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Subject: Re: [worldcruising] Re: Wi ndvane for center cockpit ketch - help
dblanc6798@XXX.XXX
Date: Wed Feb 28 2001 - 23:01:53 EST
We used an Autohelm self steering wind vane on our last trip across the
Pacific. We were very pleased with the performance. Ours was one of the
older aluminum units built prior to Scanmar taking over the fabrication. We
upgraded some of the leads and bearings to the newer style that Scanmar
produces today, this was a worthwhile upgrade that should be carried out with
any of the older units. The Auto helm is very good in light, off the wind
conditions. This is often a weak point with wind vanes as a whole but not an
issue with Autohelm. If you purchase a used Autohelm, make sure you get the
long rudder (about 6 feet), the company made a small number of vanes with a
short rudder for vessels less than 30 feet, this will not work on a larger
yacht.
You can easily attach a cheap tiller pilot to this vane and you then have
self steering when the wind drops to low to sail. What a joy it was when we
installed the tiller pilot to the Autohelm.
I have noticed that many cruisers complain about their windvanes and end up
going to an electric unit which normally fails for them as well. I have come
to the conclusion that many "yachties" have no clue on how to balance there
sail plan to reduce excessive weather helm. This is a big issue for wind or
electric vanes. I always sail the boat by hand for 15-30 minutes prior to
setting up the vane to insure that I have her balanced as well as possible.
If conditions change I often go through the same process again so that the
vane does not have to work hard to keep us on course.
Good luck and best regards,
Dan Blanchard and family
Brewer 40 sloop, 30,000+ lbs. loaded
Everett, WA
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