sailboat wind vane steering

Steering the dream

Hydrovane is your best crew member: an independent self-steering windvane and emergency rudder/steering system... ready to go!

Hydrovane will fit any cruising boat!

Off-center installations are the norm!

Doubles as Emergency Rudder/Steering!

True Stories

Golden Globe Update Day 113:

[GGR Leader Jean-Luc Van Den Heede sailing the Rustler 36 Matmut] was full of praise for his Hydrovane self-steering. “In a gale it has a big advantage because it is not steering the boat’s rudder, but has its own. This little rudder is far more efficient than the big rudder.”

– Jean Luc Van Den Heede on satellite phone call

“I am happy I did install the Hydrovane, especially that I saw on YouTube that at the same time 2 sailboats almost the same size as mine with the same problem. The crew had to abandon the the ships and left both boats in the middle of the Atlantic and lost everything … again thanks to the Hydrovane. It saved my boat.”

– Jacques Glaser, Amel Mango 52

“My wife and I have just completed a two month cruise with our new Hydrovane and it has performed beyond all expectations… If cruising I wouldn’t go to sea without one: strong, simple, reliable, an emergency helm and an extra crew member who never complains and doesn’t need a watch system.”

– Pete Goss, MBE, Frances 34

“So, I must tell you, and I mean this sincerely, the Hydrovane is simply a game changer for Quetzal. It’s just great and performs better than I expected… One other feature of the vane that I really appreciate is that it eases the load on the rudder and rudder bearings.”

– John Krestchmaer, Kaufman 47

“With just two of us on board, I wanted a system that was simple and effective to operate, and it has exceeded my most optimistic expectations by a considerable margin. It truly is our third crew member.”

– John Mennem, Jeanneau 45.2

“…it is still the most technically elegant solution i have ever seen for a wind vane… I was clawing off a lee shore on one side, and islands on another – winds were reported at 55 knots, and waves in the region were at least ‘boat length’ high and quite steep with the currents. This was an awful night and I was very afraid for myself, the boat and my equipment – I had new found respect, trust and comfort in the Hydrovane after that.”

– Steve De Maio, Contessa 26

In this recent Pacific crossing, the Hydrovane kept us on course (relative to the wind, of course) for several days at a time, requiring no tweaking or attention at all. If you can balance your boat and twist a dial, you can successfully operate a Hydrovane. Don’t leave home without one!

– Bill Ennis, Passport 40

“For the first time, we had to run downwind, under bare poles in gale force 8 conditions, with gusts to 50 knots – and don’t get me started on the sea conditions! Have you ever swallowed your tongue? Oh, and iVane, our wind-steering partner. What a gem! It steered 230 hard miles without even nut rations.”

– Brian Anderson, Hallberg Rassy 40

“The additional cash to purchase a windvane was almost too much… Just how good is this ‘Hydrovane’ anyway?”

After 29,000+ miles: “We’ve said to each many times that without doubt the most valuable piece of equipment on board was Casper – best purchase EVER. I will never own an offshore boat again that does not have this device.”

– Ryan Robertson, T 40

Swim Step / Sugar Scoop

External rudder, watt&sea bracket, other products.

Watt&Sea Hydrogenerator

Echo Tec Watermaker

Repost: @ayla_sailing Is there anything spookier than lightening and thunderstorms at sea?! 🫣⛈️⚡️ ⛵️ @ayla_sailing in the Mozambique Channel #hydrovane #windvanesteering #thunderatsea #windvanesofinstagram #circumnavigation #emergencyrudder #selfsteeringwindvane #selfsteering #yachtlife #sailingstorms #sailingoffshore ... See More See Less

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Hydrovane Crew is en route to Annapolis for our favourite, the Annapolis Sailboat Show! @annapolisboatshow Find Hydrovane in Tent A, booth 21. We’ll also be galavanting around the docks ☺️ Will we see you there? 🍹 ... See More See Less

@alanasailing⁠ ⁠Beautiful captures! ⁠⛵️⁠ ⁠ “2 days into our crossing from Cascais to Porto Santo. 1 day to go. Our helmsman Charles does a great job! A week or so at Porto Santo and Madeira before we set sail for the Canaries.” #boatlife #sailing #sailinginstagram #hydrovane #selfsteering #windvane #cruising #sailingadventure #safetyatsea #emergencyrudder #yachting #offshoresailing #bluewatersailing #bluewatercruising #hydrovanesailing #sailingwithhydrovane #sunsetsail ... See More See Less

