Windvane pilots vs electric autopilots: all you need to know

[Poignard]

??????? I did say-- once the sails were up.But if it is windy I can set the jib in hard, set the Aeries & hoist the main just off the wind OK without using the engine---- if I need to,

Yes, or set the jib and heave-to.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Because the top priority most people want from an autopilot is to steer while they are putting the sails up?

Top priority for us is a reliable autopilot that will steer in most states of wind and sea. I don’t go sailing to be tied to the tiller or wheel when on passage.
I’ll try and post a video…

 

[Kelpie]

Too priority for us is a reliable autopilot that will steer in most states of wind and sea. I don’t go sailing to be tied to the tiller or wheel when on passage.
I’ll try and post a video…

Agreed. Quite often one of us will hand helm whilst we're raising sail, because it tends to be on the way out of a relatively confined space (harbour, anchorage etc)

 

[Poignard]

Too priority for us is a reliable autopilot that will steer in most states of wind and sea. I don’t go sailing to be tied to the tiller or wheel when on passage.
I’ll try and post a video…

A video of an autopilot? That promises to be fun.

 

[john_morris_uk]

A video of an autopilot? That promises to be fun.

Wait and see!

 

[Poignard]

Wait and see!

You show me yours, I'll show you mine!

My Monitor, that is.

Going about its work tirelessly, silently and efficiently.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Ok. Here’s the Hydrovane. It’s really exciting. (Not) but it’s our sort of sailing.

 

[john_morris_uk]

And here’s the autopilot. Note relaxed crew.

 

[Poignard]

Is there anyway to post videos directly on here that doesn't involve using YouTube or other apps ?

In a similar way to inserting an image using this

 

[john_morris_uk]

Is there anyway to post videos directly on here that doesn't involve using YouTube or other apps ?

In a similar way to inserting an image using this View attachment 117268

Not that I know of. It’s all about the cost of storage for this platform I guess?

 

[Kelpie]

Is there anyway to post videos directly on here that doesn't involve using YouTube or other apps ?

In a similar way to inserting an image using this View attachment 117268

If you use FarceBook you might be able to upload it there and make it public, then share a link.

 

[Minerva]

Ok. Here’s the Hydrovane. It’s really exciting. (Not) but it’s our sort of sailing.

Davits and a hydrovane?! - now that looks a good set up. I evidently wrongly, assumed they would be either/or not both working together. Does the Hydrovane not mean your dinghy is miles away from the stern of the boat and the dinghy not muck up the wind over with hydrovane wind paddle?

 

[Poignard]

If you use FarceBook you might be able to upload it there and make it public, then share a link.

Thanks.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Davits and a hydrovane?! - now that looks a good set up. I evidently wrongly, assumed they would be either/or not both working together. Does the Hydrovane not mean your dinghy is miles away from the stern of the boat and the dinghy not muck up the wind over with hydrovane wind paddle?

I was worried the dinghy wouldn’t fit any more but it’s fine so far. The dinghy just rests against the vane bracket when hoisted. We haven’t had the hydrovane fitted for very long but the dinghy doesn’t seem to affect its working. I did talk to Hydrovane about the length of the drive shaft (and therefore height of the vane) and they weren’t bothered about the dingy’s affect and so far their assessment is accurate.
Our transom is slightly sloping. I’m at the boat years atm so here’s a picture:

Their website shows a similar installation on the main page Hydrovane Self Steering Windvane

 

[Minerva]

I was worried the dinghy wouldn’t fit any more but it’s fine so far. The dinghy just rests against the vane bracket when hoisted. We haven’t had the hydrovane fitted for very long but the dinghy doesn’t seem to affect its working. I did talk to Hydrovane about the length of the drive shaft (and therefore height of the vane) and they weren’t bothered about the dingy’s affect and so far their assessment is accurate.
Our transom is slightly sloping. I’m at the boat years atm so here’s a picture:
View attachment 117280
Their website shows a similar installation on the main page Hydrovane Self Steering Windvane

Thanks John. That certainly gives me something to chew over.