Roger Long wrote:
"Gordon" wrote
I've looked at your site and it appears like it would be a bugger to
replace a line, or even to check them occasionally. Maybe the pictures are
skewing my perspective.

They (the pictures) are. It's not as bad as it looks. I could probably do
a whole replacement in 5 - 10 minutes. The blocks are all reachable from
the hatch.

I would expect better reliability on these lines than on any of the running
rigging which is out in the sun and weather and has a lot more chafe points.
Sure easier to replace one of these steering lines than a halyard!

The driving mechanism of the Cape Horn is breathtakingly elegant, no gears
to pinch your fingers or catch a stray line. Everything is enclosed.
Having the electric tiller pilot below decks is also a nice thing because
they are not terrifically watertight. OK for their intended use where they
are stowed below when not in use but not for permanent mounting out in the
weather as on many wind vane rigs.

The only major drawback I see to the Cape Horn is if you wanted a unit you
could easily take to another boat easily.

What kind of boat do you have?

--
Roger Long




I have a Pearson 365 ketch which opens up another can of worms.
Sailomat and windpilot (and I don't know how many others) have clearance
issues with the mizzen boom. The mizzen boom is 40 inches above the
transom and sticks out 13 inches beyond the stern.
Gordon