Fleming Wind Vane Self Steering

[jacquessheet]

Does anyone out there in the US have a Fleming wind vane self steering system?

I'm in the UK ( I sail from Portsmouth on the South Coast) and over here no one has even heard of 'em.

I bought one off a guy who took it off the back of a Whitby 42 that he bought and sailed back from the Eastern Seaboard..it's a pendulum servo setup, following the usual concept, a bit like the Monitor or Aries but different.

Where this system really differs is that (on mine...mine is the auxiliary rudder variant) ......it has its own Auxiliary rudder....so instead of driving the the boats own steering system it drives and additional balanced rudder that is an integral part of the SS gear.

All well and good and should be ideal for my 36 ft 10 ton center cockpit ketch with looks almost exactly like a 36ft Whitby 42 .. Actually a Halberdier built by Moody Yachts.

Trouble is that this wonderful system wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding, and certainly would'nt steer my old girl.

As I say nobody over here knows JS about these ...certainly not the version with the auxiliary rudder...I know that although these were originally marketed in Australia they were also for sale in the US so am hoping that some kind person is going to say " Ah well but if only you do ............... you old boat will sail in a straight line".


BTW contacting the Manufacturers in Oz is a waste of time.

Thanks and regards ... Jacques.

[sailingdog]

I've actually had good luck with contacting the Fleming windvane manufacturers for a friend of mine. I don't have one. My friend does, but I've not used it much...so can't say much about it. I don't know what model she has either. I can dig up an e-mail address for who I was communicating with if you want.

[jacquessheet]

Thanks for that..My problem with Flemings was when I was trying to purchase a new clutch mechanism ( this goes between the pendulum system and the Auxiliary rudder). I would send detailed emails explaining what I needed plus sketches and photos....which they appeared not to read and then send 1 line emails containing the wrong info...all very frustrating.

I think their problem was due to the fact that the originator of the company was selling out...and I suspect that he had 'lost interest', shame really as the gear is a very impressive piece of kit.

If your friend has the version with the Auxiliary rudder I would be very interested to make contact.

Thanks and regards...... Jacques.

[CaptMikeC]

I have the system you are looking for. I sailed for 3.5 years in the pacific on my 42 ft ketch. When I sould her, I removed the vane EXCEPT THE 3 TRAnsom mounts. I will have to order these from OZ if you are interested

MikeC

[jimthom]

Hi MikeC;

I have a query; how efficient did you find the Fleming auxillary self-steering system for steering your boat? I'm planning to buy one and would like to know what you think of them.
Cheers, Jim