Cap’n Remo vs. Other Systems

This short study will try to compare the Cap’n Remo wireless tiller system with other boat steering mechanisms currently on the market in a general, simple manner. Prices mentioned are from the Boat US catalog and the Monitor wind vane web page.

Auto Helm Relative to Compass. Flux gate compasses are commonly used as a heading reference for small craft autopilots. It measures the angle between the Earth’s magnetic field and the flux-gate’s plane of reference. These units are counter balanced and mounted in gimbals for stability. The smoother, the better. Consequently, to ensure smoothness, the best place to mount the flux-gate unit is at the boat’s center of pitch, roll, and balance – centered and below deck. The tiller pilot ($689 [without wireless control]

to $3199) unit has a built in compass mounted above deck and aft, lateral to the tiller which explains why steering becomes erratic as sea conditions become sloshy. When working smoothly, the boat is steered to a compass heading, but ignores wind shifts.

The Wind Vane (e.g. Monitor Wind Vane) is a mechanical add-on that steers the boat to the wind direction, taking care of minor wind shifts. These units (about $4000) are mounted to the stern and work well while beating into the wind. An off-wind course decreases the accuracy of steering as the wind stream lessens. Naturally, down-wind sailing is quiet and results in very little wind stimulus to the vane, resulting in less steering stability. The wind vane steers the boat to the wind, but ignores the compass heading.

The GPSguidance systems rely on satellite triangulation for reference. Larger boats are auto steered accurately at speeds over about 3 knots or so. The GPS’s antenna is best mounted on the bow. Similar to the flux-gate systems, the GPS systems ignore the wind direction.

Cap’n Remo is a wireless tiller controller. Its sensor is mounted between your ears. It responds to your touch as your eyes watch the compass. It responds to your touch as your face feels the wind shift. In an overboard mishap, it will respond to you by steering your boat into the wind (range 225’). Whether your hull speed is fast or slow, whether you’re on deck or below, Cap’n Remo responds to you.