Wind Vane vs. Autopilot for CD22

[Cap'n Mike]

After some internet research, I think I have decided to add a tiller pilot, not a wind vane, to my CD22.

I think an autopilot is better for coastal, day sailing. The only major drawback for a tiller pilot is the electrical needs. I have a group 27 battery on board, but I have no way of charging it at sea.

Thoughts? Does anyone else have a tiller pilot or wind vane on their CD22?

Thanks.

[Tod Mills]

Cap'n Mike,

A good combination to have in your repertory might be sheet-to-tiller and an electronic autopilot. Unless you routinely make longer voyages that would point to a vane, those two methods would avoid the additional weight, clutter, complexity, and expense (of a commercially made) vane.

A flexible solar panel would likely serve your charging needs; I know a fellow who uses an autopilot on occasion and he gets by with a flexible solar panel draped over his companionway slide. It isn't permanently mounted, although he could tie it down if he wanted to, so he only pulls it out if he needs a charge.

With the sheet-to-tiller, you could do a lot of sailing without the wear and tear and electrical demands and with the autopilot you could motor when the wind fails or if you don't feel like messing with strings and elastic.

Just a thought....

[seadawg]

Good evening, I have the Raymarine ST-1000+ on our 22d. It is somewhat light duty however in that, not knowing any better, I used it to sail up wind in heavy weather and broke it internally. It is very good in moderate winds and reaches. I have 2 group 24's and only use the ap occasionally and have never had a power problem. Charles.

[seadawg]

Good evening, I have the Raymarine ST-1000+ on our 22d. It is somewhat light duty however in that, not knowing any better, I used it to sail up wind in heavy weather and broke it internally. It is very good in moderate winds and reaches. I have 2 group 24's and only use the ap occasionally and have never had a power problem. Charles.

[Troy Scott]

Mike,

Many years ago when I had a CD22 I used a Tillerpilot and it served well. Later I owned a Contessa 26 on which I also used a Tillerpilot. On the Contessa I used a solar panel for all my charging except for what little came from the alternator. I always had plenty of power for the Tillerpilot.

After some internet research, I think I have decided to add a tiller pilot, not a wind vane, to my CD22.

I think an autopilot is better for coastal, day sailing. The only major drawback for a tiller pilot is the electrical needs. I have a group 27 battery on board, but I have no way of charging it at sea.

Thoughts? Does anyone else have a tiller pilot or wind vane on their CD22?

Thanks.

[SeaBelle]

I had considered an autopilot for my CD28. Although originally considering a Raytheon, I discovered the tillerpilot line now owned by Simrad. When I was looking they had the TP10, TP20, and TP30. The TP10 was inexpensive because it didn't interface to other instruments (I feature I didn't need) yet it was geared to boats with about 8200# displacement and it had 143# thrust.

[Cap'n Mike]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I did have a Sunsei 18W Solar Panel on Adoryble, but after 4 months on deck the panel's edges separated, water got in, and the panel stopped working.

I would consider a flexible solar panel. Which is the best? Which lasts longer?

Also, I think I will go with one of the Simrad products, but a larger version than the TP10.

Thanks again.

[Gary M]

I'm glad I caught this post. I've been casually looking around and the only thing I could find is Raymarine. Most had good things to say but I was wondering what ever happened to the old Tiller Master.

Now I know.

What are the pros and cons and where is the best place to buy a Simrad.

By the way, Cap'n Mike, I assume you want something bigger then the TP10 for the data link.

Gary

[Cap'n Mike]

Actually, the reason I want a pilot larger than the TP10 is because I like robust systems. I don't want the minimum. Also, I sail all the time. People always tell me to give Adoryble a rest. I would like a tiller pilot that can handle Adoryble in most sea and wind conditions, so I figure a TP22 or TP32 should work just fine. Mounting for each is the same.

So...why buy one when you can buy one at twice the price!