Sea Feather Wind Vane - Any Thoughts?

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gscott

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I’m in the market for a wind vane self steering unit and my research has revealed that many of the big names (i.e. Monitor, Hydrovane ect) are very expensive – I have no doubt that it relates in part to their good quality. However, in my searching I have discovered a smaller outfit in Devon called Sea Feather, which based on their promotional information seem to be good quality and they also seem to be more competitive on price.

My questions is: does the forum have any experience of this product – good, bad or otherwise?

It will be for my Vancouver 27, which has a ¾ length keel and almost sails itself on most points of the wind. The plan is to undertake some extended cruising so I would like it to last.

Thanks in advance.
 
The other is a Pacific Light that you should consider:
Pacific Light
They both have their similarities and differences. Both well made, but reasonably light. The Sea Feather is custom made for you, and has the ability to adjust the heading from the cockpit. The Pacific Light has greater years and sea miles on them.
 
The sea-feather is a custom built all stainless unit, which received good reports from all the mags that have reviewed it. The maker sorry can't remember his name) seems to build them mostly out of his interest in the practical solution of the design problem, so it's a quality product. He also installs them and test sails them. Among the most positive aspects is the ability to adjust the gear from the companionway using a line to the drum...

With a long keeler's lesser requirements for steering input, it should do well.
 
One of our sailing club members, a lady, had a Wind Feather fitted in August to her Victoria 30. She sails mostly single handed. She has been delighted with the performance. I helped her remove it before lift out and was surprised how easy that was. I could also easily carry it up the pontoon to the back of her relatively small car into which it just fitted without dismantling. The quality of the workmanship was impressive. He only makes a small number each year and seems there is usually a waiting list.
 
Cracking bit of kit.

Extremely well made and the bloke who makes them (Paul Dalton i think it is) is very helpful.

I had one made for a Albin Vega and like i said it was a cracking bit of kit.

Mine was the 15th he had made and wasn't all stainless. All the alloy was powder coated. I dont know if he has changed them since.

When i bought mine he offered to take me for a sail in his boat which was fitted with one.

Dont know whether he still does this he might be a bit busy these days
Phone him he is very helpful

Rob
 
Some of the Jesters used the Sea-Feather - I spoke to the skipper of a little Westerly who had just returned to Plymouth, and he was very enthusiastic about it (and the supplier).
 
I fitted a Neptune windvane at the start of this year and would recommend that you have a look at these, they have a good website, they have a range of sizes to suit various boats. They are very well designed and built and mine just steers the boat, no drama or fuss, no complicated setting up, I am very happy with my vane gear and wish I had got it years ago. the Neptunes are quite reasonably priced compared to some of the other makes.
 
I've just ditched the navik and am expecting my sea feather to be ready by mid jan. Very helpful man. He only builds in the winter, usually batches of 10. I don't know if there are any more of this batch avaliable. He takes full measurements of your boat before starting and can make it fit perfecly. The preformance is better than any other similar size and weight vane.

If I could have the weight of an aries on my transom then I'd I go for one nut as my huslter is stern heavy already it has always been a rn between the small vanes.

And yes, he still offers test sails.

J
 
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