Shaun,
Material choice is quite component specific. Some Aluminum, some
Stainless Steel, some UHMW, some Teflon then the basics of cored and
solid glass reinforced plastics.

You should go and get Peter Forthmann (sp - american keyboard)
Self Steering Under Sail [isbn 0-07-022011-5]

Fair Wind and Smooth Sea
Matt Colie

Shaun Van Poecke wrote:
hi all,
Ive been browsing the US patent database and looking at pictures, thinking
about building a windvane for a thunderbird 26. partly because of the cost,
and partly just for something to do. building it shouldnt be too hard for
me, i have plenty of time, access to materials and a cheap supply of
expertise and labour who are willing to work for beer.

what im wondering is about materials.... is stainless the only way to go,
or is brass a better option for some parts (gears?) . Are the gears on the
commercial units made of stainlesss? for bearings, are the plastic type
that are sealed or lubricated by water appropriate? are the shaft sections
generally a standard hollow section, or are they a heavy wall thickness?

Thanks,
Shaun