Helm indicator

[willtaylor]

I am getting things back together for the first time after buying my boat last autumn. Spending money like water, and all is going quite well. However there are issues on which wider opinion would help.

1. For the first time I have wheel steering. It is very low geared with not very much feel. The wheel turns twice from lock to lock and it's not always clear where the helm is. Exerience will obviously help, but I would like to have some simple indicator of where the helm is. I don't really want high tech electronic solutions unless that's the only, or very much best way.

Any ideas out there?

2. I am getting conflicting advice about preferences for solar panels or wind generator. I had assumed that wind would be better for UK waters and that I might add solar when heading south for a time. To my surprise I was told that solar would be better even here in SW England. Clearly solar is quieter and less hazardous. I'm tempted - is that wise?

Please add to the confusion at will.

Will Taylor



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[terryw]

I had a piece of tape wrapped around the wheel which was at 12 o'clock when the rudder was staright. Many variations available on the same theme.

<hr width=100% size=1>If your nose is running, and your feet smell, you are upside down.

 

[AndyL]

1. A helm indicator would be recommended if you had one of those Hamilton Jet drives. If you have driven any jet drive boat, you will know what I mean. Suggest you just get used to your new boat. Tape or a fancy turk's head on the wheel is sufficient.
2. Go Solar.
Fair winds.

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[tome]

Re jet boats, I had the hilarious task of instructing Indonesian boatmen to drive them a few years back. They steer easily at speed, but require constant adjustment at slow speeds. It took a full day to instruct each boatman!

Other interesting thing is that you don't reverse the helm when going astern...

Still makes me chuckle when I recall this cheerful bunch bouncing the boats off the quay!

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[byron]

<font color=blue>For only a few squids you can buy a helm indicator which sticks on the wheel.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[snowleopard]

green electricity

if you live aboard, even the most powerful wind generator will only help, it won't provide for all your requirements. if you go out for weekends only, a small rutland or the like will top up the battery during the week.

i have an air marine rated at 400 watts. i have seen 35 amps out of it on occasion but once the batteries are 70% charged i'm luck to average 3 amps.

i also have 2x15 watt solar panels. they give 1 amp between them on a sunny day.

moral: don't be too optimistic!

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[whisper]

From where,oh kind sir ? I've not seen them in any chandlery catalogues of late.

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[byron]

<font color=blue>Guess you'll have to ring around. Last time I can recall seeing one was in the old Cruisermart catalogue. Why not start with the Bosun's Locker in Ramsgate he often has odds and ends. Also try http:// http://www.southernmarine.co.uk/index.htm

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[byron]

<font color=blue>This is the sort of thing I meant. You stick it on the centre of you wheel

This one I found on the West Marine website at a cost of $25 but I know they've been on sale here too.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[willtaylor]

Thanks

Thanks for all the replies, some of which were very helpful and all of which make me pleased to belong to 'eccentric boaters are us'.

I'm not unaware of the idea of tape on the wheel. Indeed the upper half of my wheel has been beautifully bound with a fancy know in the middle. The trouble is, as I said, that it takes two full turns. When I look up at one of my (even) less esperienced helmspersons I'd lie to know before it is too late whether we have just enough to counter weather or more than enough to spin round, tack, gybe, lose way etc.

As I also said.and some wise replies suggested, I guess I'll get used to it. But the little rotating gadget looks as if it might help. It is the sort of thing PBO used to publish articles about making: 'How I knitted a spinnaker from twists of lambswool caught in brambles.....'

No, that's a bit harsh. I love the practical stuff, been dreaming since Swallows and Amazons when I was seven.

Regards to all,

Will Taylor

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[Jacket]

Didn't PBO or YM have something similar in there 'What's new' section a month or two ago? They presumably gave suppliers detail?

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[Guest]

Re: Thanks

Regarding the helm indicator, I'd wait until you're sure you have a problem before you throw money at it. Do you have an indicator on your car steering wheel? A sense of helm position will come quickly and easily without a gadget once you're in the water, I am certain. Best of luck and success with launch!

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[mainshiptom]

Re: Thanks

I have an indicator on my car steering wheel it reads "Saab" for some reason.

Tom

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[byron]

Re: Thanks

I have an indicator on my car steering wheel it reads "Saab" for some reason
<font color=blue> Whoa! That's really weird Tom especially as you drive a Lada /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[mainshiptom]

Re: Thanks

Never the less i got a sticker cheap down the market that says Saab, I should of got a Roller sticker it was the same price !

Tom

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[DavidGrieves]

Re: Thanks

Is the head of the rudder stock easy to see when you are at the helm? Or put it another way, where can you attach your "emergency tiller?" (assuming you have this set up). If you can see the head of the rudder stock you may consider attaching some kind of index marker or pointer to it. OK, you will have to glance down between your feet or look behind you, but its cheap and easy.

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[tr7v8]

Yes, mines got one of those except it says Rulan, seems to work OK but only for direct connection not Hydraulic according to the manual.

Jim
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[neale]

The type that Byron is refering to can be found in the Compass watersports catalouge 2003 on page 191. £19.95. I have one myself and have found it very useful.

Neale

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