Looking to buy a windvane,
Any one got one hidden in the shed and wants some cash?
Warning I am not prepared to pay ridicules prices .
But am prepared to negotiate a fair price cheers.

SandS said..
Ive been sniffing around for something second hand as well .
But may be the best way would be to fabricate something ? but are there any good shop drawings around for something suitable for wheel steering ?

First vane I built was a Walt Murray design. These are Z crank units and will do the job fine but if you have access to a lathe I would recommend using bevel gears. Walt has passed away but you can find all his drawings on this site. These designs are built using pvc pipes but can also be plywood or SS steel.

https://windvaneselfsteering.com/walt-murrays-website.
All the major manufactures use the same dimensions, ratios and lever ratios so you can too. The differences are how the oar rotate and pivots. Once you understand how it works then it is just a matter of what suits your manufacturing skills.

Wheel steering is a problem and not as easy or effective as a tiller. The drum and clutch set up is the usual method but if you have an emergency tiller head then a short tiller pointing aft would be my choice.
This is my earlier unit from 7 years ago. Made mostly from plumbing parts. The Z crank is visible but the quality of the video is poor.


This is my current unit but even this one has been modified since I made the video 4 years ago! The gears are now brass instead of Delrin and the "tiller is now SS tube.

does anyone here have first-hand experience with the SAILOMAT units?

www.sailomat.com

BROWNSMTRACE said..
Hi Ramona thanks for your in depth reply, my first choice is the Fleming 401. But would buy Fleming minor. Also playing around with the Hebridean.
What are your thoughts on the Scamar Autohelm auxiliary rudder? Am I right it's not very powerful? The Airies has a great reputation but the problem with different metals.
I have seen the one on eBay it is also on Gumtree $300 cheaper.
If you had a choice which commercial one appeals to you and why please.
I am waiting on a quote from Peter on his Pacific light.
I have read your posts on vains and respect your opinon cheers

First choice would be a Monitor. All SS construction and the open frame layout gives easy access to the push rod and all the other bits. That's why mine is built the same. The Monitor uses a ss chain for course adjustments , mine has a belt. Any of the Flemings will do, they are all SS and very strong. The Aries has a lot of alloy bits but the ones on my neighboring boats are looking good. I have no experience with any auxillary rudder systems.
You may find the information you want on this site.
www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/windvane.html

I'm Ramona there too though I haven't posted for awhile.

Ramona have you read the wind pilot blog ? Peter has some great articles on the Airies and all the copies there after

BROWNSMTRACE said..
Ramona have you read the wind pilot blog ? Peter has some great articles on the Airies and all the copies there after

I'm sure I have at some stage. This pdf has a good set of plans that shows the usual dimensions and ratios.
www.hollandwindvane.com/self-steering/handboek_bestanden/Handbook%20deel%20tekst%20als%20pdf%20download.pdf
This book is pretty much the bible for self steering. Wealth of information and comparisons between the major players.
www.bluemoment.com/downloads/selfsteering.pdf

BROWNSMTRACE said..
Hi Ramona thanks for your in depth reply, my first choice is the Fleming 401. But would buy Fleming minor. Also playing around with the Hebridean.
What are your thoughts on the Scamar Autohelm auxiliary rudder? Am I right it's not very powerful? The Airies has a great reputation but the problem with different metals.
I have seen the one on eBay it is also on Gumtree $300 cheaper.
If you had a choice which commercial one appeals to you and why please.
I am waiting on a quote from Peter on his Pacific light.
I have read your posts on vains and respect your opinon cheers

I have a Fleming 401 on MB, an S&S34. It is outstanding.

Ok just picked up a nice Fleming 401 I have had one before and like a fool let it go with the boat.
Fantastic bit of gear

Hi Cisco it is in very good condition came with a wheel adapter which I won't need so will sell that and a very nice st1000 with a remote which sounds interesting I already have a brand new st2000 so will sell one of those will have to see if the remote will work with both.

Yes I believe that's how much they are

BlueMoon said..
I still have this Scanmar Saye's Rig windvane for sale $950.
I wasn't keen to install it in the end as I wasn't keen on the idea of attaching the arm to the ships rudder, although it is removable with 2 screws, plus it wouldn't work on my yacht with has an outboard on the transom.
www.tophatyachts.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=286&hilit=Sayes+rig

Is the Saye's rig still available? Keen to purchase one asap. paul.winn2012 at gmail dot com.