Pecco 10 Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 Hi there, I have an auxiliary rudder trim tab wind vane set up on a cav 32 I am wandering if anyone has direct experience on getting the auto tiller unit attached to the auxiliary rudder trim tab. I have a tp32 . The aim would be to be able to use the tiller pilot in more demanding condition as it would normally be feasible if attached to the main tiller. this would also mean the auxiliary rudder would always be mounted at the back. ( at the moment it is sitting in the shed...) thank you in advance for your thoughts. cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,230 Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 There are some boats that do this. However, on a cav32, I'd expect a TP32 to steer on the main tiller in virtually any conditions. From a life expectancy point of view though, the loads on the TP are a lot less on the trim tab...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Pope 243 Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 Heaps more power than you need for working a trim tab. But as they say use what you have got. The TP32 can suffer from water getting into where you don't want it. A cover with a clear over the control buttons solves that & a collar around the shaft that can be tightened enough with a draw string to semi water proof it. If I remember correctly you will have to set it up so the tab turns the correct way, which is the opposite to using it directly to the tiller. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pecco 10 Posted April 21, 2020 Author Share Posted April 21, 2020 Thank you for your replyes guys! The idea was to try preserve the tp32 by not making it work as hard. Also save battery. Finally to be able to use in any conditions. I wander if in that position is going to get wetter then ideal...??? I guess only time will tell. Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chariot 242 Posted April 22, 2020 Share Posted April 22, 2020 Having owned a Cav 32 in the past, the helm can sure load up on a reach. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,230 Posted April 22, 2020 Share Posted April 22, 2020 No boat is fast with a hugely loaded helm. The TP32 max thrust is 85Kg. That is more than most helmsmen can do..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Pope 243 Posted April 22, 2020 Share Posted April 22, 2020 Most wetness will be rain etc. unless you are pooped. TP32 or any of the others will work ok in the wet, the cover recommendation was given to me by a fellow who had lost 2 to moisture, made sense to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,230 Posted April 22, 2020 Share Posted April 22, 2020 The most common failure by far on longer passages, is movement in the tiller pin ruining the plastic end fitting. Make certain you push the pilot into the tiller pin firmly, right home. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,581 Posted April 22, 2020 Share Posted April 22, 2020 And carry spares Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pecco 10 Posted April 24, 2020 Author Share Posted April 24, 2020 Hey guys, I just thought about the auto tillel being connected to the trim tab. The set up doues not allow for the auto tiller to be mounted square to the boat axis. Does this matter at all? Or as i press the auto botton it then does what it needs to do to steer the course? I immagine i should trick the auto tiller by setting it as if it was installed say starbord rather then port. This way it would deal with trim tab???? Does it make sense??? Thank you for any suggestion Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ex TL systems 63 Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 The tiller pilot can be mounted fore and aft pushing a tiller mounted at right angles to normal. You just may need to change the auto pilots port or starboard setting to suit. Pilot wouldn’t want to be mounted on a moving surface like a rudder though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vic008 17 Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 I had a trimtab on aft edge of rudder with same idea.I gave up, and it takes a lot to beat me.Did think about actuating it with a morse cable but never tried. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,230 Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 But if you want to make it steer a known compass course, the internal compass will be confused. An external compass (precision 9) would fix that and give much better steering as well.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ex TL systems 63 Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 I have never worried about what the auto pilot compass is saying as it only indicates where the boat is pointing not where its going. I just use my track numbers on the gps and when that is the same as the course I want then push auto or use the plus and minus buttons to adjust. The thing I like about tiller pilots is the fact that all the bits are in one place and if it doesn’t work you can swap the whole unit with a spare easily. It helps that they are relatively cheap. The pelagic units look pretty solid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,230 Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 Yep, if you just want to hit a button an hold that course, no issue. If you want to steer to a waypoint, or other advanced steering facilities, then it may be an issue. Things like wind angle steering, and course accuracy are hugely improved with an external compass Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pecco 10 Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 Good stuff, Cheers! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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