Roger Long wrote:
You missed the tongue in the cheek.

Can you think of reason why a windvane wouldn't work in coastal
waters?

I think they work just fine but land gets in the way. Because the winds
aren't from a constant direction, like trades etc, the wind vane needs
constant attention. If the vane needs constant attention, just steer.

Most coastal folks use auto pilots, in fact they are quickly replacing
windvanes on bluewater boats because electricity is becoming easier to make.

Sorry I wasn't awake enough to get the tongue in cheek.

Gary