Integrated into the stern of the boat, the CapeHorn Self-Steering System becomes virtually as strong as the boat itself.

A tube (called the Mounting Tube) is fibreglassed strongly to the transom; its forward end held by struts fastened up to the underside of the deck or down to pads glassed to the hull. Inside this tube, a smaller tube is allowed to pivot, linking the servo-pendulum trailing behind the boat, to a quadrant inside the lazarette.

(If this installation mode is not possible or desirable, a conventional installation mode, totally outboard, is possible. See: Outboard Models)

Contrary to all others, each CapeHorn unit is built to measure :

- the length of the mounting tube is made to measure  to use minimum space inside; 
- the windvane tower can be made taller to reach over a bimini or a dodger, or shorter to duck under a mizzen boom;
- the size of the servo-pendulum is proportional to the boat's rudder.

The CapeHorn can be integrated
into all types of sterns

Classic

Reverse

Canoe

               Open Cockpit or  Scoop

Jean-du-Sud or Spray?

◄Jean-du-Sud; for boats below 40'

◄Spray; for larger boats

The overall length of the yacht is only a rough guide in the choice between the lighter Jean-du-Sud or heavier Spray models. The main criterion is in fact the amount of effort required to turn the rudder.

A 40 ft. plus boat that is well balanced and easily steered, could still use the smaller Jean-du-Sud model (provided its freeboard is not too high). On the other hand, a boat that is not so well balanced and that is hard to steer, would need the larger and more powerful Spray or Joshua, even if it is shorter than 40 ft.

The determining factor in the choice between the two integrated models is the rudder dimensions (total area, type, aspect ratio), combined with the height of the horizontal axis above the waterline. The sail balance should be also taken into account. It is better in the final analysis to seek our opinion before making the final decision.

How to Integrate a Jean-du-Sud or Spray to Your Yacht

Each CapeHorn Integrated Self-Steering is custom built. In order to provide a perfect integration between a Spray or Jean-du-Sud (JdS) and your yacht, the ideal dimensions of its three main segments must be determined.  The length of the horizontal axis and mounting tube (LMT), the height of the windvane tower (HWT) are dependant on the specific shape of the boat's stern section. The length of the servo-pendulum is determined by the height of the horizontal axis above the waterline (HWL) and the rudder dimensions.

Length of Mounting Tube (LMT)

The horizontal axis that links the outboard steering oar to the inboard quadrant pivots inside a tube fastened to the hull, called the mounting tube. Its length (LMT) is measured from the aft face of the quadrant to the aftermost part of the hull or any of its appendages that could be in the way of the steering oar.. The aft end of the mounting tube should also clear the trailing edge of the rudder if it extends aft of the hull.

In order to determine LMT, one must first determine the optimum position of the CapeHorn quadrant inside the boat. This quadrant can be placed either in the lazarette or in the cockpit.

Dimensions of the Quadrant

◄Quadrant radius is 8" (205mm) for JdS and 11" (280 mm ) for Spray (if space is limited, an 8" quadrant can be supplied with a Spray.) For 360° quadrant movement, forward of the tube, a circular space ("CS") diameter of: 16" (410mm) for JdS and 22" (560mm) for Spray. JdS quadrant is 1" (25mm) thick, Spr quadrant is 1.25" (32mm). If space (inside the lazarette or in the cockpit) is limited to one half-circle below or above the horizontal axis, the gear will work just as well, but the possibility of swinging the pendulum up for storage along the windvane tower is lost.

Quadrant in Lazarette

If the quadrant is placed inside the lazarette, its ideal position is arrived at by taking into account both the space required for the quadrant itself, and the lead of the control lines. The quadrant can be mounted indifferently above or below the horizontal axis. In many lazarette installations, the top of the quadrant reaches a few inches below the underside of the deck and the turning blocks can be bolted to the underside of the deck.►►

Quadrant in Cockpit

The mounting tube can be made to go through both the transom and the aft cockpit bulkhead. This puts the quadrant inside the cockpit, against the bulkhead, often under a helmsman's seat. This provides an installation that is both simple to perform, and structurally strong.◄►

 

 Space for Autopilot

Since the autopilot only controls the steering oar, the smallest tiller-type units can be used, even on a large boat.►

If space is limited, the autopilot can also be mounted elsewhere and connected to CapeHorn control arm through light control lines.

Height above Waterline (HWL)

◄If the U-shaped metal plate linking the teak steering oar to its stock is kept above the water, drag is kept to a minimum. This fitting extends 16" for JdS and 21" for Spray. below the horizontal axis and this height is considered as a minimum. If it is higher, the length of steering oar is increased accordingly.

Knowing the height of the horizontal axis above the (dynamic) waterline, and also the dimensions of the yacht's rudder, allows to optimize the length of the steering oar and make sure the CapeHorn provides adequate power to steer any size yacht.

Height of the Windvane Tower (HWT)

Standard height of the top of the windvane tower above horizontal axis is 53" (135 cm) for JdS and 65" (165 cm) for Spray. In most cases, this places the windvane in clear air above the stern pulpit. This dimension can be increased to reach over a pilothouse or bimini,►

◄or reduced to duck under a mizzen boom.
 

