Monitor Manual
4 Sailing with the Monitor
4.4.1 Problem Boats and Easy Ones
Most boats have very little problem from the day the MONITOR is starting to take over the steering. However, we are sure that most skippers get more out of their MONITOR after a few weeks of using it. They have not only learned the operation of the MONITOR but they are probably more familiar with the boat after some time in the ocean. Obviously, not all boats are the same in terms of the ease with which they can be made to self-steer and the following is intended to be a shortcut to get the most out of your MONITOR.
The following factors make a boat easy for the vane gear to handle: moderate size, medium displacement, good course stability, moderate response to rudder, little or no helm on all points of sail, a steering system which turns easily and with little friction, a sail plan which allows many alternative sail combinations.
Problems are introduced by large size and displacement, very light displacement with accompanying fin keels and spade rudders, binding and friction in the steering system, or a rig or sail inventory which does not allow many options for sail combinations and trim.
This is not to say that such boats cannot be steered by the MONITOR. They do, however, require more insight and seamanship from the operator. This is the subject of the following discussion.
This 46' converted English Lifeboat with 3" planking and a barndoor rudder circumnavigated with a MONITOR. It can be considered a difficult boat, but the MONITOR had no problem.