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.

Yup, I think a vane is the way to go for crossing oceans short-handed. So it
would be good to get a boat that works with one -- some don't, while others will
hold a course for ages, all by themselves.

Matt O.