Windvane or auto-helm?

[kingfish]

Hello all, I just wanted to put this question out, to get some responce and gain some knowlege from you fine folks. what are your opinions in the self-steering catagory? Eventually I plan on rigging my catalina 30 with both electrical and non power self steering, but for now the money is only allowing for one. I am still a new sailor and my boat is set up for single-handed .which system do you think is better for the new guy.By the way I will be sailing in the s.f. bay and short coastals for now

Cheers
Dustin

[JeffG]

I would go with the autopilot. Windvanes are great for the long haul, but as a single handed sailor, being able to push the button when you need a second hand at the tiller will be invaluable.

[BC Mike]

Auto helm first, wind vane next. BC Mike C

[Talbot]

dont skimp on the purchase of the electrical autohelm, the ability to just punch a button when singlehanded is a great feature, but really requires the system to be permanently rigged. If you have the correct wind instrument, it will also act as the windvane for the autohelm, so apart from use of power, you have the best of both worlds. It is then possible to add a solar panel to provide that power at less cost than the purchase of a completely new system!

[Jeff H]

With a coastal cruiser like the Catalina 30, I would agree with everyone else, an autopilot would be more helpful than windvane. For distance cruising autopilots have the liability of increasing fuel consumption because they require extra charging time to keep the batteries up. Since you are only short hopping, the windvane and a high output alternator should hold you in good stead.


For longer distance offshore cruising, a windvane (and a more appropriate boat) would make more sense as it allows you to minimize fuel usage on a long passage thereby maintaining a reserve for light air, entering harbors, etc.

Jeff

[harryrezz]

Jeff - I'm sure you meant to say that for short hopping an electronic autopilot would be best choice, eh?

[kingfish]

Hi-all
I found a online store that will sell me a simrad ap 5000 for 465 dollers new. Dose anybodie have experiance with this type of auto pilot?
Cheers
Dustin

[GordMay]

See the thread "Landsharks", and be aware.

[kingfish]

Thanks gord for the thought, The place I found it is online marine, I belive others on this site have talked about it.
Cheers
Dustin