Speaking of windvanes, James Wharram (of Wharram catamaran fame) has a low-cost build-it-yourself wind vane design available: https://www.wharram.com/site/catalog/building-plans/self-steering/windvane What I'm not sure of is whether this will work on a monohull. I think it will functionally, and, where/how to mount on something as small as an M17 might be an issue. Probably would need to hang it off the transom as the more expensive manufactured vanes do. It definitely works, on Wharram's boats anyhow - Rory McDougall has used it on his Tiki 21 on transatlantic crossings, there's at least one video I've seen where he has the vane working on a brisk reach in the north Atlantic. http://wharram.eu/live/article.php/20100414170141573 One of the old-timers in the Hilo sailing club, who used to be a delivery skipper among other things, was heard to say: "My favorite kind of sailing is when I don't have to touch anything for three weeks." cheers, John S. On 11/17/2016 10:49 AM, bownez@juno.com wrote:
Dear Connie,
I'm sure you are familiar with the adage : "tyranny of the tiller"" used to describe the long hours required at the helm to cover distances.
Since all of my sailing has been on large lakes, self steering has never really been a priority.
My M23 has a Navik windvane, which works like magic, but I have never really used it for a long voyage (yet). It is fascinating to watch it in action.
I'm downsizing back to my M17, which has prompted all these questions about sheet to tiller steering.
As always, thank you for your knowledgeable input.
Bones
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