doesnt affect my turning circle which is pretty good but i wouldnt even try to reverse with it in place. the good thing about this type of unit is - no
transmission ropes to
cockpit or any other externals than what you see in the
photo - nice and discreet. All thats required to hand over to the self steerer is set up sailtrim, line the
windvane up to
wind direction, feel the
wheel into balance and lock the main
rudder which i do by way of
cleats on a direct aux. tiller (because my
steering is an older hydraulic unit that 'creeps' i cant just lock the wheel). My original design intention was only to put the unit in place before heading out to sea and remove it when coming back into a harbour but initial testing indicates that its steady enough to be good to have in place even in harbour, frees me up to do other things. I dont think id try and enter a marina with it in place.