That is basically what I have been doing, a continuous loop version. Now having read Dougs approach I realized that one of the down sides to the bungee method (I am guessing here) might be that you need to hang on to the line all the time unless the 'zero' pointworks for what you are doing at that moment. ...? The continuous system allows you to dial in a small amount of rudder...and leave it there. As Doug mentioned, the friction keeps it in place until a puff or increase in pressure makes the boat want to round up some. If you want more friction, use the cheap hardware store (brass) blocks like I do . ~:0) I had not used a tiller pilot until the one that came with my 17. A great invention. But, without seeming too ungrateful, I thought it would be even better if you could remotely operate the unit. Maybe even wireless. Turns out some of the newer units have just this feature. Man, that would be the dogs bolox. Tim D. ================== Doug Kelch wrote:
For remote steering I have done away with the bungee cord and line and now use one continuous line (about 35').
The line runs from the tiller to a block aligned about 6 inchs in back of the forward end of the tiller. I installed a cheap horn cleat on the outside of the coaming on both sides of the cockpit for this purpose. I use 3 blocks with 2 ft rope pigtails attached.
The blocks go on the two cleats opposite the tiller in the cockpit and the third block goes all the way up to the bow cleat. This provides the ability to steer from the bow if desired.
The line runs from the tiller to the cockpit cleat, over the cabin top between the jib cleat and the jib fairlead (under the jib sheet) and up to the block at the bow and back to the opposite side.
I will send a picture of steering from the bow on request to anyone who wants it.
This steering line lets you steer one handed while standing in the cockpit or sitting on the bow. Some friction in the system turns out to be a good thing as it helps to hold the tiller in place with no effort on the helmsmans part.
I find this works better for me than the single line and bungee method.
Thanks
Doug Kelch
--- Tim Diebert <tim@timtone.com> wrote:
Yes, you can sail a boat like the 15 from the companionway. At least partially or some some degree. I do it with my m17 and my other sail boat all the time. I rig steering lines for the other boat. These are just lines running from the tiller, out to the side decks, through blocks and various turning points to the companionway top. From there I can adjust the rudder at will.
As for anchoring, ask any local sailors what they find works well. Other
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