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.