I was curious if anyone had constructed a simple wind-vane steering system for a Catalina 22. I have been looking at the commercial systems--way too complicated and expensive. I know that tiller autopilots work great and are less expensive than commercial wind vanes. I would like to try to build a wind vane steering system for my boat. Please share any previously tried concepts even if they didn't work. Thanks, David
Wind Vane Steering
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Wind Vane
I actually posted this reply to a previous message but it turned out the poor guy was only looking for a masthead wind instrument. Before you do anything get a copy of "Self-Steering for Sailing Craft" by John Letcher. It is out of print but the Barnes and Noble "used and out of print" section lists a dozen copies from $21 to $60+. Letcher is a big fan of "sheet to tiller" steering which would probably do quite well on your Cat 22 and cost next to nothing. If you really want to build a wind vane system read on and eventually you will get to what he calls the "cook book" section where you will find his recommendations for various wind vane systems. You are probably in a good position for a trim tab system on your primary rudder which is a lot easier to build than a servo-pendulum system.
I actually posted this reply to a previous message but it turned out the poor guy was only looking for a masthead wind instrument. Before you do anything get a copy of "Self-Steering for Sailing Craft" by John Letcher. It is out of print but the Barnes and Noble "used and out of print" section lists a dozen copies from $21 to $60+. Letcher is a big fan of "sheet to tiller" steering which would probably do quite well on your Cat 22 and cost next to nothing. If you really want to build a wind vane system read on and eventually you will get to what he calls the "cook book" section where you will find his recommendations for various wind vane systems. You are probably in a good position for a trim tab system on your primary rudder which is a lot easier to build than a servo-pendulum system.
John's book is great and I used his ideas
on our C25 for many years before I bought an autopilot. When the sheet to tiller gear is rigged properly, it works great, and actually is easy to use and switch to different tacks. We used clam cleats for the lines to the tiller. Get the book, it's one of the best about learning about sailing "balance" you'll ever read. Stu
on our C25 for many years before I bought an autopilot. When the sheet to tiller gear is rigged properly, it works great, and actually is easy to use and switch to different tacks. We used clam cleats for the lines to the tiller. Get the book, it's one of the best about learning about sailing "balance" you'll ever read. Stu
Thank you,
I am not familiar with the "sheet to tiller" concept. I will get the book. Thanks, David
I am not familiar with the "sheet to tiller" concept. I will get the book. Thanks, David
sheet to tiller
There's also a lot of good webpages that sailors have put up showing their sheet to tiller designs. The book is a good read too,and you might find it at the library. checkout http://www.bright.net/~htmills/SelfSteering.html http://www.oarclub.org/page22.html as a few. Peter
There's also a lot of good webpages that sailors have put up showing their sheet to tiller designs. The book is a good read too,and you might find it at the library. checkout http://www.bright.net/~htmills/SelfSteering.html http://www.oarclub.org/page22.html as a few. Peter
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