In this discussion thread.

Your statements about all your research showed was that only the best were all custom made, cost 11K and they all had many failures led me to think that you either did not do extensive research, or allowed your research to prove a pre-existing opinion.

I believe a windvane is a very good choice for your boat. And for many, many others. I would never argue about someone's decision to have one - it would not even cross my mind or enter my consciousness if not pointed out to me. My arguing here is when people, come to this discussion with a lot of misinformation on, and zero experience, with AP's and present themselves as real cruisers with real answers.

I would be perfectly happy to cruise on a Westsail 42, a Nor'sea 27 or any appropriately safe boat as long as it got me, and kept me, out cruising. Given a range of boats within our means, we made a different choice, but don't believe it is the only valid choice and never become pedantic about it.

Believe me, Catana's do not accept leeway. Most of them will outpoint and make good on all but the pure racing designs - and any cruising boat out there. I sailed one 80miles last October straight into 35kt winds and short, steep breaking waves. The boat held 35-40* course made good and never fell below 8kts. And was completely comfortable. I was jealous - you would have been more correct to pick the Manta as a catamaran that accepts leeway.

But the discussion was about lacking experience with both types of self-steering systems while making sweeping judgments on them - not about experience with different types of boats. No one has said anything about speed or comfort in relation to boats - only in ability to use a windvane - and no one has made arguments regarding arriving in port ahead of others, etc.

I have had seismac for a couple years, but don't find it all that useful. I have a similar app on my iPod, along with a decibel meter, that I find more useful because I can sit it on things and make and save measurements. Helps when trying to quiet things or diagnosing something loose or broken.

Mark