Windpilot wind vane steering

[Gargleblaster]

I have just had very good service once again from Peter Foerthmann at Windpilot on supplying a replacement part and he drew my attention to a couple of new things that are available. One is specific to the Windpilot Pacific Light and is what I call a Course Adjuster. Currently I go to my windpilot and release a clutch and adjust my direction then re-engage the clutch. the 'Course Adjuster' allows you to do that from the cabin. It's a purpose built variation on the Roger Taylor adjuster on his Windpilot.

The other item which will work with Windpilots of any description is a clamcleat to keep your lines tensioned. I find keeping the lines tight is critical if you want to steer a straight course and for someone who can only tie either a half hitch or a bowline like myself these are invaluable.

I'm still a big fan of the Windpilot having used the Windpilot Pacific to cross the Pacific on a 42' boat mainly with following winds. So can never sing its praises loudly enough. I sat down and worked out that of the 9 boats that finished the Jester Challengein 2010, 5 of them were using the Windpilot. Of course the statistics are only 50% if you consider the 10 boats that finished since the start in 2010. I think Red Admiral was using a Navik that failed somewhat short of Newport but Guy carried on hand steering.

 

[Slackie]

I'm rapidly becoming a fan of Windpilots too.

I've had the course adjuster on mine since I fitted it & wouldn't be keen on the thought of setting the vane the "traditional" way - ie hanging out of the back of the cockpit, so can recommend that.

Having spent plenty of time faffing to keep the lines tensioned, I think I'll be trying the cleat too. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[helixkimara]

I have a windpilot pacific which has a worm line course adjuster. Its not fitted to a yacht yet. Really nicely made bit of kit. Like the cleat thing. I was always faffing about adjusting the lines on Helix (Hasler SP2).
Malcome

 

[Independence]

Agree with the level of service from Peter as well as the performance of Windpilot. both of which are second to none.

 

[co256]

It was a Navik on Red Admiral John, it failed five days short of Newport.

It was a tang for one of the mounting stays that sheared, this put added strain on one of the main mounting bracket tubes which also failed but I had modified the Navik for Red Admirals transom hung rudder so the failure was most likely brought about by my own modification.

Anything that removes the need to hang off the back of the boat to adjust the wind vane has got to be good news.

Good luck,

guy

 

[Fascadale]

I bought a Sea Feather last year.

It has a "course adjuster" type fitting so there is no need to get out of the cockpit to change course.

I do like the clamcleat suggestion. I'm still trying to work out how to get the best out of my vane and line tension was something I was experimenting with.