Mechanical auto steering

[SueDarrin]

Hi all,  is it possible to fit a mechanical auto steering system to a CSY44?  I have found a mechanical unit and i like the sound of not having to rely on a powered unit.

The cables from the auto steering would have to go through the transom to connect to the steering cables and would therefore have to drill holes - would I be creating a problem if i went for this option?

Cheers Darrin

[Soggy Paws]

Darrin,

Your CSY 44 is a big heavy monohull.  It requires a powerful wind vane steering unit, especially if the boat is not perfectly trimmed.  Servo pendulum units have the most steering power.  We used a Monitor on our 44 WT for about 20 years.  Based on that I would recommend a servo pendulum unit like the Monitor over others.  All control lines can be run above deck where you can see them to the cockpit. I would not recommend drilling holes in the transom of your boat and then running lines under the overhead and through the aft SR forward bulkhead to the engine room.  See the Scanmar website for more info and several other options.  Also, our website has info on our installation here:  http://www.svsoggypaws.com/CSY/steering.htm#selfsteering
Dave

[SueDarrin]

Cheers Dave, I thought is was not really a go.

Have you delivered your evaluation of the new cat Soggy Paws over the old Mono Hull some where?  I would love to read it.

Darrin

[Soggy Paws]

Hi Darrin,

We submitted have two articles in Ocean Navigator on catamarans, and we have a Powerpoint slide show on our website under Presentations titled Evaluating Modern Catamarans.  If you can get your email address to me I can send you articles as attachments. 

Dave

[SueDarrin]

Hi Dave,  thanks my email is darrinwells19@gmail.com