Windpilot PACIFIC LIGHT, Manual

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1.6.2 THE BASICS
• Keep the steering lines as short as possible.
• Use the smallest possible number of blocks.
• Use non-stretch lines.
• Make sure the angle formed by the lines between
the system and the back of the boat (seen from
above) is no greater than 30 degrees.
• Check the tension of the steering lines.
• Watch to make sure that line travel is not being
wasted between the pendulum arm and the main
rudder.
• Check that the main rudder bearings run smoothly.
• Check wheel steering systems for play and
stiffness.
1.6.3 WINDPILOT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• Ring 315 on the pendulum arm must be at deck
level.
• This keeps the steering lines short.
• There are no unnecessary blocks on the steering
lines.
• There are no blocks fitted to the system itself.
• The pendulum rudder shaft is long enough to
provide plenty of leverage for the pendulum rudder.
• The bevel gear linkage is working properly to
provide automatic yaw damping.
• The system is sensitive in light airs but powerful in
stronger wind conditions.
CAUTION
• Take care when setting up the steering lines
between the WINDPILOT and the main rudder.
Poor force transmission will seriously impair
steering quality.
1.6.4 CROSSBAR
• If the angle formed by the lines between the system
and the first set of turning blocks on the back of the
boat (seen from above) is greater than 30 degrees,
performance is likely to suffer. The blocks may be
moved to the ends of a crossbar fitted adjacent
to the top of the mounting bracket to improve the
angle and resolve the problem.
1.6.5 DEDICATED BREAK POINT FOR STEERING
LINES
• Two of the turning blocks for the steering lines
should be fastened to the boat only with thin cord
(e.g. 3 mm burgee halyard). If, for whatever reason,
the transmission system should be overloaded,
these lines will break and save the rest of the
setup.
1.6.6 SHOULD I SPLICE THE STEERING LINES?
• No, it is better just to use knots as you can then
end-for-end the lines easily to spread the wear.