[Rhodes22-list] Q & D Self Steering for Rummy

[Robert Skinner]

Rummy,

How about a scaled up version of the 
self-steering used on model boats?
Works on a reach, not so well down wind.

Materials:

Bungee with a ring on one end and a 
     free end (no hook) on the other.
Two small blocks.

Rigging:

Run the main sheet to the upwind gunwale 
or rail (opposite the boom), passing it 
thru a block secured to the rail.

>From the block, run back to the tiller 
and take two or three turns around it.

>From the tiller continue toward the 
downwind gunwale, and secure the main 
sheet to the ring in the bungee with a 
slip knot.  (You want to be able to 
release it quickly!)

The bungee passes thru a block on the 
downwind gunwale (rail?) and along the 
side to the stern cleat, and is secured 
there.

Function:

Omitting the turns around the tiller, 
find the bungee adjustment that 
balances the pull on the main for 
the desired point of sail with little 
or no tiller effort.

Release the bungee, take two or three 
turns around the tiller (with tiller 
amidships) with the main sheet, and 
secure the bungee again to balance 
the forces.

Go below and fix a drink.

/Robert

-----------------------------------------
R22RumRunner at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Robert,
> Captain Bob of Yankee Clipper fame has an auto pilot which I am extremely
> jealous of. Some day I might break down and install one myself, but it's just
> hard to justify the expense when I'm sailing on an inland lake
> 
> Rummy
> 
> 
> In a message dated 6/18/2008 11:25:20 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> robert at squirrelhaven.com writes:
> 
> And I  guess that an autopilot would be cheating, Rummy?
> How about a wind  vane?  Bungee on the main  sheet?
> 
> /Robert
> 
> R22RumRunner at aol.com wrote:
> >
> >  Slim,
> > You have to understand that going below, mixing a drink and  getting back to
> > the helm prior to broaching is a real challenge. It's  probably one of the
> few
> > that I have yet to conquer with the  Rhodes22.
> >
> > Rummy