On Jun 15, 11:07 am, "Wilbur Hubbard"
wrote:

"cruisin" wrote in message

What a complicated mess this boat really is. The wonderful Hydrovane
self-steering rig I spent too many boat units getting and installing
never really worked yet.

It's one of the worst self-steering systems around. Next time get a
Monitor. Try to remember what the good Captain taught. Simple is better.

The "bulletproof" Robertson autopilot uses
too many amps when sailing (it's either that or the fridge, and I like
cold beer) plus broke during the crossing, so we've been steering this
tub by hand for 3000+ miles.

Too many amps is a function of an unbalanced boat or some serious
friction or drag in your wheel steering system. That's why a balanced
spade ruddes is superior when used in conjunction with a tiller and a
tiller pilot that draws maybe 1/10 of an amp when compensating. Next
time how about some due diligence in regards to sail balance. You were
mostly off the wind, or so I hear, so with the proper spinnaker and
sheeted in mainsail you should have needed almost no power to steer your
ship. Downwind, any kind of a well-designed sailboat barely needs
self-steering systems. The sails themselves should be responsible for
90% of the self steering. The autopilot, if properly set up should only
be called on to compensate for that odd-ball wave that tends to slew you
off course.

Try hooking a tiller pilot up to your hydrovane. This will allow
small
steering inputs, with low current draw to steer the boat really well,
and you can keep the fridge running.

I agree on the advice about getting a Monitor--Monty is always a
welcome crew, never lets you down, and steers better in heavier
winds.

Send pictures of some Tahitian wahine!

Bart