Wayne ,, I suppose I really don't need a vane. But I have always wanted
one. I just like the idea of a natural way of steering using the wind,
point of sail,etc.

Kinda nuts I guess.

===============
"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:51:55 GMT, "NE Sailboat"
wrote:

Did you look at the other models of vanes? The Monitor seems like a
popular
model. Another one I like is the Saye's Rig.

I will probably put this off but I keep looking ... and looking.

Are you convinced that you really need wind vane self steering?

For coastal cruising I have found the small tiller pilots easier to
use, much easier to install, and less expensive.

On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:07:16 GMT, "NE Sailboat"
wrote:

Wayne ,, I suppose I really don't need a vane. But I have always wanted
one. I just like the idea of a natural way of steering using the wind,
point of sail,etc.

Kinda nuts I guess.

I felt the same way at one time, having always had a fascination for
complex mechanical assemblies. There is definitely something cool
about the appearance of the older vanes. It was also the mark of a
boat that had been places.

The installation effort looks like a nightmare however, and you end up
with a lot of weight and clutter on the stern, all of it highly
exposed to the elements and docking mishaps. There is also a certain
hazzard involved. I believe it was either Hal Roth's wife or Lin
Pardey who once got her hand caught up in the mechanism, causing
serious injury of course.

Wayne.B wrote:

On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:07:16 GMT, "NE Sailboat"
wrote:


Wayne ,, I suppose I really don't need a vane. But I have always wanted
one. I just like the idea of a natural way of steering using the wind,
point of sail,etc.

Kinda nuts I guess.


I felt the same way at one time, having always had a fascination for
complex mechanical assemblies. There is definitely something cool
about the appearance of the older vanes. It was also the mark of a
boat that had been places.

The installation effort looks like a nightmare however, and you end up
with a lot of weight and clutter on the stern, all of it highly
exposed to the elements and docking mishaps. There is also a certain
hazzard involved. I believe it was either Hal Roth's wife or Lin
Pardey who once got her hand caught up in the mechanism, causing
serious injury of course.


Don't some windvanes also have their own rudder to
steer the boat? That's a serious advantage in the
event of a main steering or rudder failure in
heavy seas.

Don W.

On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:13:14 GMT, Don W
wrote:

Don't some windvanes also have their own rudder to
steer the boat? That's a serious advantage in the
event of a main steering or rudder failure in
heavy seas.

Yes, for offshore bluewater sailing that is a nice plus, and of course
those are the conditions where a windvane adds a lot of value as a
self steering system.

For coastal cruising however a redundant rudder is really not all that
necessary.

Yes, I have a hydrovane which has it's own rudder.

Courtney
"Don W" wrote in message
et...


Wayne.B wrote:

On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:07:16 GMT, "NE Sailboat"
wrote:


Wayne ,, I suppose I really don't need a vane. But I have always wanted
one. I just like the idea of a natural way of steering using the wind,
point of sail,etc.

Kinda nuts I guess.


I felt the same way at one time, having always had a fascination for
complex mechanical assemblies. There is definitely something cool
about the appearance of the older vanes. It was also the mark of a
boat that had been places.

The installation effort looks like a nightmare however, and you end up
with a lot of weight and clutter on the stern, all of it highly
exposed to the elements and docking mishaps. There is also a certain
hazzard involved. I believe it was either Hal Roth's wife or Lin
Pardey who once got her hand caught up in the mechanism, causing
serious injury of course.


Don't some windvanes also have their own rudder to
steer the boat? That's a serious advantage in the
event of a main steering or rudder failure in
heavy seas.

Don W.