The light air windvane reaches24"(60 cm) abovethe top of the tower,and the heavy weather
vane, 17" (432 mm)
(all models). (H)►

Metal hulls

The mounting tube can be welded to a steel hull. An aluminium mounting tube can be supplied for welding to an aluminium hull.►

When welding is impractical, a Delrin collar is used to bond the mounting tube.

 ◄The collar adapter is cut to the angle of the transom, the mounting tube is bedded through it and the two halves are bolted together, on either side of the transom.

Forward End of Mounting Tube

The forward end of the mounting tube is held in place by two struts (supplied with appropriate fittings) bolted at an angle between 90° and 120° on the tube, and cut to reach either the underside of the deck above, or a pad glassed to the hull below. A reasonable distance between the tube support at the transom and the struts forward ensures a strong installation.►

Open Cockpit or Stern Platform

Instead of being inside, the struts can be placed outside on boats with stern platform.►

Second Pair of Struts

A second pair of struts (extra) can be provided to ensure adequate strength if the mounting tube extends some distance past the transom.►

Special Models

If there is no room inside the lazarette for the windvane quadrant but an integrated installation is still desired, (to allow control of the servo-pendulum by a small autopilot), it is possible to replace the quadrant by extending the tube housing the servo-pendulum stock above the horizontal axle so that it works as a control arm.▼►

Control lines led to the back of the rudder head

On a boat with an outboard rudder,  the gear can be  offset to the side 6” or 7” to allow the rudder to pivot (we were the first to dare offset a gear and found this had no effect on performance).  Instead of a quadrant with lines led to the tiller, power is transmitted to the back of the rudder head through lines attached to the tube supporting the servo-pendulum stock (which becomes a control arm) and  led to a block on each side of the transom.  Since there are no lines to the tiller, it can be lifted to the vertical (or removed) while the gear is steering, leaving the whole cockpit totally free of obstruction.

Windvane Tower Forward

On boats with step stern, or to allow the use of davits, it is possible to locate the windvane tower at the forward end of the horizontal axle instead of its aft end.

▼▼▼

If your boat presents a specific problem, ask us : we are not without imagination and may suggest an original solution. 

◄All necessary fittings are supplied.

A hole saw is used to cleanly cut an opening for the support tube.  Glass laminate (or weld) the aft end of the support tube to the hull. On metal hulls (when welding is impractical), the support tube is run through a Delrin collar. The collar is sliced to match the transom rake and the two halves are then thru-bolted together.►
 

 Fasten the forward end of the support tube with struts running up to the deck or down to the hull. All struts and braces are fully adjustable.  Slip the horizontal axis through the support tube. Connect the quadrant to the fore and the wind vane tower to the aft end. Braces are run from the tower to the deck for support.
 

◄To avoid cutting a chainplate gusset or to share the transom with a boarding ladder, the CapeHorn can be mounted off-centre. Top performance is maintained even when the unit is offset far enough to allow a transom mounted rudder to swing.

The only measurable effect of an offset installation would be felt on a boat with a long boom, extending far aft, close to the vane : the boat could not sail as close to the wind on the tack which places the vane on the lee side. because the wind that reaches the vane would have been deflected by the sail; on the other tack, or as soon as sheets are eased, the problem would disappear.►
    The reduced paddle area when heeled has no effect because when there is heel, there is most often speed and the force generated by a paddle is proportional to the square of speed through water and the paddle generates much more power than is needed; paddle area is critical only at low speeds, which produce little heel.
 

 Connecting the Control Lines:

The control lines can be connected directly to the yacht’s steering system, while retaining the possibility to connect, disconnect or trim from the steering position, without going below. This greatly reduces cockpit clutter.

The lines are led through blocks fastened to the quadrant or to a short auxiliary tiller (such as the tiller of a hydraulic system) and then back to fairleads placed close to the last turning block. From there, they are led to jamming cleats placed within reach of the wheel.

The vane is connected by putting the lines in tension and cleating them. It is adjusted for weather or lee helm by pulling one line shorter than the other. Releasing the lines from the jamming cleats instantly disconnects the vane and allows manual takeover►►►

Click here to see various connections

Wheel steering

◄If a direct connection to the quadrant is impossible, The control lines turn the steering wheel by going around stops placed on the wheel spokes, then to jamming cleats. These stops can be placed closer or farther from the hub, so the ideal ratio of 2:1 between rudder angle and quadrant tilt can be easily arrived at.

A teak drum can be supplied for wheels made of teak.

Tiller Steering

The control lines coming from the CapeHorn quadrant (or control arm) are led through turning blocks on either side to the tiller. The control lines are usually led out through holes drilled in the sides or back of the cockpit; then (through additional blocks if needed) through fairleads on the tiller, and forward to jamming cleats. The distance between fairleads and rudder axis is usually  twice the radius of the quadrant or control arm (2:1 ratio).►