail on a lake and use the tamer for short spells such as going below to get something. I must be alert however and not trust it comletely like a autopilot.
I use a tiller tamer and it works quite well. I sail on a lake and use the tamer for short spells such as going below to get something. I must be alert however and not trust it comletely like a autopilot.
Autopilot
I put an inexpensive unit that I got from Sailnet on this spring when I found myself without crew a lot. It was easy to put on with the help of a lot of people on this site. It is gread to be able to go to the bow and rig the jib (don't have furling yet). The lake I sail on isn't that busy. Can even take a good look around and make a quick visit to the head. It even has a tacking feature that allow me to push a couple of bottons and then tend to re-setting the jib sheets while it takes care of the course change. Well worth the money from my standpoint.
I put an inexpensive unit that I got from Sailnet on this spring when I found myself without crew a lot. It was easy to put on with the help of a lot of people on this site. It is gread to be able to go to the bow and rig the jib (don't have furling yet). The lake I sail on isn't that busy. Can even take a good look around and make a quick visit to the head. It even has a tacking feature that allow me to push a couple of bottons and then tend to re-setting the jib sheets while it takes care of the course change. Well worth the money from my standpoint.
Tiller Tamer
With experience a tiller tamer can be used for extended periods of time offshore. When going distance in the Florida sun, I've set my sails and gone below for over an hour, GPS in hand. Minor course adjustments can be made by moving from one side of the boat to the other, or even while in the v-berth shifting your weight. Stay alert, though, radio on. Poke your head out and if there is any traffic don't practice this. Mark Major s/v Lesismor 86H23
With experience a tiller tamer can be used for extended periods of time offshore. When going distance in the Florida sun, I've set my sails and gone below for over an hour, GPS in hand. Minor course adjustments can be made by moving from one side of the boat to the other, or even while in the v-berth shifting your weight. Stay alert, though, radio on. Poke your head out and if there is any traffic don't practice this. Mark Major s/v Lesismor 86H23
when Single Handing...
...I use the Navico Tiller Autopilot. I have a tiller tamer as well, but with the autopilot, it's a 'breeze' to tack! Just as Dick mentioned, I just hit the button, and it takes care of the rudder while I fool around with the sheets. If on a budget, the tiller tamer will work after a fashion, but only if your sails are balanced (AND your sittin' on the right side of the boat
... Right on, Mark!) Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
...I use the Navico Tiller Autopilot. I have a tiller tamer as well, but with the autopilot, it's a 'breeze' to tack! Just as Dick mentioned, I just hit the button, and it takes care of the rudder while I fool around with the sheets. If on a budget, the tiller tamer will work after a fashion, but only if your sails are balanced (AND your sittin' on the right side of the boat
... Right on, Mark!) Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass EttTiller pilot
I have a Raytheon ST1000 which works well except in heavy, gusty air when the current draw becomes excessive and blows fuses. I'm real curious about the tiller tamer though. If it can produce even 80% of the tiller pilot's performance without using ANY of my precious solar-derived electricity, I'm there! Peter H23 "Raven"
I have a Raytheon ST1000 which works well except in heavy, gusty air when the current draw becomes excessive and blows fuses. I'm real curious about the tiller tamer though. If it can produce even 80% of the tiller pilot's performance without using ANY of my precious solar-derived electricity, I'm there! Peter H23 "Raven"
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