In Brian Whatcott writes:
On 22 Jul 2005 18:12:13 GMT, (Lauri Tarkkonen)
wrote:
Anyone care to discuss the relative reliability of
autopilots(electric/electronic) vs wind vanes for sail boats? Are wind vanes
still widely used?
BS
No personal insights...Still, autopilots fail if overheated or close
to a lightning stroke.
Wind vanes fail from wearout and from wind gusts.
Wind vanes are prized by blue water cruisers by all accounts
I believe you do not have personal insights,
///
- Lauri Tarkkonen
Pretty astute, Lauri:
I disclose that I have no personal insights.
You respond that you believe I don't have personal insights.
Do you think that kind of comment qualifies you in some way?
You discqualify your own opinnion by saying that you have no...
I stand by my comments. Surely you cannot suppose
that wind vanes DON't wear out, or that they cannot be overwhelmed in
a storm gust?
Every part in a boat wears off, but a quality windvane is no worse than
other equipment and you can expect a service age of more than 20 years
of a quality windvane if you treat it properly.
A servo pendulum windvane has much more power than the autopilots
usually seen on yachts.
Of course you can post opinions but it would perhaps surprise you if you
try to back your opinions with some knowledge.
- Lauri Tarkkonen