Recommendations for wind steering system I can buy in UK please

[SvenglishTommy]

I went through the same process last year, end eventually opted for a hydrovane. As others have pointed out it's almost impossible to get direct comparisons of different vanes on the same boat. Fortunately most people seem very happy with their windvanes, which means you probably cant go wrong if you stick to one of the major brands.

I went for the hydrovane in the end due to ease of installation. If you have a sugar scoop, the ability to off-set the hydrovane is really handy, it also makes removing the rudder a 2 minute job. I was looking at a monitor but that would have basically meant loosing the ability to use the sugar scoop and ladder.

Other benefits are that you dont need lines running to the wheel, which in my centre cockpit is a huge advantage. The drawback is that they are the most expensive vanes on the market.

 

[Gargleblaster]

Anyone had experience or knowledge of the Cap Horn wind vane steering?
(French, IIRC)

There was a discussion of the Cape Horn on the Jester Yahoo Forum some months ago I believe. I know of someone who used one in the Jester Azores Challenge 2008 on a French lift keel boat and found it all but useless. While it looks identical to the Windpilot except that the trim is blue rather than red. The gears that transfer the force from the vane to the paddle are quite different evidently and don't do it effectively.

I have used the Windpilot Pacific Light, the Windpilot Pacific, the Aries and Monitor and have liked them all because they have been very effective in steering the boat and saving power. The joy of turning off and electric autohelm and setting wind vane steering is as good as a sunset. The boat settles down and stops fighting the waves and the horrible noises[whine] of an electric autopilot stop.

Most of my experience has been with the Windpilot and I like it best because of it's lightweight on the transom and because I have learned how to make it work in light conditions downwind with the judicious use of very light bungy cord. The Windpilot Pacific Light proved itself to me during a knock down mid Atlantic when she was steering under bare poles racing down a wave and I was knocked down below the horizontal. Everything that went in the water was damaged in some way except the windpilot which was just knocked off course by it hitting the water hard.

Someone mentioned Peter Forthmann's book. It can be downloaded free from here:
http://windpilot.com/n/pdf/bookeng.pdf
I found it quite unbiased but it did convince me that I didn't have to spend anymore than the Windpilot cost. It was the same price or cheaper than any equivalent system. I have found the after sales service offered by Peter Forthmann exceptionally good. I have done over 30,000 nautical miles with my Windpilot Pacific Light and have had a couple of minor replacement parts in that time.

For a heavy long keel boat which has been the situation when I have used both the Aries and Monitor in the Atlantic the weight on the stern is not so critical. But someone mentioned the problem of Greek style mooring. While moored stern to in St Barts in the Caribbean we found the Monitor which was not easily removed [nor is the Aries] was damaged during the night while we were at a restaurant by a tidal swell driving our stern to boat up against the Quay.

 

[doug748]

There was a discussion of the Cape Horn on the Jester Yahoo Forum some months ago I believe. I know of someone who used one in the Jester Azores Challenge 2008 on a French lift keel boat and found it all but useless. While it looks identical to the Windpilot except that the trim is blue rather than red. The gears that transfer the force from the vane to the paddle are quite different evidently and don't do it effectively.......

I have had a quick look at the Cape Horn site and the product looks quite unlike the Windpilot to me....have you got this mixed up...maybe....

 

[LittleSister]

Anyone had experience or knowledge of the Cap Horn wind vane steering?
(French, IIRC)

There was a discussion of the Cape Horn on the Jester Yahoo Forum some months ago I believe. I know of someone who used one in the Jester Azores Challenge 2008 on a French lift keel boat and found it all but useless. While it looks identical to the Windpilot except that the trim is blue rather than red.

I have had a quick look at the Cape Horn site and the product looks quite unlike the Windpilot to me....have you got this mixed up...maybe....

Doesn't look the same to me, either. I've never seen one in action, but had a good look at one at the boat show many years ago. It struck me as very nicely thought out, designed and finished - making most of the competion look rather agricultural by comparison. Of course, the proof of the pudding....

P.S. As far as I can remember, and from a quick skim of the Cap Horn website, it doesn't use gears - http://www.capehorn.com/sections/Pages/superlatives.htm
(I've no connection with the firm - just a curious window shopper)

 

[Chalker]

Look at the postings and who wrote what. It's the Netune in the link that looks a lot like a Windpilot

 

[macd]

There are two distinct types of Cape Horn: one steering via a linkage through the transom to the quadrant, one with lines. The latter is substantially similar to all the horizontal axis servo-pendulum systems; both versions share similar geometry.

The Neptune's detailed resemblance to the Windpilot, as I suggested before, is no coincidence.

 

[doug748]

There are two distinct types of Cape Horn: one steering via a linkage through the transom to the quadrant, one with lines. The latter is substantially similar to all the horizontal axis servo-pendulum systems; both versions share similar geometry.

The Neptune's detailed resemblance to the Windpilot, as I suggested before, is no coincidence.

I have looked for a Cape horn gear with tiller lines but can't find a link, is it on their main site?

 

[fishermantwo]

I have looked for a Cape horn gear with tiller lines but can't find a link, is it on their main site?

Have you searched on Youtube? Best resource for windvane stuff. Certainly plenty of info on cruisenews and Cruisers forum sites.

 

[macd]

I have looked for a Cape horn gear with tiller lines but can't find a link, is it on their main site?

I haven't looked on their site for a while, but it certainly used to be there. From memory they have four types of system: two sizes, each available with either quadrant steering or conventional tiller/wheel lines.

 

[Daydream believer]

Those that say the Aeries is not removable are not entirely correct. I have an early Franklin lift up Aeries & this model was one of the best versions. Even the current manufacturer admits that they have the best bearings.True it is really a bit heavy for my 31 ft yacht but it has the advantage that it can be removed in under a minute so if I go racing I just leave it behind

If your yacht is larger than 31 ft they are ok. you can get second hand ones for about £ 1500-00 but you have to look long & hard on all the forums

My second choice would have been a windpilot as most owners who have one speak well of them

 

[Georgio]

Another vote for the Windpilot, I have one and it's been great, took us to the Azores and back last year. Easy to remove, lighter in weight than many of the alternatives and very well made.

The manufacturer did have a few second-hand but reconditioned units available when I last was in contact with them that may save a few squids.

 

[cliffdale]

Will you post me the contact details for windpilot please. Been on the web site but cant find contact details!

 

[ukmctc]

I have a Dufour 36. Last year I completely replaced the steering with a new Autohelm st8001.

I'm planning some 4 or 5 day passages and am bothered going all electric for steering.

I'm thinking of using a hydrovane but the choice is all too new for me to choose the best option. I have never used a hydrovane/ wind steering system before so not sure about best options.

The second hand market is a bit limited so it looks like a new system.

Its a big out lay so am looking for best choice for boat.

All suggestions greatly appreciated

Cliff

there are a couple on ebay, just your size