Monitor Wind Vane query

[LORDNELSON]

I would be grateful if anyone who has experience of the "Monitor Windvane Autohelm (Trimtab) self steering gear would inform me of their satisfaction with it. Or anyone with experience of any other make of windvane which does not operate the yacht's main rudder but which operates a second rudder which is hung of the counter. Thank you.

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[dulcibella]

I'm not quite sure which of the Scanmar vanes you mean. The Monitor is a pendulum oar windvane gear (like the Aries), not a trimtab. I have used one of the last six years, first on a Halmatic 30 and currently on a Rustler 36.

It is a brilliant piece of kit. So long as you obey the golden rules - don't over-canvas, pay careful attention to balancing the sails and rely mainly on headsails on off-the wind courses - it sails you with uncanny accuracy and a complete freedom from hassle. Maintenance is simplicity itself, and owner installation is perfectly feasible. Don't believe people who tell you it takes a long time to set it up - I frequently use it on hops of a few miles if the Solent isn't too crowded. Scanmar are fantastically helpful over advice and information on windvanes and provide an outstanding service before and after sale. It is worth two extra crew on a long passage. They aren't cheap but are worth every penny

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[Goldie]

I agree with Dulcibella - a wonderful piece of kit. This year's trips have included a 24hr beat into a F7, and a 34 hr downwind drift (with spinnaker and mizzen staysail) with 5-8kts apparent wind. The Monitor coped with both better than I could have. After sales service/advice is excellent (speak to Hans). I believe that Scanmar offer an add-on to enable the gear to be used as a stand-alone steering system in case of main rudder failure. Could this be what you're referring to? Alternatively, Scanmar also make a trim tab self steering called the Auto-Helm - I think that might have a trim tab, but it's not a Monitor. Try e.mailing scanmar@selfsteer.com or phone them in the USA Tel: (+1) 510 215 2010.

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[LORDNELSON]

Thank you both. It was the Auto-helm made by Scanmar to which I was refering sorry if I complicated things by calling it a Monitor. I am interested in the Auto-helm because it avoids strings going to, in our case, a centre cockpit.

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[purplerobbie]

look at the hydrovane too

Rob