Self-steering gears are complicated and will continue to be so. It is not easy to explain how they work because many factors play a part, particularly in the more sophisticated systems.
The various components which make up a self-steering gear, and the way they interact, are discussed in this book by considering, on the one hand, the individual components themselves and, on the other hand, the complete installation. Selfsteering gears are classified at the back of this book with these factors in mind..
A boat is able to steer herself with the help of sails, wind vanes or automatic pilots, but selfsteering methods cannot be considered in isolation. They are part of a whole which includes the boat to which they are fitted, and what suits one boat may well not be right for another. All this is discussed, with the emphasis on the relationship between self-steering and the boat (her inheren directional stability). The provision of the power required for automatic pilots is also covered.
The theory behind the various systems an the combirlation of systems is explained simply and their effectiveness is evaluated.