I've been playing with sheet-tiller steering with some success when reaching and beating, but now I'd like to try it downwind, but haven't found any info.
I'm keen to do this with the jib sheet if possible, as I tend to furl the main when running in winds over about 20 knots (we're talking lazy man's solo cruising here).
Anyone succeeded with this?
Cheers, Graeme
AFAIK the only system that works, is with twin headsails. They have to be poled out, but angled back towards the stern. The sheets are taken to either side of the tiller. Needs some friction to dampen the movement. Tradewind cruising stuff.
im still yet to get success with down wind sheet to tiller.
I thought there may be a way to do it without twin headsails, but i dont know. John lechter did it but i think he had 2 head sails poled out!
Ive got his book on self steering but its on the boat. need to have a look.
ill take some pix in the next few days wongoga and post em here on that section.
Select to expand quoteSectorsteve said..
im still yet to get success with down wind sheet to tiller.
I thought there may be a way to do it without twin headsails, but i dont know. John lechter did it but i think he had 2 head sails poled out!
Ive got his book on self steering but its on the boat. need to have a look.
ill take some pix in the next few days wongoga and post em here on that section.
i have a set of twins for my boat and tried them out when i first bought the boat 20 years ago they worked quite well though as the area was quite small only any good for trade sailing and with low sail area she rolls a lot so even though i still have them haven't used them in years ,may dig them out of the loft if im going to do a pacific cruise
Hey Wongaga,
I take it you are familiar with goose winging although this includes your main in the set up.
This works with my 25 footer and, as long as you keep your sails flat, as the wind increases, you should have very few problems. If the wind strength becomes a problem, furl the main and use the jib alone, steering by the jib sheet, although the boat tends to roll considerably.
'
If you get the chance, look up 'Self-steering for Sailing Craft by John S Letcher JR. Specifically chapter 3. You can even download it in pdf format. An oldie but a goody.
