Wondering about using my GPS while singlehand tiller sailing

[BruceW]

Okay, so here I am thinking about stuff and trying to combine a few things:

a. My boat is a CP 23, tiller, yes on tiller clutch & bungee control
b. No tiller pilot
c. I usually just go mucking about
d. I came across a  handheld GPS I had forgot I even had.

So, I seem like I am so busy sailing, and the small GPS is just going to lay there until I pick it up, but I have to steer, maneuver, etc.

I need something to hold it for me so I can see what's going on.

I wonder if there is something I could put it in that would hold it just about where I can see it. I once saw a shaving mirror that you put on, and the mirror is just where you need it to be. Haha, a GPS neck-mount?

Or, maybe I should use the chart I have in a handy size now & just use the GPS to track where I have been for later?

[Gerry]

There are many suction cup or Velcro type devices.  Also you might consider a swing out device from your cabin.  This site has many suggestions.

[captronr]

I saw a pic on here somewhere where a person bungied a handheld to the tiller handle.  I plan to try that.  My handheld has a carry strap, so figure to put it on the tiller handle, then bungie GPS in place.  If the bungie comes off, the strap should keep the GPS from swimming.

Ron

[BruceW]

There are many suction cup or Velcro type devices.  Also you might consider a swing out device from your cabin.  This site has many suggestions.

I guess I wasn't clear. When sailing holding the tiller, I could never see the gps on a swing out device.

[BruceW]

I saw a pic on here somewhere where a person bungied a handheld to the tiller handle.  I plan to try that.  My handheld has a carry strap, so figure to put it on the tiller handle, then bungie GPS in place.  If the bungie comes off, the strap should keep the GPS from swimming.

Ron

My tiller handle might just hold it! I have a bunch of small bungees, too! I had been thinking to keep looking forward to see the GPS, but I might could look down and follow along. Thanks!

[moonlight]

I think one could make a very nice mount like you suggested with the shaving mirror.  Use some 5200 and stick it to your forearm or sleeve... make a GPS Shirt.

[HeaveToo]

I own a Compac 23 too.  I sail single handed 100% of the time.

My GPS is on the bulkhead.  I can almost reach it from the helm.  With a tiller extension I could reach it.

The best thing a singlehand sailor can have is a good autopilot.  It is worth its weight in gold.  You can get away from the helm for longer or short breaks.  It is tougher when you have following seas and it is rough, but in normal conditions I let the autopilot do most of the work when I am out. 

[BruceW]

GPS shirt, okay

the tiller pilot, well, out of my price range.  I think I'll keep working on the extendo holder, and maybe try the bungees for now.

[capt_nemo]

Use GPS to occasionally check your position if necessary. Compare it to the chart. You do use a chart don't you?

Otherwise, just concentrate on sailing the darn boat using a compass, if needed, and enjoy yourself to the max.

IMHO too many folks depend or rely on electronic means to sail their boats.

capt_nemo

[HeaveToo]

I don't depend on the autopilot all of the time.  It is sure nice to get a break from the helm.

A really cheap solution is a piece of PVC and a bungie cord.  Make a tiller extension.  That will allow you to move up towards the bulkhead and steer while you view the GPS.
http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?1361-Home-Made-Tiller-Tamer-for-15-Bucks!

GPS and chart plotters are great.  That being said that is not an excuse for not knowing how to use your compass and paper charts.  Know how to use both!

Say what you will about use of electronics.  It is all about how you sail.  I cruise for long trips, 30 mile days, for 7 day or longer trips.  Being able to get away from the helm is a Godsend.

btw....autopilots aren't that expensive for a tillerpilot.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Raymarine-St1000-Tiller-Pilot-A12004-A12004-/191355344969?hash=item2c8daad849:g:yLEAAOSwd4tULDCA

[Bob23]

Bruce:
   I'm sure you can find industrial Velcro. I did at Home Depot or Lowe's...don't remember which. It holds stuff unbelievable well- I use it to hold my rowing compass to my rowing craft. Just Velcro the GPS to the tiller handle somehow. And HeaveToo and Nemo both have very good advice. Enjoy sailing the boat using chart and compass.
   I also sail a 23 with a tiller clutch and I find it works great for the shorter sails I do. But I do plan on an auto pilot like the one Heave suggests. So Heave: does the  1000 work ok for you? I've heard they are a bit weak for the 23's and the 2000 has been suggested. What's your take?
Bob23

[BruceW]

Use GPS to occasionally check your position if necessary. Compare it to the chart. You do use a chart don't you?

Otherwise, just concentrate on sailing the darn boat using a compass, if needed, and enjoy yourself to the max.

IMHO too many folks depend or rely on electronic means to sail their boats.

capt_nemo

Whatever, dude; if you don't have something to say, you shouldn't probably say it.

[BruceW]

Bruce:
   I'm sure you can find industrial Velcro. I did at Home Depot or Lowe's...don't remember which. It holds stuff unbelievable well- I use it to hold my rowing compass to my rowing craft. Just Velcro the GPS to the tiller handle somehow. And HeaveToo and Nemo both have very good advice. Enjoy sailing the boat using chart and compass.
   I also sail a 23 with a tiller clutch and I find it works great for the shorter sails I do. But I do plan on an auto pilot like the one Heave suggests. So Heave: does the  1000 work ok for you? I've heard they are a bit weak for the 23's and the 2000 has been suggested. What's your take?
Bob23

But I'm not asking about how to sail. Capt Nemo and Heave Too are not not contributing to what I"m trying to find. I appreciate the velcro idea also. I still think that is going to force me to look behind me.

What I'm trying to do is see the GPS while I'm sailing. I want to know the area better, as opposed to just sailing on the surface.

Does this happen to every thread?

[marc]

On my 19 I mounted a chart plotter on a board that installs in place of my hatch boards. You can see my set up in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCYiS21d44U

At 2 minutes 8 seconds in you can see how close I need to get in order to read the screen. Chart plotter is on the right, compass on the left.

[BruceW]

On my 19 I mounted a chart plotter on a board that installs in place of my hatch boards. You can see my set up in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCYiS21d44U

At 2 minutes 8 seconds in you can see how close I need to get in order to read the screen. Chart plotter is on the right, compass on the left.

First of all, great video; what camera? how mounted? I have a great little video camera from kodak that is waterproof (I even snorkeled with it) and a tripod that can velcro around a pole, etc. I might dig it out and try mounting it at various places on the CP 23.

Secondly, that's exactly why I don't want to put the little GPS up on the hatch board area. I have a depth finder up there, and it is about as small as I could have and still see it.

So, I am thinking of velcro to my right forearm so I can look at the GPS when I want to. It actually needs to be held out from me a little. I could try a lanyard also, but I wanted something that held the thing away from my chest. Something out from the end of the tiller might work, but it might also just swing around crazy.

When I looked for the shaving mirror hooks online, the items all cost more than I want to pay for this little experiment. I might look around at some of the stores like WalMart or Dollar store.

Thanks!