Happy Halloween! This costume may have been for a different occasion but relevant nonetheless! 👻 “After seeing what Taurus [the Hydrovane] does for us [my friend] fell in love with him too. So much so that when the crew dressed up for the equator crossing, she dressed up as a Hydrovane!” - Norlin 37 owner 🙌🙌 ... See More See Less

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Hi, can u reach me up via WhatsApp? My phone number is +56999728041 Txs

How times change just thought I’d send you this video that somebody sent me that bought a Hydrovane ❤️x

Well that was a fun night. 🎉 Thanks International Cruisers Awards Young Cruisers' Association for bringing together so many inspirational sailors and story tellers! Get out there and chase the wind ⛵️ #cruiserawards #youngcruisers #internationalcruiserawards #seapeople #annapolis #USBoatShow #hydrovane ... See More See Less

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Windvane self-steering: a complete guide for sailors

• Alison Wood
• October 30, 2024

Ali Wood explains how you can harness the power of the wind and sea to steer efficiently

The Aries windvane self-steering is a pendulum arrangement and was used by skippers in the Golden Globe Race. Credit: Ocean Frontiers OGR/GGR/CG580

Living in a world of power-hungry electronics, windvane self-steering is an appealing concept.

Instead of steering to a compass course, you steer the boat to the wind, thanks to a mechanical vane mounted on the transom.

Once you’ve decided on your heading and adjusted the sails accordingly, the windvane ensures you stay properly trimmed, sail efficiently and avoid the risk of a crash gybe.

When the windvane’s vertical, you’re on course. When it’s deflected, you change course. Simple!

Windvane self-steering, or ‘vane gear’, first appeared on model yachts in the 1930s but it wasn’t until the 1950s that development began for racing yachts, most notably pioneered by Blondie Hasler, and culminating in his Pendulum Servo system in 1961.

Vane (top) and blade (in the water) of the Hydrovane. Pictured is Olivia Wyatt who is entered in the 2026 Golden Globe Race. Credit: instagram/wildernessofwaves

For the first time, yachts with counter sterns could be steered effectively without needing complex modifications to the rudder .

Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Alec Rose both completed record-breaking voyages with Hasler vane gears, and sailors continue to use their derivatives today, especially in solo races celebrated for self-sufficiency.

In last year’s Jester Challenge, PBO ’s Jake Kavanagh spotted many popular designs of windvane self-steering, ranging from the top-end Hydrovane to the budget-priced Hebridean .

Other well-known makes included Sea Feather and Monitor, plus a couple of examples of DIY ingenuity.

Similarly, contenders in the 2018 Golden Globe Race – a solo race around the world without modern electronics – opted for Monitor, Beaufort, Hydrovane, Aries and Windpilot systems, and in 2022 this was reduced to the latter three.

Requiring no electricity, windvane self-steering is built to withstand all conditions.

For some sailors, it’s considered an auxiliary steering system, or an ‘extra crewmember’ for long passages with consistent winds.

For others, however, it’s their primary choice of steerage, and there are many good reasons why.

While all windvanes steer to a wind-based course, the way in which they do so varies, and it’s worth giving careful consideration to which product suits your budget and style of cruising.

How does windvane self-steering work?

There are two main types of windvane self-steering systems: direct drives, which have their own rudder; and servo-pendulums, which use the vessel’s rudder.

In both cases, when presented to the wind the vane tips over, transferring this action to either the rudder or pendulum blade which steers the boat back to your desired angle of sail.

If the wind changes and you want to maintain your bearing you adjust the windvane angle until you’re pointing where you want to go and trim the sails.

Direct Drive Windvane Self-Steering

Course adjustments are made by pulling a continuous line in the cockpit that can rotate the vane 360°.

If the wind backs suddenly, however, you still have the option of jumping back on the wheel or tiller, trimming the sails and then adjusting the vane to the new heading.

Windvane self-steering offer different shaft length options and some also have different rudder blade sizes.

