Monitor Manual

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5 Maintenance and Problem Solving

5.4.2 Faulty Operation of the Monitor

Other problems stem from operating the gear incorrectly: 

LINES. The pendulum lines are too tight or too loose. Too tight is a very common problem. It’s a little bit like sheeting the sails too hard. Try looser lines, but not too loose! You have to experiment and this is easy to do if you use the recommended "MONITOR Special" knot. (See end of paragraph3.5.3.) Tighter lines are generally used in strong winds when you do not want to waste any corrections and you have plenty of power. In light wind, you have to loosen the lines to minimize the friction in the entire system. Once again, experiment and learn how to get the most out of your MONITOR. 

OFF CENTER. The clutch pin on the wheel adaptor is engaged when the pendulum is off center. In order to avoid guesswork we suggest that you mark the pendulum lines with a marking pen when the water paddle is between the two legs of the frame. Mark them close to the last blocks to the adaptor so it is easy to see when you are at the wheel. If the boat has weather helm you correct this the way you are normally steering. The steering wheel will not be centered when the adaptor pin is engaged but the pendulum should be centered. 

AIRVANE. The lead weight is pointing away from the wind. It has to point into the wind. Follow the label on the airvane. The airvane is mounted backwards. You could get away with this in strong winds but in light winds it would be like having two reefs in the main when it is not windy. Again, follow the label on the airvane. Also see 2.2.

Next >> 5.4.3 The Boat’s Steering System has Excessive Friction