Windvane Self Steering

[Ronbye]

I am currently looking at buying a new or used windvane self steering system for my Rival 32. I am also researching whether or not it is more feasible to build my own. There doesn't appear much in the way of used self steering gear on the market. Has anybody got any advice as to what systems are better than others, any bad experiences with self steering gear, what I should look out for etc. Your thoughts please.

[Idiens]

Hydrovane gets good write-ups - but costs $$$$.
Self Steering - Hydrovane Selfsteer

[Valiente]

Building one would really depend on your ability to weld and your willingness to experiment. There are lots of books out there on the topic, but in the end, I think my time and sense of well-being will have me buying one of these:
Voyager Windvanes - Servo Pendulum Self Steering System for Sailing Enthusiasts

I've had many discussions with the designer/builder, and I like his attention to detail and his willingness to customize for my somewhat quirky transom-hung rudder.

[sailingdog]

It really depends on the type of boat and whether you have a transom hung rudder or not, and things like that. There's an excellent book on the subject by Bill Morris: The Windvane Self-Steering Handbook. I'd recommend you read it before looking, so you don't get the wrong vane.

The problem I see with a lot of designs is that they mix materials and have serious corrosion problems as a result not too far down the line. For instance, the Voyager windvane that Valiente has pointed out has SS 316 tubing going into cast Aluminum fittings. This is generally a recipe for disaster, unless you hose the windvane off regularly with fresh water, or they've inserted a plastic galvanic isolation bushing of some sort.

The Norvane windvane is made from all stainless steel, so it doesn't have as much of a risk of galvanic corrosion. The Scanmar company makes three different windvane models—the Monitor, the AutoHelm and the Saye's Rig. The Monitor is all 316L stainless, the Saye's Rig is stainless and bronze, and the Autohelm is stainless for the rudder portion, and the separate airvane piece is aluminum. Fleming also makes windvanes, which are all stainless steel in construction IIRC. Cape Horn is the last windvane that I've worked with. While there are probably four or five manufacturers that I've missed, the ones I've mentioned, plus Voyager are the bulk of the companies in existence today making a proven windvane. I hope this helps.

[Ronbye]

I like the look of the the Voyager WindVane. I don't know what it's price range is yet. So I will check that out. In the meantime, I will keep looking. Any advice or recommendation will be appreciated.

[Valiente]

Phone the Voyager guy up and ask if he has galvanic isolation between the dissimilar metals. I'm pretty sure he must...the rest of it is exceptionally well-made.

I'll ask him, too. I'm going to have him on the boat to measure us up for one (assuming he's got those crtical plastic separators!) after our launch in May.

[Ronbye]

I sent the Voyager people a request for an estimate on line. I hope to get an answer soon.

[sailingdog]

Valiente-

It isn't just the major parts that are the problem. If they are using stainless steel fasteners in aluminum, it doesn't take all that long for the corrosion to become a huge problem.

Ronbye-

Let us know how much they are... so we can compare it to the others.. I have a pretty good idea what the others tend to go for.

[Ronbye]

SailingDog: I will do that.

[Anomaly]

Awakening an old thread here-- Valiente, can you give us an update on your experiences with the Voyager windvane? I tried to PM you but don't have enough posts to permit me to use that function. Posting here because I realize that others may want to learn from you experiences with Voyager.

Thanks,