Yesterday I went out for a day sail single-handed in Falmouth Bay with fairly strong wind; F5, occasional gusts F6.
This was my first time in stronger winds and was a deliberate training exercise.
One of the things that was immediately evident was that, even with my best efforts to balance the helm, I couldn't spend much time on the fore-deck before the boat would blow off.
It was a fun experience though and certainly made me realise that I had lots to learn.
One of the upshots of this is that today I got to thinking about installing an autopilot; especially since I will probably be spending most of my sailing hours single-handed.
I think this would probably be a sensible move although I am in the process of re-reading Joshua Slocum so I am conscious of the negative effect the autopilot might have on my learning to sail.
My rationale for an autopilot is that it would:
1. Enable me to hop below from time to time for various functions, and
2. When in the cockpit I could concentrate more on sail trimming, and
3. As mentioned I would be safer on the fore-deck
4. Also I could connect my Garmin GPSMAP 550s to it to help me keep on my planned track when on longer trips.
I can't justify any great expense so my plan was to install a Raymarine st1000 onto the tiller tie-bar anchored to a block of wood glassed to the hull.
There are couple of issues I can see at present:
1. Whether my Suzuki DF50 will interfere with the st1000's integral compass - not a problem I don't think if I only operate the it via the Garmin, and
2. Will it be a problem not being able to operate the unit directly from the cockpit. There is a remote control available but this is not a lot cheaper than the unit itself.
My plan would possibly be to do without a remote, whilst initially experimenting, but perhaps including a simple on/off switch at the binnacle. I understand that the damping effect that the (switched off) unit provides to the helm is quite a welcome improvement btw.
What do folk think?
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
The problem with light displacement boats like our McGregors is that they are very sensitive to changes in weight distribution and moving onto the foredeck places a significant weight forward which always affects the trim and hence the helm especially when sailing close to the wind when the boat trim is dependent on the balance of the weight relative to the centerboard.
In my experience the only yachts that hold a steady course for any lenght of time with a tethered tiller are long keel relatively heavy displacement hulls that are far less effected by the crew moving about. I used to have a 4 ton wooden long keel 30 footer that sailed for an hour or so at a time when single handed when properly trimmed with a lashed tiller and carrying a slight weather helm but would not stay on course if it carried lee helm.
If you install an electric autopilot you will need to see how the rudder response it is effected by the outboard trim as the helm changes significantly when the outboard is lifted on our 26M as there is a lot less drag at teh stern.
Have fun experimenting - its what sailing is about.
Just spent a whole lodda time on an auto pilot. Re the ST1000: unfortunately this won't work unless you are prepared to disconnect the cable from the mechanical steering each time you go auto (which kinda defeats the object). The st1000 won't be able to push the cable back against the helm gearbox if you see what I mean so any autopilot you fit must be at the wheel. Sticking with Raymarine, your options are a wheel pilot (big grey frisbee which fits behind the wheel and clamps to the spokes) or if you are very lucky or tenacious, you may find a sport pilot on eBay. They are discontinued now so bare that in mind when buying but in my mind are the ideal solution to our boat (I have a 26x) without going hydraulic. I spent ages however waiting for one of these units to appear and gave in to hydraulic as I need her seaworthy asap.
Hope this is of some help. I'll be in the Plymouth area most of this year if you want to have a look at my set-up. Good luck with whatever you choose but remember, a bungee cord hooked on the steering wheel is only £2.99.....J
I will have my wheel pilot re-fitted this year. I will let you know how it goes. I just have to work out the best way to attach it so it does not come loose and try to kill me like it did the first time.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I tried the wheel pilot but found it was nearly the same size as the wheel. Did you have to fit a larger steering wheel? J
Yes, I got the larger wheel from Blue Water yachts....makes a huge difference, and I like the feel much better. I am looking for an economical way to wrap it, though...
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I'm tempted to get the larger wheel simply so you you don't have to reach as far when you're heeled. It very uncomfortable on a long tack.
Another advantage of an AP!
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Re wrapping: what about a roll of EVA tape (used for bike handlebars). Cheap as chips on eBay.
Maybe.....I have thought of that. I don't want anything with a sticky backing. I strongly reccommend the larger wheel...makes everything easier, in my opinion. I am tall, and wondered if it would cut down on the cockpit space, but it really doesn't.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Ok, just managed to delete a long reply whilst swiping up the page:)
Keeping it short, thanks guys, great info.
There must be a difference in the steering setup between your X James and my 2009M as my wheel will spin quickly and freely if I let go of it with touch of weather/lee helm. So this alone shouldn't stop me installing the st1000 below deck.
I have tried bungee idea but, as Mike mentions, the M is pretty fluky so I think I'd like a cheap and simple way of holding a course automatically.
Look forward to hearing how you get on David.
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
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