Tiller pilot recommendations?

Re: Art Butler - excellent idea, thanks

I know - I play guitar & various other noises in the same band (Workhouse)! I think you may have one of our CDs... Come to think of it you weren't there when we played in Whisstocks old shed a few years back were you?
 
You\'re making hard work of this...

The idea of using a tillerpilot to operate a trim tab on the rudder has been featured in various magazine articles and has been used by a number of people - I've personally seen a couple of boats with this set-up. It's quite a simple concept to understand; the tillerpilot wiggles the trim tab instead of wiggling the rudder. The trim tab, using servo action, moves the rudder. Main problem with it is that the linkage looks ugly, and the tillerpilot usually has to be mounted high up and adds to the "Heath Robinson" appearance.
 
Re: 85KG Is a lot of thrust

Unless you need a block and tackle to control your tiller off the wind I wouldnt have thought the thrust would often exceed 85kg?

You may have to accept reefing down a lot of main if you want to use the tillerpilot in fresh conditions.I have to admit though to having no experience with 10 ton long keelers.But have sailed some pretty hard mouthed smaller boats.

The spec for the Simrad TP 30 claims to be suitable for boats up to 42 ft LOA 85 kg max thrust 10 inch movement and 6 seconds lock to lock at 40 kg thrust. 0.5 amp consumption on auto. Figures taken from a test report in August 2001 YM.
 
Re: Art Butler - excellent idea, thanks

Yes, I have, its in the car at the moment, and no, I was in China at that point.

One hears that another CD is possible - two copies, please!
 
But remember where it\'s applied...

The tillerpilot's thrust is typically applied to the tiller at a point only 18" from the axis of the rudder post - that means it needs a lot more force than you'd apply by hand to the end of the tiller.
 
Re: Tiller pilot recommendations. LEMAIN

I have seen plenty of references and a few boats in the past with tiller pilots connected to trim tabs (but have never looked closely at them as outside of my interest) so is not unusual. If I recall correctly the pilot/trim tab was normally used in wind vane mode or for when motoring with the ultimate objective being to reduce current draw or the size of pilot drive needed.

Just did a very brief google and lots of references to doing so seemed to come up.

John
 
Re: Tiller pilot recommendations

QUOTE from philip_stevens' posting:
It would be like a second rudder hanging on to the back of the main rudder. You tell the autohelm to move the trim tab in the opposite direction to what you intend the rudder to go. UNQUOTE.

The point is that the trim tab has its own little tiller which is operated (usually) by the wind vane. In my scenario it is operated by the tiller pilot. The trim tab tiller has to be pushed in the opposite direction to which you want the tiller to move. You would fix the standard tiller pilot connection pin on the trim-tab tiller instead of on the main tiller.

Hence........


SECOND quote from philip_stevens:
Autohelms can be made to work in reverse, by installing it on one side of the boat, and telling it that it is on the other side. This facility of for normal starboard fitting, or if it has to be fitted on the port side. UNQUOTE.

I don't have a scanner, otherwise I would post selected excerpts from Moitessier and Marin-Marie.

If you want to continue this discussion maybe we should opn up a new thread on Trin-tab steering?

Rgds.

Shantyman.
 
Re: Art Butler - excellent idea, thanks

I am involved in the organisation of a few maritime events. If your group is any good I might be able to book you (If you want bookings that is) and if your material is suitably maritime.

Regards,

Shantyman.
 
Re: Art Butler - excellent idea, thanks

I have a 12ton, when loaded, cutter. We have wheel stearing and a windpilot. Because of the weight we have a secondery rudder, this is not just a trim tab but a hefty piece of equipment. The trim tab which also travels in the water, is through the various linkages, able to adequatly drive the secondry rudder. I use a st1000 when motoring and the windpilot when sailing (to save elect). Both work well in most conditons and steer the boat better than I do. Windpilot is the trade name of the equipment and they manufacture various models. It is a German company. Perhaps Google might find them.
 
Re: Art Butler - excellent idea, thanks

So is that what turns a violin into a fiddle?

Going back to the autopilot question.. I'd start with a few lengths of 6x3 and some hefty hemp rope. You'll probably need a couple of capstans and a decent sized samson post. Hope this helps.
 
Re: Art Butler - excellent idea, thanks

www.windpilot.com
This is the website It has an English version and will answer most of your questions regarding this subject. As I said we have followed the advice and have both an Autopilot and the Windpilot the Autopilot connects to the windpilot when motoring. The equipment is robust and has never failed me.
 
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