On Fri, 22 Jul 2005 08:17:14 -0700, "Robert or Karen Swarts"
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


You ask about relative reliability.
In our 50ft 23 tonnes Reinke we've mounted a Simrad AP300X and a
Robertson hydraulic pump.
Works fine, never had a problem (mounted in 1997)
Uses a lot of power (my guess is with normal conditions (4-6 bft) it
consumes 3 amp average) for that reason we don't use it at sea.

For the longer trips we have a Windpilot Pacific Plus.
Take a look at http://www.windpilot.com

I agree with Lauri that these devices don't apply to the same area's
so comparing reliability seems a bit unnecessary. I have two additions
to his (imo very good) info:

1) What you ask for is comparing a mechanical instrument with an
electronic/mechanical one. My experience with electronics is bad (in
average).... As Lauri says, with correct maintenance (keeping the salt
out, occ. lubricating) a Windpilot windvane will last decades. For our
Windpilot it makes sense to carry some (inexpensive) spares, steering
rods, SS-mounting pins.
When you buy the last version there is nothing (yet) known as a
vulnerable part. When you buy a pre-1998 model you could consider
replacing the rudder with the last model.

2) When you install a windvane as a seperate rudder (the site explains
if necessary) you will have to immobilize your main rudder (after
you've set it in the fine trim).
A mechanical main rudder is no problem here but a hydraulic system
will always leak a little bit of hydr oil inside the cylinder.
Therefor you will have to design and build a means of immobilizing the
rudder mechanically. When you leave this behind the sideways-pressure
on the main rudder will press oil through the inside o-rings in the
cilinder and your rudder will alter its position, slowly but
certainly. It's effect is like pulling the handbrake more and more....
The way this mechanical immobilizing device is designed and built is
another factor specifying reliability.

Just my 2 cts,
Regards, Len.