sheet-to-tiller steering

  • January 27, 2019 9:12 AM
    Message # 7131743
    Deleted user

    Have you used sheet-to-tiller steering successfully on a W-32 and, if so, can you describe your method? 

  • January 29, 2019 7:46 PM
    Reply # 7136452 on 7131743

    Hello Douglas,    First off I apologize for trying to answer your question when I already know I can not.   A number of years ago I was delivering a W-32 nonstop from Costa Rica to Eureka California.  The boat was actually Saraband when owned by the previous owner.  The windvane was frozen up with corrosion and inoperable. The Tiller Master failed on day 2.  I did not do a sheet to tiller operation.  Instead I tied the tiller tightly in a set position.  I then tended to slightly under sheet the Mainsail and slightly over sheet the Staysail.  I regret I cannot give exact settings as it was too long ago and I simply did what I had to do.   The 1st time I got the right balance took about 2 hours of fiddling.  After that I could balance on any point of sail in about 10 minutes.  I sailed for 17 days on all different points of sail.  I then got the Tiller Master fixed.  I literally could have sailed on forever just balancing the sails.  During this 17 day period I recorded my 1st 1000 mile week (1017nm).  During this 17 days, besides the Main and Staysail,  I alternated between no headsail, a small Yankee, and a Drifter as needed.  I sailed on all different points of sail.  Again,  I’m sorry to not be more informative.  It just took a little practice getting the balance figured out but it worked.    Good Luck,    Dave

    Last modified: January 30, 2019 10:05 AM | Anonymous member
  • January 30, 2019 11:02 AM
    Reply # 7137596 on 7131743

    Aloha Doug,

      I have successfully used the staysail boom to self steer my 32. Run a line from the end of the staysail boom on the windward side through two blocks to the tiller. Tie a bungy cord to the other side of the tiller. As the boat comes up to the wind the boom pulls on the tiller to ease her back down. As she goes off the wind the bungy pulls her back up. Works well once adjusted and stays steady. This only works with the wind forward of the beam. Another reason to keep the staysail boom.  Lee

  • January 30, 2019 5:51 PM
    Reply # 7138285 on 7131743

    I have heard of your method too Lee , I need to try that out sometime .

    Mark .

    1 file
    Last modified: January 30, 2019 5:55 PM | Anonymous member
  • February 16, 2019 12:24 AM
    Reply # 7168164 on 7131743

    We once did the same on our 32 except it was the Yankee jib sheet. I worked great.