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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Self Steering		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Daren
1st Mate

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USA
81 Posts
Initially Posted - 10/17/2006 :  09:16:14  Show Profile  Visit Daren's Homepage
What is the preferred self steering configuration for our boats? I was looking at a Raymarine Auto Helm, but have seen some of the windvane steering products and liked the idea of not having to power up the Auto Helm. However, with the windvane set up, it looks like you have to make some significant hole in the transom.

Anyone have a good suggestion on a self steering configuration for a Catalina 25?
S/V Prima Donna
1986, 15 HP Universal Inboard Diesel, Fixed keel, Hull # 5362
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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts
Response Posted - 10/17/2006 :  10:32:39  Show Profile
Hi Daren, I don't know if this is a good idea but I am going to the Simrad autohelm but also have all the components for the Boom and Bungee chord steering if needed. Cheers.
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 10/17/2006 :  11:26:00  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
Daren,

I use an Autohelm ST-2000Plus on my C25. I'm generally pleased with it. My only (minor) criticisms are the lack of limit switches (and resulting high current stall condition), and the limited travel. The travel issue could likely be addressed by attaching the autopilot ram closer to the rudder pivot than specified in the installation instructions.

-- Leon Sisson
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 10/17/2006 :  11:38:56  Show Profile
Daren,

I think you'll find that for our size of boat, an autopilot is the more practical choice over a windvane steering system. I've had an autopilot for about five years now and find it useful in many situations. In particular, it'll hold the boat head-to-wind while raising/lowering the main in windy and wavy conditions. One time on a cruise, I motored for about 9-10 hours in dead calm winds and used the autopilot for almost the entire time. In no wind conditions, a wind vane steering system would be useless.
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 10/17/2006 :  13:28:49  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
I have an autopilot and that is the way to go. I've sailed solo on a 600 mile voyage (round trip) and about 5000 miles total over my lifetime owning this boat using it. I use it practically every day (I sail between 170 and 200 days per year).

However, if you wanted to play with a wind powered vane system, the "trim tab" method would be the way to go. You could build your own for next to nothing. Getting it to work right could take a while. This is only possible on transom hung rudders like ours.

A small auxilary rudder is attached to your main rudder with it's own pintels and gudgeons. This is the trim tab.

A pipe runs up from the fore end of the trim tab (aft end of main rudder) above the water line, above the stern pulpit.

Above this, is the vane. It is on a smaller diameter pipe that fits inside the main one. Set screws are used for positioning the vane to the wind. Different size vanes are used for different winds.

The trim tab steers the main rudder. The main rudder steers the boat.

This is described in Bernard Moitessier's book "The Long Way".
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.