Roger,

There are no electronic parts on a windvane--that is the beauty of the
system. It IS possible to use an electronic tiller pilot in
conjunction with a windvane. Such an arrangement allows you to
automatically follow a compass course. A windvane does not follow a
compass course--it simply maintains a steady course in relation to the
wind. If the wind shifts direction, the windvane will shift course.
Like any self-steering device, electronic or not, the captain must
monitor the consistency of his course. Using a tiller pilot in
conjunction allows the tiller pilot to replace the wind as the force
that controls the vane which controls the wheel (or tiller).
I have a Sailomat windvane--installation is quite simple--howver, it
does require drilling 4 holes in the transom. Once in place and tuned
to the wind, it will free the helmsman from the wheel. Wonderful on
long hauls--even trips of just a few hours. It is only useful,
however, on trips that do not require frequent changes of course.

Cost? figure $2000-3000. If your boat is tiller steered, it is
possible to rig up a sheet to tiller steering mechanism for very low
coast. This sytem uses your jib sheets to control the tiller. This,
too, is based on maintaining a steady course relative to the wind.
Plans are easy to find on the internet.



Peter
s/v Now or Never!


Roger Long wrote:
"Thomas Wentworth"

I have seen these on many boats over the years. I have never
operated one though.

A boat or a windvane?


What is the cost of a self steering windvane system?

If you look at the cost of far, far, simpler devices that are common
enough for the development and marketing costs to be spread over many
more units, you should be able to guess that they won't be cheap. Low
end, minimal units will be very expensive and ones you would want to
rely on for a long voyage will be in the neighborhood of an engine by
the time you are done with the installation.

Where does one go to purchase one?

To a windvane seller.

How much work is it to install?

If you have ever done any work on a boat, you should be able to answer
this question after looking at one.

Will it work for coastal cruising?

No. The little electronic brain that interfaces the wind vane to the
steering mechanism accepts NEMA input from the GPS and prevents
operation in waters where lack of attention by the operator could
result in hitting shore, obstructions, or other vessesl. All windvane
systems sold are now required by international treaty to have this
device along with circuitry that disables the system inless the proper
position signal is detected and software charts containing the entire
world are loaded.

--

Roger Long