windvane choices???

staceyneil · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2002

hi

We''re hoping to get some advice to help us with this confusing decision! We''re refitting a 39'' center cockpit sloop (Mariner 39) to go away for a couple years on. Intend Caribbean/transatlantic.

1. Any experience with Scanmar''s Autohelm? We like that there are no lines fouling the aft deck and blocking seating in the cockpit (we''ll be cruising with our young daughter and want to minimoze obstacles!). However we are concerned about the added drag of having the rudder always in the water. Also my husband is concerned about the longevity of the little cables that link vane-rudder...

2. On a traditional servo-pendulum like Monitor, Aries, Sailomat, Fleming: how hard it it to disengage & get out of the way, those lines. Are they basically always there as obstacles or is it easy to get them out of the way when the unit is not in use?

3. Monitor specifically recommends NOT tying the unit directly to the steering gear (thus avoiding lines on deck) but my dad''s boat had the Sailomat hooked up that way. Any comments on that setup?

4. what do people know about the Atoms?

5. Any other comments or recommendations greatly appreciated!

ABullard · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002

Hi Stacey,

I would really like to know what you decide to do. I also have a Mariner 39 and am trying to refurbish the CVG windvane that came with the boat. If that doesn''t work I will need to replace by vane as well.

The former owner who sailed the boat from Florida to Tahiti and Alaska loved the CVG, which has the rudder continually in the water and all control lines were adjusted from the stern. He stated that it did not adversely affect performance. In fact on their trip to Tahiti he said they sailed for 7 days and nights without any adjustment to their windvane at all.

Tony
sv Columbine

MaryBeth · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002

I do not really know if it would apply to this situation, as I am not familiar with your boat or it''s design, but one of the ways we avoided lines in the cockpit getting in the way when we installed a more or less portable auto pilot unit on some boats during deliveries (some captains brought their own Autohelm units) was to buy a length of pipe, run the cable, and bend the pipe where needed with a pipe bender (about 20.00 from Home Depot).

Again, NOT familiar with your boat, and certainly didn''t use this for a permanent solution, but it may give you an idea or two.

Fair Winds,
MaryBeth