Collapsible seabrake and H windvane

[keko]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the invaluable information shared by members of these forums. I have used your advise in many occasions. You have helped me to become confident about what to do while sailing. I have sailed from Hobart to Melbourne, and currently I enjoy many outings on a 45 foot ketch around Port Phillip's bay. My 62 year old father and mother are planning to sail from Melbourne to Chile sometime midway next year (we'll see...). I am trying to help him, as much as I can in matters of sailing, including the right equipment to have for such a trip.

I like the idea of the collapsible seabrake, is less heavy to handle when deployed and is much easier to store, space wise when not in use.
What is your opinion on this seabrake in comparison to others you have used?
For what I have seen they seem easy to manufacture (with the right materials). My plan is to have my friend to stitch up one for me (trying to save money). Currently we have a seabrake made of some kind of plastic (it looks like a very short rocket) that weights about 20 kilos.

Also I'd like to have a go at making our own H windvane. I have already found some advice on how to choose a particular type of windvane for a 45 foot ketch. However,
do any of you know of or have good quality photos with more details of a windvane?

Thanks for sharing

[Ilenart]

Keko

I just purchased a Seabrake drogue for $329 from Whitfords. For that price I would'nt bother trying to make one yourself. They fold flat and come with their own bage. Fittings seem fairly robust, however I have not tried it in anger.

This style / make received a pretty good writeup in the latest edition of "heavy Weather Sailing". That's why I went for it.

Ilenart

[keko]

Thank you for your response Ilenart. I had a look at the prices for the seabrake drogue. You are right, it's much better to get one than to go through all the trouble of making one.