Self steering systems

[haiqu]

I'm considering buying a used Aries windvane, but as usual I'd like to know about the alternatives available. The Hydrovane looks to be the best of them but their prices are astronomical. Have no experience with any of these so hope someone can "steer me right".

Del: That thing Paul had on his Hartley in Christchurch looked interesting.

Note: Tiller pilots need not apply, I've already got one.

[redbopeep]

Guess you're not looking for autopilot. I love our autopilot (Wood Freeman model 500 from the 1980's but works like champ). Have you considered (and have the ability to put up two headstays) twin headsails for downwind use? We have the twin headstays and actually two staysails that are same size to do the trick but we've never used the set up yet. We've actually been successful on downwind sailing just balancing the regular sail set up. Typically staysail and foresail or jib and foresail. Here's a video in this blog post I did two years ago--look at the wheel, it doesn't budge with the balanced sails doing all the work.

[haiqu]

Hi Brenda,

Yes, I had a discussion recently with Del about installing a second furler, this yacht has a Solent rig so it's quite possible to go wing-and-wing. Doesn't help upwind though.

I plan to be going a long way in whatever I finally end up sailing so investigating all the options now while I still have plenty of time and a good internet connection.

The old Autohelm 2000 I have would do the job but I'm trying to become independent of the need for electrickery for safety reasons.

Cheers,

Rob

[delatbabel]

> That thing Paul had on his Hartley in Christchurch looked interesting.

It was an Aries, just a different model to mine. Second hand Aries are to be found here and there, having said that the Fleming and the Monitor are also good alternatives. There is also nothing overly complex about building your own if you have a tiller, you can find guides to doing so online.

[haiqu]

I actually bought the plans for a windvane that Hartley designed especially for his ferro yachts, but I'm damned if I can find them any more. Having said that, there's a pretty good Aries on ebay at $900 right now.

If only I didn't need the outboard bracket. :-/

One other option is just rig a main-to-tiller system with a few cheap blocks and some rope.

I've also been on the lookout for a manually operated windlass, since Shenoa doesn't have one and pulling the pick out of the mud is really hard on my back. Found a nice little Italian made Lofrans Royal on ebay a few days ago, but some of the bits are missing. Still, the guy is only 5km away and wants a mere $125 for it.