So I decided to try a self-steering setup yesterday.



Light winds from the starboard side, mainsheet via pulley to hold the tiller to the leeward side and a jockey strap to provide resistance. Set up for a close reach.

The Good:
Held a steady course despite light winds.
Not too dependent on skipper/crew positioning and movement around boat.

The Bad:
Went way off course when hit by slop (I think the winds were too light).
Some finessing required to get on the way.

Has anyone else managed to use a similar setup and have any tips for greater success?
I do know that windvanes and other systems exist, however I'm interested in shorthanded sailing techniques especially old school techniques.

Cheers
Rob

Hey there Rob. I constantly use this set up but I've got it rigged slightly different. easier to tune it if you have cam cleats on the tiller. This way you can make minor adjustments which you sometimes need to do. I can often sail on one tack for over an hour(as far as i could go!) with an exact compass point. I'll post some pix and videos.
I think this system works well if you totally disconnect the main sheet/block. i let some of the sheet out and then lock it. If you dont do this - the whole self steering wont really work as it should. Ive also just received some surgical tubing which am yet to try but im pretty sure this stuff will be better than the bungy and you can also double it up for stronger winds. you have more options in different strenght winds.
Rob i think you should disconnect the main sheet from your self steering set up and have a dedicated line going from end of the boom to a pulley, then to a cam cleat on tiller. i use snap hooks and can swap the bungy/pulley over in a second for tacks.
I bought a book called self steering by an old salt called john lechter. he sailed everywhere using this system on a small boat. im still yet to try a downwind system which will involve the jib rope through a pulley to the tiller. Its alot of fun and the more you do it,the better it gets!

self steering set up. - YouTube (light winds)

self steering set up - YouTube (20 knots)

Tiller to sheet self steer - YouTube (probably can see it working the best on this one)

Activeman, you have a transom hung rudder as I have.

This configureation allows you to set up a very simple yet very efficient self steering system.




This diagram shows the basics but there is more to read here. www.faymarine.com/plansite/fay_marine_yacht_pl.htm

The key here is the link between the trim tab arm and the wind vane arm. Movement of the wind vane needs to be reversed in direction for the trim tab to direct the rudder the other way.

The concept is a little abstract but think about it enough and you will get it.

Watched this the other night

Most yachts with a balanced rig and fin/skeg/rudder will sail to windward or reach with the main cleated off and just an adjustable rope from the tiller to a cleat on the windward side. You can use a shock cord on the leeward side but usually just tension against the weather helm is all that's needed.
Wind vanes are really the best way to go. This is mine.

Ramona that is awesome. Is that a homemade system? Looks.complex.

Sectorsteve where is your harness or handrails, that's a recipe for a runaway boat.

No lifelines but you're right . I'm gonna start using the harness.
I am however a firm believer in being extremely alert to avoid accidents. Worked for 40 years no need to stop. Look at society with its safety nets. People are becoming more and more hopeless because of fear. Remain alert , be safe, agile, fluid and feel alive.

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Sectorsteve said..
Ramona that is awesome. Is that a homemade system? Looks.complex.

I prefer hand crafted. It's no more complex than any of the bought systems and uses pretty much standard ratios and leverage. Plenty of YouTube videos and forums on windvanes.

Thanks all for the advice.
Probably not looking to put a windvane on a 20 footer, but will go with self-steering FTW!

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activeman said..
Thanks all for the advice.
Probably not looking to put a windvane on a 20 footer, but will go with self-steering FTW!

yeah its funny how the topic can digress....go the self steering!

Great post. Self steering setups are really satisfying when they work out.

The setup that is independent of the mainsheet is the better configuration.

You want to be able to dump the main quickly if you need to bear away in a hurry. This is also the advantage of the cleat for the tensioned line to the tiller. Faster disconnection from the steering.

Agree on the comments re lifelines etc. I have just setup Jackstays around the side decks - pretty short for a 20 footer! If you are going down this path make sure that the combined length of your harness tether and connection wont allow you to be towed behind the transom.

Staying connected to the boat is good, but you do need to be able to reach it to get back on!