Set Course Remotely
No one wants to lean over the back of the boat on night watch alone. We run our remote course setting line forward, down the lifelines, and so it can be reached while sitting in the comfortable protection of the dodger.
Remote Course Setting Assembly
The purpose of the Remote Course Setting Assembly is to change or set the course. It allows you to move the entire upper section of the unit in order to get the leading edge of the vane into the wind. On the desired course the vane should be positioned with leading edge into the wind – ‘in irons’.
To use the remote course setting there is a line that is set-up like a clothesline – an endless loop – to somewhere handy to the cockpit. It’s usually attached by a bungee cord somewhere along the lifelines. The line can be as long or as short as needed. A little pull on that line moves the vane a tiny bit. Three or four full arm’s length pulls would tack the boat.
The worm gear is great – no need to tie off or lock anything – just pull the line and leave it.
- No need to lock off – never moves on its own
- Can make the smallest adjustment, or even tack/gybe with it
- Lead the line anywhere – no need to get up to make a tweak in course
- SAFETY – No need to lean over your transom in heavy weather
Manual Course Setting
The VXA1 is a more basic mechanism – only a course locking knob, aka ‘Course Clamp’. One has to muscle the vane to the desired heading and tighten the knob. Sometimes this makes sense for small cruising boats with small cockpits where the knob will be within an easy arm’s reach. Most feel that the extra cost the remote course setting is well worth it.
Other Features
