“self–steeringâ€

Hi has anyone done a home made “self–steeringâ€

I use a identical holder on my getaway with a hot stick. How ever I got mine for $5 at the local hardware. Mine is really for tools in the garage, works great

but where on the boat to you put the holder?
do you have to put one on each hull? to be used depending on what side you are sailing?

Any photos would be apreciated

I did the same thing (as a newbie) in 1981. Went to the hardware store, purchased two rake holders, even dipped them in the coating for handles and such. I screwed one to each side of the crossbar. All the time my Hobie "mentor" was shaking his head and telling me NO. I ignored him, and after aquiring several interesting looking bruises and scars on my knees and thighs I removed them and had to look at the holes in the crossbar of my new boat and eat crow. I suppose if you're in to cruising only they'd be OK, but if you like sailing on the edge and fast...they hurt.

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

I would probably, if I were to make an "autohelm", attach a shock cord at each end of the rear lacing strip. The shock cord would have a loop in the center. I would also put a loop of shock cord where the tiller extention connects to the tiller crossbar. I would then use a clip to connect the two loops. If a sketch is needed, please let me know.

This system is simple, cheap, removable, and easy on the knees.

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Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

I have wings on my getaway and they are mounted on the back side of the rear support, I really don't see how I could hit them with my body. However I can see your point. Just be creative, I'm sure you can figure something out.