Vecta Vane Self-steering Gear

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D_H_Grainger

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I would like to fit a Vane Steering Gear to my heavy 30 foot gaff cutter.

I am very tempted by the "Vecta Vane", but wonder if it is robust enough for the job. My cutter is well balanced and not hard on the helm until she is overcanvassed (when it is time to reef anyway).

Does any reader have experience of this gear in a similar craft, or any advice to offer?
 
I was in the market for a vane 2 years ago. I approached them by email and the guy who reply clearly decided I was a time waster and his reply was on the boarderline between Terse and down right rude. Did not answer my questions at all so I went else where and bought a windpilot that is fantastic.

There was a half page review in PBO some time ago which was over all positive but did raise concerns about the durability of the unit. My windpilot has done 4000 sea miles at the helm now and had a hell of a battering. I would not go for somthing with a light build quality. Buy cheap, buy twice and all that

J
 
Why not a Hydrovane. They are excellent, simple, robust and provide for emergency steering.

It is a very powerful gear which works well in all conditions.

Occasionally available second-hand.

Not cheap but will last a life time.

I have one I bought second hand and used it with a small Autohlem electric tiller pilot attached direct to the Hydrovane steering rudder on the days there is no wind.

I have no connection with Hydrovane, just a very satisfied customer.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I would like to fit a Vane Steering Gear to my heavy 30 foot gaff cutter.

I am very tempted by the "Vecta Vane", but wonder if it is robust enough for the job. My cutter is well balanced and not hard on the helm until she is overcanvassed (when it is time to reef anyway).

Does any reader have experience of this gear in a similar craft, or any advice to offer?

[/ QUOTE ]


Have a squint at this site? I have one of these and it is excellent, well engineered, and powerful, works properly on all points of sailing.

http://www.sea-feather.com/
 
[ QUOTE ]
I was in the market for a vane 2 years ago. I approached them by email and the guy who reply clearly decided I was a time waster and his reply was on the boarderline between Terse and down right rude. Did not answer my questions at all so I went else where and bought a windpilot that is fantastic.

There was a half page review in PBO some time ago which was over all positive but did raise concerns about the durability of the unit. My windpilot has done 4000 sea miles at the helm now and had a hell of a battering. I would not go for somthing with a light build quality. Buy cheap, buy twice and all that

J

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny that, I had almost the same experience with that bloke, non of his phone numbers worked, and when I did track him down, via means devious, he was quite rude.

Delving further led me to believe that he has severe financial difficulties and is sort of in hiding from his creditors??

As to the Vectavane.....I have spoken to a couple of people that have had them, and they all said to flimsy for serious cruising, but reasonably ok for the weekend sailor that just wants to get away from the tiller, now and again.
 
Dear All,

Thanks very much for the help with "Vectavane".

The concensus seems to confirm my fears about robustness of this unit - a pity, because I really like the concept of having a small trim tab on the paddle. Also it is important to have a helpful manufacturer.

I will look at the alternatives which you suggested, especially the "Seafeather".
Does anyone have any experience of the "Neptune" (a similar unit)?
 
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