"Thomas Wentworth" wrote:

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

What is the cost of a self steering windvane system? Where does one go to
purchase one?

Depends on which one you want. If we were to get one, we'd like not
to have lines all over the cockpit, and since we have a center cockpit
boat that limits us a good bit. Also we don't have a tiller, we have
a wheel.

How much work is it to install? Will it work for coastal cruising?

It isn't like an autopilot that steers a course heading. And it
'wanders' a little bit too much for places where the shores and stuff
near the surface of the water is close to you.

It's real good for out in the middle of the ocean because it takes no
electrical energy (unlike the autopilot) and has fewer parts to break.

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
You missed the tongue in the cheek.

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

No reason they wouldn't work in coastal cruising. It is more of a
cost/benefit question. You tend to make more course changes in coastal
sailing and the electrical budget is usually not as strict so an auto pilot
will give you more utility for the money. On a long passage you tend to
remain on one tack for hours or days at a time and electricity becomes more
precious. That is when a wind vane really pays for itself.

However, from a purely emotional view point windvanes have a much higher
Ludite quotient. Rivaling that of sextants. There is something extremely
satisfying about navigating and getting your boat to sail itself without any
modern electronic black boxes. :-)

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

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