Wind vane self steering

[discoverer37]

I would like to add a wind vane self steering unit and like the look of the Cape Horn model. Anyone have any experience of this unit?

Paul
C37 #135

[BirdBrain333]

Dear Paul, I had a Cape Horn unit on my last boat (Pearson Vanguard) and LOVED it. The engineering is superb with a very clean installation. Drilling that honking big hole takes some guts but once I did it the rest of the installation was done in about a day. I recently spoke with Yves Gelinas, the inventor and manufacturer who reports that he did the installation on a PSC 37 recently and that it was "sweet" and no problem.

If anyone else is interested it is possible to get a group together for a discount. I got four people together from the vanguard group and got a significant discount.

Shall we try to get a group order together?

Jay

PSC 37 # 171

[Capnblu]

Before you commit to a Cape Horn or similar windvane, check out a Hydrovane. Not a cheap windvane, but to me cost isn't the deciding factor on this type of equipment.

[easygoing]

I also had a Cape Horn windvane on my last boat Alberg 30'. I sailed for 18 mo. in the Crib. strong and light air held course. I've sold my Alberg and now have a 38' Hughes witch I am outfitting to cruise again. I will have a Cape Horn again. You get more for your money with Cape Horn system then other wind vanes. BirdBrain I am interested in your offer. Put me down in your group. Let me know what type of discount is offered.

[discoverer37]

Thanks for the feedback, it's very encouraging. I looked at my boat this weekend, and it looks like the finished install could be very elegant and neat.
Birdbrain333, did you do the installation yourself, or get professional help? Where are you and your boat located? I am in RI. I would be interested in a group purchase and it would be nice to see pictures of the Yves Gelinas installation.
Regarding the Hydrovane unit: I used one of these (at least I think it was one of these) 30 years ago! (not my boat). I seem to remember it took a bit of setting up, but then worked fine. The extra rudder causes extra drag and is well suited to catching fishing gear as it has no "kick up" mechanism. It's also tricky to get on and off (not that you should need to remove it other than to reduce drag). It also has no servo effect (wind power turns the rudder), but on a well balanced boat like the C37 that should not be a problem. I like the redundant steering gear it offers, and the fact that the wheel isn't turning back and forth in the cockpit (a potential safty hazard if someone inadvertantly put their hand in the wrong place). It also looks pretty good, not too many appendages.
They both look like fine units, each with their compomises.

Paul

[BirdBrain333]

Dear Bill and Paul, I did the installation of the Cape Horn wind vane myself and found the directions to be very clear and easy to follow. As I mentioned, I measured MANY times to make sure everything was right before drilling that hole. But they even set up the quadrant with a temporary derlin plug with a 1/4 hole in its center so that after you drill the pilot hole you can check yet again this time with the quadrant in place, to make sure everything will clear and line up perfectly. Once the hole was drilled the rest of the installation took about a day.

Unfortunately Yves reports that he lost all of his pictures of the PSC 37 insallation he did when his computer hard drive died. Regarding the installation Yves wrote:
"I have personally installed a CapeHorn gear on a Crealock 37 and there is no problem to it. The mounting tube passes all the way through the gas locker, between the two tanks; since the tube is sealed at both ends, the locker remains airtight. The CapeHorn quadrant is immediately in front of the locker bulkhead, above the boat's steering quadrant. You can purchase this boat in confidence. In my opinion, the Crealock 37 is the best boat for voyaging. It has only one fault : it does not steer itself, fault that is easily corrected with the addition of a CapeHorn gear" This from a man who singlehanded an Alberg 30 around the world.

Bill and others who may be interested, last time I checked with Yves he said that the discount was 15% for 5 or more orders, 20% for 10 and, for a recent order of 25 units (Westsail 32 owners) 20%. I fear, however, that the dimensions must all be the same so am not sure, Bill, how this might work out with your 38' Hughes. I'll check on the dimensions later this week or early next and get back to the group then,

Jay

PSC 37 # 171

[easygoing]

Thanks BirdBrain, I contacted Yves and he is helping me out on a discount with my Cape Horn. Yes you are right I would need a longer shaft. Sorry but it will all work out. Thanks

[DMD]

Jay
I have been researching the Cape Horn System since this thread appeared, and have found very positive reviews. I really like the clean installation and simplicity of the gear itself (though making that big hole won't be easy!). Please let us know what you find out about a group discount, I'm definitely interested.

Dave
Crealock 37#151
"Eowyn"

[cyndimarcus]

I would be interested in the group discount. Looks like I'm the proud new owner of a Fuji 32!!

[okapi3]

Great thread! I, too, am interested in the Cape Horn, and in the discount if a smaller boat could be included in the group rate. But also, does anyone have experience, or thoughts, about installing a windvane self-steerer on a PSC 31 (flat vertical transom with swim ladder in center), and the pros and cons of off-center installation vs removing the swim ladder and using some alternative means for getting back on the boat from the water? The windvane manufacturers all say off-center is fine, but I would still rather have it centered if possible. Can one use the mounting bars of the self-steerer to climb in and out of the boat??