Tiller autopilot

[bcollis]

So I took the family out for the first time this weekend on the 25.5. It was also the first time I had put the main up. It was only blowing a gusty 10-15, but the heeling of the boat made the wife and kids a bit nervous.. more so with the children, who mostly wanted to stay below. They warmed up to it, but I was thinking a tiller pilot would make tacks and other things easier when noone else is able to help.

The Raymarine St1000 looks ideal, and is rated for my 25.5, but a friend who had one with a similar size boat said to get the St2000 because he thought the 1000 was underpowered. Any thoughts or recent experiences?

Thanks!

Brian

 

[David in Sandusky]

Simrad TP10

We have a Simrad TP10 on our 7,000# '77 h27, and it has plenty of beef for our boat. I can't speak for the Raymarine stuff, but would be inclined to follow the manufacturers guidance unless you get a strong opinion against it.

There was an good thread on dealing with concern for heeling recently - I'd have a look at that. Then I would work to train my crew. The first thing I woud do is show them that I can control heel with the traveler and/or the mainsheet. Then I would show them that up to 15-20 degrees, heeling is a natural part of powering up the boat on the wind. Then I would get them (one by one) involved in controlling the boat, and feeling what's going on.

It all has to start with you being relaxed and confident with the boat and wind conditions. If you are not yet there, then I suggest that you take a course yourself, and singlehand the boat until you are relaxed at the helm. I you aren't relaxed, they will see that right away.

Keep at it - this is a great family sport!

 

[bcollis]

Thanks David,

I was also looking at the Simrad TP10, but had not seen many reviews on it yet. I did notice that it was much cheaper than the Raymarine.

I'll look into the heeling thread. I've been racing everything from windsurfers to big boats for years, but for my kids, this was the first time on a sailboat. We never heeled over 15 degrees, but even that takes some getting used to if you've never done it before. I think part of the nervousness on all accounts was that this was the first time for all of us on the boat with full sail up, and for me single handing with small children aboard. I'm sure the next time out will be much more relaxed now that I know how it handles in minor wind.

Thanks again,

B

 

[John23883]

Reef early and often

I have an ST1000 on my Hunter 26 and it works fine, you don't need the 2000.

That said, remember that as the Captain, it is your job to make everyone feel safe and have a good time, whether you have guests or family on board. It is not the time to show them how fast the boat will go or how much it heals and hey aren't we all having fun. Until they are up to speed, reef before you leave the dock and there will be less healing and more comfort. If there is only a breath of air you can shake it out much easier then reefing it in. I would much rather go slower than I would like and make everyone else happy and feeling safe. Also practice reefing this boat with the family helping when the wind is barely blowing a few times so that when you really need to, the family will know how, because when you really need to it's going to be panic and yelling from the crew. If you don't make them feel safe you will be sailing alone.

 

[bcollis]

Re: Reef early and often

Hi John,

Good advice that I'll keep in mind for this weekend. I'm hoping that the 2nd time out will have the kids enjoying themselves.

Thanks!

Brian