Wind vane steering Lion 35

[merenpleine]

I Have a build of the A Robb Lion 35 just purchased an Atlantic wind vane (Pendulem type) however the sloop has a counter stern with not alot of free board I have had a shipwright and a rigger look at it and I feel they were not keen to go ahead and fit it...Has anyone have a steering system on a similar yacht Quite a bit invested in the system if its not suitable then i will sell it on (Never used) thanks ...

 

[joliette]

My 37ft Robert Clark has a counter stern / low freeboard, similar to a Lion. I fitted an Aries on horizontal tubes, which are mounted on wooden spacer blocks that are bolted through the deck. This arrangement just meets Aries minimum specified dimensions. The servo rudder tube had to be reduced in length so that the connector coupling fits right up against the servo blade. If you look through back issues of Classic Boat you'll find pictures of an Aries fitted to Siandra, a Lion Class.

 

[dandeburiatte]

Hi there.

I too have a Lion with an aries windvane attached. Two horizontal tubes are bolted through to the lazarette & braced by two tubes bolted through the transom. Teak blocks are used to spread the load. I haven't used it much but I know the previous owners used it a lot for ocean passages & it lived through some pretty heavy weather.
Feel free to email me for more details.
Great choice of boat by the way. Ive owned mine for nearly a year now & couldnt be happier.
Good luck
Dan