Autopilot recos

[PSNA]

There is one possible solution that is cheap and easy to install.

Most steering systems (like Edson) offer a wheel brake. It usually is a round knob that you turn to lock the wheel.

They are great when it is time for another frosty beverage or to unload those beverages. Of course, they will not adjust course for leeway, tide, etc.

I believe most of the Mac steering systems were made by Teleflex Morse. The Mac system is nothing more than a cheap small powerboat kit. I bet there is a brake for this system and the cost would be less than $25.00. It is basically a metal screw with a plastic knob.

Just pop off your wheel. Install and pop it back on.

[Russ]

There is one possible solution that is cheap and easy to install.

Most steering systems (like Edson) offer a wheel brake. It usually is a round knob that you turn to lock the wheel.

They are great when it is time for another frosty beverage or to unload those beverages. Of course, they will not adjust course for leeway, tide, etc.

I believe most of the Mac steering systems were made by Teleflex Morse. The Mac system is nothing more than a cheap small powerboat kit. I bet there is a brake for this system and the cost would be less than $25.00. It is basically a metal screw with a plastic knob.

Just pop off your wheel. Install and pop it back on.

Yes. BWYachts.com sells this kit
https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/5723-1v0.htm

I bought one and honestly, it scares me to use it. I'm afraid it will break something. It's a screw that tightens down on the shaft. I tightened it really tight and the wheel still turned. Maybe I have too much lubrication on the shaft.

[PSNA]

Hi Russ-

My dad had a 26X and he installed one.

It worked fine.

The only problem I recall was the fight he had getting the wheel off.

We all knew to run for the hills when he started his string of profanity.

I have an Edson system on my boat and the wheel brake has always worked like a champ.

[Be Free]

When most of my sailing was on the St. Johns I did not consider an autopilot worth installing. Now that I live on the Gulf four to eight hours on the same tack is the norm and I'm looking forward to having one. Sail balance works great as long as you are not moving around much. A trip to the head usually results in a course change

Maybe remove the helm seat and put the porta-potty in its place...

But I was stretched out across that seat taking a nap on my well balanced boat

[DaveC426913]

Most steering systems (like Edson) offer a wheel brake. It usually is a round knob that you turn to lock the wheel.
They are great when it is time for another frosty beverage or to unload those beverages. Of course, they will not adjust course for leeway, tide, etc.

Yes but, functionally, it does the same as my bungie. Simply holding the wheel steady only lasts a short time before she drifts off course. (It's a rare day when I can find the right sail arrangement to not need minor corrections.)

I went with a bungie instead of a wheel brake because the wheel brake is in a very awkward location.
If I'm sitting forward of the pedestal, within reach of the winches, getting ready to tack, there's no way to reach the wheel brake without returning to the helm. My bungie is on top of the pedestal, easily reachable.

[PSNA]

Yup.

Then the autopilot will be the best bet.

I have used Raymarine on every boat bought over the past 20 years.