Plans or kit for wind vane self-steering

[dave_gibsea]

Hi,

I've been trolling the internet for some descent plans (not fag-packet sketches) or a simple kit for a wind-vane self steering. My boat is only 26 ft long and has a transom-hung rudder so I believe a trim-tab solution would provide what i need. The problem is there are no recent books or descent plans around. I'm not necessarily looking for a home-made solution but it seems most of the production offerings are for boats much larger than mine with rudders under the hull. Maybe I've missed something but surely there is a market out there for a simple kit or a plan, or maybe a guy somewhere who makes such a thing?

Thanks, Dave

 

[Milestone]

Have you seen the Hebridean wind vane?
http://windvaneselfsteering.co.uk

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

There was an article in PBO in 2001 or 2002, AFAIR, on how to make an item like this out of a bicycle frame and a piece of helicopter tail rotor. It involved having access to welding gear. Now that's practical boating!

 

[dave_gibsea]

Yes I have seen it and in fact contacted John. My rudder arrangement is more like a dinghy rather than a traditional set up (as you might see on a Twister for example) so I don't think this is going to work with the Hebridian unless I build a massive structure on the back of the boat (which i want to avoid).

 

[pandos]

Have a look here with an outboard rudder you are half ways there....

https://windvaneselfsteering.com/walt-murrays-website

sheet to tiller is also worth looking at... utube is your friend with that...

 

[Alan S]

I built a vane gear for my 26ft heavy long keeler from ss tubing ply and grp. It works surprisingly well even downwind in light airs. It acts directly on the rudder, no lines to tiller required. I pinched the basic design from Blondie Hasler via the KYOA website.
http://www.kyoa.org.uk/haslervanegears.htm Scroll down till you reach the TEB 1 gear.
Worth a try, didn't cost a lot or take too long to build.
Al

 

[pandos]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9jdISOmpuk

the coolest seff steering setup for a wheel steered boat....

 

[Spuddy]

Another vote for Hebridean. The structure to mount it doesn't need to be that big and numb; I slot mine onto a couple of iroko 4" by 2" bearers sticking out the back.
Ah yes, just cottoned onto fact that you have no stern deck so not possible to bolt em to that. They don't need to stick out that far though, as the Hebridean paddle angles back and gives clearance to your rudder.
Ah yes 2, Clarissa Vincent did a diy version of hydrovane using bits and pieces picked up in a Spanish boatyard. I was really impressed by her use of unlikely stuff; one linkage was via fishing line. That worked for her down to W Africa then back to East Coast. You might be able to adapt the above water bits to actuate a trim tab on your rudder. A Google for girl in a gale might find her

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Hi,

I've been trolling the internet

Thanks, Dave

I sincerely hope you were actually Trawling the internet, trolling is considered antisocial

 

[goskar]

Bill Belcher wind vane self steering .. easy.

 

[DownWest]

Have a look at this site: http://www.faymarine.com/plansite/fay_marine_yacht_pl.htm lots of useful info, which I used to build the upper unit for a friend's 34ft heavy gaff ketch. Worked fine.

 

[Konna]

Hi. On a transom hung rudder the self steering can be off center, like here on a small 20 ft boat https://youtu.be/rmgwnKPxxSM

 

[Konna]

Hi. On a transom hung rudder can be self steering off center like here on a small 20 ft boat
https://youtu.be/rmgwnKPxxSM

 

[scruff]

Another option is to make a saved search on Ebay for a second hand Navik (you're not getting mine!).

These are brilliant and occasionally come up on Ebay. Setting up a saved search will notify when one comes to market.

 

[Bunym0b]

A 2nd hand Quartermaster is an option as well. There was an article on self steering in Amateur Yacht Research Society (publication number 13) .They discuss the quartermaster in detail. they were popular on the Contessa 32s.

 

[Praxinoscope]

Keep a lookout for a Plastimo Navik, its light weght, was designed for smaller boats and works great with a transom mounted rudder, had one on my Invicta 26 for years, it got us to Spain and back to Wales with ease.
The biggest prblem they were discontinued a few years ago and are getting as rare as dragon crap but wellworth hunting down.

 

[KompetentKrew]

Have you seen the Hebridean wind vane?
http://windvaneselfsteering.co.uk

Anyone know what sizes of boats the Hebridean is suitable for, please?

Or other recommendations for a 40' boat?

 

[Konna]

For 40 ft and if tight budget check windyselfsteering.com

 

[Kelpie]

Anyone know what sizes of boats the Hebridean is suitable for, please?

Or other recommendations for a 40' boat?

The designer is very helpful if you email him. I think 40ft might be too big for a Hebridean, though. When I talked to him it seemed to be the freeboard that might be the issue.

 

[Kelpie]

Another option is to make a saved search on Ebay for a second hand Navik (you're not getting mine!).

These are brilliant and occasionally come up on Ebay. Setting up a saved search will notify when one comes to market.

Keep a lookout for a Plastimo Navik, its light weght, was designed for smaller boats and works great with a transom mounted rudder, had one on my Invicta 26 for years, it got us to Spain and back to Wales with ease.
The biggest prblem they were discontinued a few years ago and are getting as rare as dragon crap but wellworth hunting down.

I've just removed my Navik and will be looking to sell it soon.