Duncan Heenan wrote:


If you're going long distance cruising single handed save some money to
get a seriously strong wind operated self steering (don't rely on electric
ones for that sort of use) - preferably with a separate mini-rudder, and a
good high output wind generator and some solar panels too. And don't
forget spares & manuals for them. They'll be working all the time in all
conditions and will allow you not to, which is essential, because no-one
can keep going for ever.

I fitted a Monitor to J (a Nicholson 32) about 10 years ago amd I would not
be without it. It has steered her on all points of sailing up to gale
conditions far better than a electrical unit could (perhaps, except for the
most expensive ones), silently and without amps.

I very seldom don't use it when sailing, except when I want a bit of fun
steering.

Must have done about 10,000 miles using it and it has never needed any
attention.