Electrical draw of autopilots?

[sailingdog]

One thing that helps with tiller pilots is making a "splash sleeve" to put over the unit. It will extend the life of it significantly.

[peteris]

I know a windvane really is the right way to go, but I think I will just purchase a spare tiller unit for $400 in case my primary one fails, instead of dishing out nearly $4000 for a new windvane. Just can't afford that right now.

I had just heard that the electrical draw of an autotiller can be significantly higher than what the manufacturer states, and was concerned that I would be running my engine or generator non-stop and running out of fuel. My longest passage shouldn't be more than around 3 weeks, so the autotiller could be viable for me I think.

[marujosortudo]

Some folks have built their own wind vanes, too. This seems to work especially well for small sail boats, like yours, and has the added benefit that you'll know how to fix it when something goes wrong. Heck you might be able to make your own for less than $400 if you scrounged around for parts and were creative. Here's a picture of a VERY simple one:

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/displayPhoto.jsp?&photo=3&boat_id=2126570&ybw=&boatyr=1964&boatname=25'+Bequia+Wood+Cutter&photo_revised_date=1254234194000&photo_name=sailing+blue+water

[peteris]

Yes I have considered building my own as well. I've heard the parts could cost as little as $20 for some designs! These would utilize the boats transom mounted rudder, as I think the picture you linked shows. I think this could take a lot of time to tune and perfect though. Apparently windvane to tiller designs can also damage your rudder due to large forces that are sometimes applied in heavier weather. In my case though I'm on a pretty tight timeframe at the moment, but would love to try this when I have some free time.

[marujosortudo]

Well, for $20 you can take the parts with you, and build it on some small Pacific island after your autopilot has failed

[johnnyandjebus]

I know this doesn't answer your orginal question but you might consider spending some this reading up on sheet to tiller selfsteering.
I own a contessa 26 and have had some success this past summer using it, day sailing on Lake Ontario. it is not a perfect solution to self steering
but can work quite well with practice, no electricity needed.
See links below as a place to start.

John

Sheet-to-Tiller Self Steering
A Pearson Ariel Page

[sawingknots]

I have a 26 ft boat with a raymarine st2000,I've never noticed a significant drain on the batteries,ofcourse I've never been offshore for 30 days either,I use a 20 watt solar panel,the advise about proper sail triming is sound

[mitiempo]

peteris
The reason I posted the link for Norvane is because it doesn't cost 4000. There are many used vanes for sale as well at reasonable prices - check craigs list etc.
Brian

[Dobreski]

If you are just going to be out sailing for the day or weekend versus if you are going to be doing extended sailing with reliable winds.
I have had both.
I liked the autopilot for shorter trips and the windvane for longer, overnight sailing.

[mitiempo]

Dobreski
He's sailing to Panama, through the South Pacific and to Australia.
Brian