electrical gear on a HT26

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  • 22nd July 2006 at 9:30 am #10908

      Hi, does anyone have an electric windlass on their HT26 and if so which one did you get? (I'm not lazy just would like to go out single handed)

      Also, does anyone have an autopilot and again which one did you get.

      Sassy

      2nd August 2006 at 12:09 am #11259

        Hi Sassy,
        There are lots of experts out there, and I'm sure you'll get a worthy technical reply soon (when they're back from their summer cruises!).

        I have a HT, and do a lot of single handed sailing, but do not have an electric windlass. I have manual windlass, but have never used it. I get by with bursts of ahead on the engines and pulling in the warp when it's slack. Sure, it means a few trips back and forth to the wheel on windy days and or strong tide locals, but its never failed yet. If you have a windlass, you'll have all the hassle and difficulty of installing a big cable to your power packs or alternatively a dedicated battery (close to it). Then there's the switch gear too and charging arrangements. Yugh.

        On autohelms – my boat came with an Autohelm 4000 – probably a really old thing, but it works a treat on my wheel steering and is highly recommend for singlehanded. It's very easy to use (just engage a lever, press one or two buttons) and is most valuable when tacking when single handed (especially when windy). So I'd say an investment in an autohelm is a good one.

        2nd August 2006 at 8:44 am #11260

          Thanks for your reply Nick it was really helpful – I was considering an electric windlass because I am going to the Caribbean and have read that you sometimes have to reset your anchor possibly three or four times but I have a really good CQR which seems to like holding in sand so may be alright.

          I am considering getting a simrad autohelm to interface with other simrad instruments already on my boat but have read and heard that the interfacing is not always as described by the manufacturers. If anyone has a simrad interfacing autopilot I would be really interested to hear what you think.

          Also, if anyone is going to the Caribbean or has been I would be grateful for any advice on how you kitted out your HT power wise for the trip.

          Sassy

          13th August 2006 at 10:50 pm #11261

            Hi,

            I would think carefully before going for any interfaced system especially if you are single-handed.

            I came from the Azores to the UK in a Twins 36 last month, that had been professionally fitted with a Raymarine system. It crashed three times due to one of the dislays apparently corrupting the system leaving us without autopilot,compass & GPS. Twice this occurred in the early hours of the morning and was eventually 'cured' by ditching the control panel and directly wiring-in the hand held remote.
            Even with three of us on board the thought of hand steering for over 800 miles was daunting!

            The only advantages I can see of an integrated system is that it it can show your VMG and you don't have to key in your heading to the autopilot from the GPS.On a sailing boat the autopilot is frequently set with more refernce to the wind-direction than the ultimate destination, so I wonder how useful this last advantage is.

            Regards……………………..Smallcat

            13th August 2006 at 11:55 pm #11262

              Hi Smallcat,

              Thanks for your information – I have been coming to the same conclusion regarding an integrated system after talking to other sailors who have had similar problems which works out better for me financially at least now I can shop around and not have to stick to Simrad. I am also thinking about getting a wind self steering system although I have not seen one on a HT26 and am not sure if I can fit one – if anyone has one fitted I would be grateful for any info.

              Many thanks,

              Sassy

              14th August 2006 at 10:24 am #11263

                Dear Sassy

                Mike Dwyer on Allegro III has been to the Caribbean many times and also has a windvane steering system on board. Try e mailing mikeallegro3@pocketmail.com If that fails get back to me on oceanswan@hotmail.com and I'll help you out with another address.

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