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In (Mic) writes:

On a sailing craft which purchase would be a priority an AutoPilot or
a furling (head sail)? And why?

Most used boats that come with furling rigs dont include an AP that I
have seen. Probably because it is eaiser to sell the AP than remove
the furling and replace with a head stay. But there arent that many
tiller AP for sale either....

If economically I had a choice between a furling or an AP, I would
choose an AP. Considering the useage to be daysails and 2-3 or 4 day
excursions. Its alot more energy and time to steer
than to change sails.

BTW I dont consider a tiller tamer an AP.

I would choose the autopilot before the furling gear. Then I would
choose a proper windwane before the furling gear. The furling gear is a
gadget designed to helpo you with a problem that does not exist. In a
small boat to hoist and douse the jib is never a problem. (If you have a
60 footer, you do not have to ask whichone yuou can afford. :-).) So the
furling gear is helping you for about a couple of minutes in the
beginning and the end of the trip, but the autopilot is working for you
for hours and hours.

- Lauri Tarkkonen