DIY Trim Tab Self Steering system (Corribee)

C

Corto

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Joined
31 Oct 2010
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41
Location
Florence
www.simonepierotti.com
Dear all, I would like to build a very simple self steering system for my Corribee. Since I am on budget I'm looking for something easy to build and not extremely expensive. The main problem is my outboard engine mounted on the right side of my transom. This is an issue with most of the servo- pendulum system that I've seen online, I have enough room, instead, for a trim tab system with an external rudder (that I am planning to build). i would like to build something similar to the sketch that I am attaching.
I would like to know if somebody could give extra infos or plans to build the system.

Many thanks4_SS_vert_vane_to_TT.jpg
 
I built a trim tab system, about 30 years ago with similar ratios IIRC and it worked prety well. But I had a transome hung rudder and a bigger boat. If you intend keeping the standard Corribee rudder as well, you are hanging far too much weight over the stern.
Have you considered a simple auxiliary rudder with horizontal axis vane and using the main rudder to counteract weather helm, this would be much lighter.
 
I am considering a light rudder (ply strenghted with mat) and trim tab, fixed on the transom ladder with u bolts and wood. The all thing should not be more than 10 kg. The vane should be connected directly to the trim tab with an alluminium pole. The extra rudder will serve as an emergency spare. A sort of Moitessier system mounted on the extra rudder. Since the Corribee is very light I would like not to oversize the all thing too much. What do you think? I will waste time...and break everything?
Many thanks
Pilotage-Moitessier.jpg
 
I have details of an auxiliary rudder system from an old Yachting Monthly. It was used on a 15ft Sunspot which was sailed from the UK to Sweden.
Some of the ideas are very similar to yours, I think you might find it very useful. Give me a PM - Personal Message with your address and I will post it on.
 
I'm interested to see if this developes. I have a Corribee and a horrible sounding autotiller. I struggle to see how a trim tab can be fitted to a Corribbee rudder, though - it's an odd shape and tucked right under the stern, as opposed to a transom hung rudder.

I've tinkered with sheet-to-tiller steering as well, which could work - but I find a Corribee is such a light boat that moving around upsets any trim and the steering needs to compensate for that rather than the wind. Or maybe I'm too heavy...?

doug748 - I'd be interested in seeing the Sunspot article if you have another copy or a scan...
 
ronsurf said:
I'm interested to see if this developes. I have a Corribee and a horrible sounding autotiller. I struggle to see how a trim tab can be fitted to a Corribbee rudder, though - it's an odd shape and tucked right under the stern, as opposed to a transom hung rudder.

I've tinkered with sheet-to-tiller steering as well, which could work - but I find a Corribee is such a light boat that moving around upsets any trim and the steering needs to compensate for that rather than the wind. Or maybe I'm too heavy...?

doug748 - I'd be interested in seeing the Sunspot article if you have another copy or a scan...
Click to expand...

I agree 100%, I have exactly the same problems. For the Hebridean the outboard is unfortunately on the way. The sheet to tiller seems to work but I have problems with balance as Ronsurf has. Ordered Lechter's book "Self Steering for Sailing Craft", I hope for a flash of inspiration.
 
ronsurf said:
I'm interested to see if this developes. I have a Corribee and a horrible sounding autotiller. I struggle to see how a trim tab can be fitted to a Corribbee rudder, though - it's an odd shape and tucked right under the stern, as opposed to a transom hung rudder.

I've tinkered with sheet-to-tiller steering as well, which could work - but I find a Corribee is such a light boat that moving around upsets any trim and the steering needs to compensate for that rather than the wind. Or maybe I'm too heavy...?

doug748 - I'd be interested in seeing the Sunspot article if you have another copy or a scan...
Click to expand...



Ah, I thought Corto was considering fitting a second rudder on the transom, this is what the Sunspot guy did. He fixed it to a board attached to the outboard bracket. PM your address and I will send a copy.
 
Corto,
I am interested in the matter, as I often sail singlehanded.
The problem in my case is made worst because my boat is still smaller - a Drascombe Dabber, open yawl of 15' 6" OAL - thus more prone to change heading when I move my weight around.

Currently I tie the tiller in position in a very simple and practical way (see PBO february 2005, Modifications to a Dabber). Before walking forward I shift the tiller a little to weather to compensate but it is a guess and never lasts more than a few tens of seconds.

I thought to make something very similar to yours, acting directly on the main rudder, which is transom hung but the mizzen sail is in the way and I never made anything real.

I never tried the sheet-to-tiller system and coud try it next season, but I am afraid that the problem is hopeless, in my instance at least, also due to the prevailing lowness of winds in our area.

After all, steering is one of joys of sailing!

Another book that could help is: Lee Woas "Self steering without a windvane" Adlard Coles.

I wish you good working on the matter and please let us know the outcomings.

Sandro
 
Sandro said:
Corto,
I am interested in the matter, as I often sail singlehanded.
The problem in my case is made worst because my boat is still smaller - a Drascombe Dabber, open yawl of 15' 6" OAL - thus more prone to change heading when I move my weight around.

Currently I tie the tiller in position in a very simple and practical way (see PBO february 2005, Modifications to a Dabber). Before walking forward I shift the tiller a little to weather to compensate but it is a guess and never lasts more than a few tens of seconds.

I thought to make something very similar to yours, acting directly on the main rudder, which is transom hung but the mizzen sail is in the way and I never made anything real.

I never tried the sheet-to-tiller system and coud try it next season, but I am afraid that the problem is hopeless, in my instance at least, also due to the prevailing lowness of winds in our area.

After all, steering is one of joys of sailing!

Another book that could help is: Lee Woas "Self steering without a windvane" Adlard Coles.

I wish you good working on the matter and please let us know the outcomings.

Sandro
Click to expand...

Ciao Sandro,

In these days I'm reading "The Open Boat" by Webb Chiles, he crossed the Pacific on a Drascombe Lugger (amazing boat btw) using the sheet to tiller system.
www.amazon.com/The-Open-Boat-Across-Pacific/dp/039303268X
 
Ciao Corto,

I downloaded free, and of course read, "The Open Boat" and the following "The Ocean Waits" after a suggestion here on the forum. Sorry I don't remember where from.

I sometimes sail from Portoferraio in a friend's catboat. You are likely based not very far. I'll keep a watch for a Corribee.

Saluti

Sandro
 
DIY Trim Tab Self Steering system

doug748 said:
Ah, I thought Corto was considering fitting a second rudder on the transom, this is what the Sunspot guy did. He fixed it to a board attached to the outboard bracket. PM your address and I will send a copy.
Click to expand...

Asking if Doug might share the date and possible page of this potentially very interesting info to more people than he and others might have thought ?

Ive looked at quiet a few on-line sources and people might find http://www.faymarine.com/plansite/fay_marine_yacht_pl.htm good.

The Faymaine drawings can be found clearly with google images.

Would you need 4 rudders with a non transom ruddered catamaran set up. I guess it would have to be a slow one as apparent wind is I hear the concern. :)
 
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