Self-steering Under Sail: Autopilots and Wind-steering Systems

A reference book for anyone considering whether to fit an autopilot or windvane steering system to their boat, but baffled as to which is most suitable. It explains the difference between tiller, wheel and inboard autopilots as well as the 12 windvane steering options available, and considers their suitability for various types of boat and sea conditions. The author considers such questions as: which self-steering systems are more suitable for cruising and which for racing?; what are their limitations in terms of sea conditions and power consumption?; what is yaw damping?; why are windvane steering systems unsuitable for ULDBs?; how do you steer a catamaran without running into power consumption problems?; why is good sail trim so important for good self-steering?; what self-steering provisions should you make when building a boat?; and is DIY windvane gear construction still a feasible option? The book concludes with a comparison of all the alternatives available and a list of manufacturers of practically every self-steering system made anywhere in the world.