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Matthews rates the equipment that he found most useful, including his autopilot, on a cruise from Charleston down through the islands to Venezuela.
[SailNet]
A wind vane generates lots of steering power but doesn′t operate when there is no wind. Here′s a way to use an electric tiller pilot to steer the windvane, with very low current draw.
[John Stevenson, Green Cove Springs, FL, USA]
To get the most out of your autopilot while keeping power consumption low, you need to know about power settings, response levels, gyro sensors, choice of steering input - but most importantly sail trim and balance.
[SailNet, 4 September 2003]
The author uses a simple computer program connected to his helm to steer the optimum wind angles to steer downwind and when beating. The result: increased speed and/or comfort.
[SetSail]
To retain an older but useful self-steering system while updating its computer to provide better steering control and wave anticipation, the author installs a Technautic system on his old Wesmar autopilot. 3 pages with sidebar on magnetic sensor errors.
[Sail Magazine, September 2001]
Each year the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers asks its participants to evaluate (Reliability, User Friendliness, Value) various pieces of equipment. 98 boats evaluated 9 models of autopilot from Raymarine, B&G, and Simrad.
[Yachting World, London, UK]
Handheld wired or wireless devices that control the autopilot and include a crew-overboard function. You can read the User′s Guides on line.
[NKE, France]
Networked digital and analog instruments with log, depth, wind, compass and GPS inputs, and a wide range of readouts. The Star line of similar instruments is an economical entry-level alternative. The NX2 Autopilot can be used as a stand-alone unit or integrated into the network.
[Silva Sweden AB, Sollentuna, Sweden]
Autopilots and associated compasses, controls, and accessories. Offers packages to upgrade from other autopilot brands.
[ComNav Marine Ltd., Richmond, BC, Canada]
Furuno′s autopilot are self-learning and adaptive. One can even perform a circular or figure-eight course when an integrated fishfinder signals a school of fish., or when a crew overboard signal is received.
[Furuno Electric Co. Ltd., Nishinomiya, Japan]
When the wind fails to blow and operate their Aries self-steerer, they can hook their autopilot onto the windvane base. Given the extra mechanical advantage, the autopilot can then steer their heavy-displacement ketch with little effort.
Tom Zydler
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