Sheet to tiller & Windvane.

[jamie N]

I've had a DIY trimtab windvane on my Folkboat for a time, and it's OK, but does require the rig to be very well trimmed, and the boat set up to give a neutral helm. I believe that servo pendulum, or auxuliary rudder types are an easier set up, and more able to absorb a less neutral trim.
Has anyone tried a trimtab windvane, in parallel with sheet to tiller steering, where both are connected at the same time?
To help balance my windvane I've previously used bungee, which is fine, but the idea of an almost failsafe method of two entirely different 'systems' appeals greatly, given that it won't add to the £8.00 that my windvane has so far set me back.
One might almost say that it's easy to have 3 setups working together:
trimtab,

mainsheet to tiller,

and a genoa sheet to tiller lever.

It's not meant for short tacking, although it's easy enough to rig for a tack, but at sea for a period of time.
It's a slightly random thought for some reason ( ? ), and gives me a reason to get into the garage to make the genoa sheet lever!

 

[garymalmgren]

Hi Jamie
As to your question : Has anyone tried a trimtab windvane, in parallel with sheet to tiller steering, where both are connected at the same time?
I have to answer no, but I am pretty sure that with experimentation you would end up with a very efficient steering system.
I have pretty well perfected sheet to tiller on my boat and am in the process of experimenting with a wind vane extension, not a trim tab.

My first question is, why isn't your trim tab up to the job?
Kevin Boothby on Ruth Avery has circumnavigated engineless with a trim tab.

That system should do the job on a Folkboat.

I have a '70's fin keeler and get very good courses from my set up as long as the wind is consistent.

So I would suggest experimenting with the trim tab to get the best out of it. Then doing the same with sheet to tiller and when you have both organized, join them.
At 3:11 in this vid you will see the strut and mechanism of the wind vane assist that I am working on for my sheet to tiller.

All the best
gary