Sheet to tiller self steering

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I was playing with the "Sheet to tiller" self steering, which I do every year and it was good to see how a simple system can steer the boat for hours; the arrangement is very sensitive to wind changes which transfers the movement to the tiller. The attached pictures shows the tiller attached to the Genoa sheet, however, I also attach it to the main and also directly to the boom, all arrangements are very successful provided that time is spent to trim and adjust.

 

[theoldsalt]

Agree and it must be the chepest self steering on the market.

We used it a lot years ago in the old gaffers I sailed on.

Shame it isn't easily adapted for wheel steering which most of us cruising types seem to have these days.

 

[fergie_mac66]

it could be adapted with the right sized pulley/wheel attached to the wheel

 

[richardh10]

So, could you explain to a novice how it works. I'd be interested in giving it a try.
Or where can I find out more about it?

Cheers

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

There are a couple good videos on the youtube site, just type "sheet to tiller" you can actually see it working. Also, follow the lines on my attached picture, it is really straight forward and very effective. The only main adjustment is the elastics to counter the force from the sail acting on the tiller.

 

[richardh10]

Thanks for that. I'll let you know how I get on

 

[oldvarnish]

We've got so many gizmos these days that it's good to remember that this is how people like the Hiscocks steered round the world in the 1950s/60s - and Slocum too, singlehanded.

 

[Fantasie 19]

Two things come to mind...

1/. I don't feel quite so bad about the state of my cockpit now....
2/. You REALLY shouldn't be drinking whatever was in that cup...