Steering options?

[KnottyBuoyz]

Are there any electro/servo steering systems used on small trawler yachts? I'm considering using the Fisher Panda Aziprop for our small trawler project. Trick is this unit can rotate 180 degs which pretty much eliminates everything except cable/pulley systems. Anybody?

[FAST FRED]

Cables and pulleys , if done with modern materials can have almost NO resistance.

If Spectra and large sized blocks with ball bearings were use , instead of a wheel, the launch style side stick , which is very handy in docking or close manuvering would leave lots of room in the Pilot House

If mounted near the opening on the "prefered" docking side it could be used from outside too.

Best of all a cheapo but pretty sophisticated tiller steering autopilot could be easily installed .

For a cruiser the big advantage is the AP cost is so low that a spare could be onboard.

Go to the local YC and ask to drive the launch , you will be simply amazed at the convienance of a side tiller!

FF

[thudpucker]

Rick, have you given any thought to what you'd do in the event of a failure?
How would you steer if your servo's (one or both) failed?