Most can be adjusted for the conditions. In light airs, for example, the vane can be exposed as much as possible to the wind, whereas in heavier weather, it can be lowered to reduce the force exerted on it.

Servi-Pendulum Windvane Self-Steering

Most servo-pendulum systems have different-sized vanes that can be swapped, and some vanes – such as South Atlantic, Windpilot and Aries – can be raked aft.

You can change the position of the counterweight to make the vane more or less sensitive to the wind.

Hydrovane has three vane sizes, specified for each installation depending on the presence of other aerial obstructions.

The vane’s inclination can be set anywhere from 0° to 30° for varied responsiveness.

Servo-pendulum windvane self-steering

With servo-pendulum systems, the windvane connects to a blade, which hangs like a ‘pendulum’ under the water.

The word ‘servo’, originating from the Latin servus, meaning ‘slave’, refers to a control system that converts a small mechanical motion (in this case, the blade’s movement) into one requiring much greater power (turning the rudder).

In order to do this, it uses the force created by the boat’s speed through the water, or ‘hydro-mechanical’ energy.

The faster the boat, the higher the steering force.

So when the boat strays off course, the wind pushes the wind vane to one side or the other.

Using a linkage system, this rotates the pendulum blade which, amplified by the flow of water swings to the surface, and pulls the tiller control lines attached to the pendulum, bringing the boat back on course.

The CapHorn windvane self-steering is a servo-pendulum system. Credit: CapHorn

Often the pendulum blade can be lifted out of the water when not in use and the height of the vane and length of the shaft can be customised to your boat.

Some models, such as South Atlantic’s L 360, weigh as little as 7kg and start at around £950 (ex taxes) for a 16ft yacht, while others can accommodate boats up to 60ft or 30 tonnes.

A disadvantage of a servo-pendulum system is that steering lines can clutter the cockpit.

However, CapHorn has tackled this by locating the control arm inside the lazarette, allowing the lines to lead internally through blocks fastened to the boat’s steering quadrant, with jamming cleats in the cockpit.

The CapHorn quadrant or control arm is inside the lazarette, which makes it possible to lead the control lines internally through blocks fastened on the boat’s steering quadrant, then jamming cleats in the cockpit to avoid clutter on the deck. Credit: CapHorn

Another thing to bear in mind is that a servo-pendulum windvane uses the yacht’s rudder, meaning you don’t have a spare in an emergency.

However, some designs can be adapted.

The Monitor, for example, can be converted to an emergency rudder by locking the pendulum and sliding a foil over the paddle.

While the option to retrofit a backup rudder might be appealing, if this is a primary consideration bear in mind the time required to do this versus having one ‘ready-to-go’, as is the case with a direct drive wind vane.

Plus, a smaller backup system may not be able to cope sufficiently with heavy weather.

Although some older servo-pendulum brands are now discontinued, there are many of them still in use, and you may find these can be refurbished or upgraded.

Direct drive windvane self-steering

A direct drive or ‘auxiliary rudder’ wind vane uses its own rudder.

This type of vane gear tends to be more expensive but is an independent, second steering system, and thus the loads it needs to deal with are far greater.

When you ‘lock-off’ your main rudder, the auxiliary rudder takes over the steering.

Note, the main rudder needn’t be locked off at the boat’s centreline; its position will depend on the conditions and how the boat is balanced.

Once fixed, the main rudder simply acts as a giant trim tab, helping to maintain the correct lift fore and aft, and reducing weather helm or ‘rounding up’.

An advantage of a direct drive system such as this Hydrovane is you have an emergency rudder. Credit: Hydrovane

A direct drive unit is heavier than a servo-pendulum, so direct drive units can only be used on boats around 20ft or more.

For boats with hydraulic steering systems and centre cockpits, direct drive is the simplest option.

Servo-pendulum is possible but requires a hydraulic bypass or very long connecting lines to the wheel.

As with a servo-pendulum, when the boat veers off course, the wind hits the vane, swinging it one way or the other.

This sideways movement is converted into a rotating motion, steering the attached rudder (not the yacht’s rudder), which is installed at the transom.

The huge advantage of a direct drive windvane is you have a powerful emergency steering system.

This Hydrovane has been fitted off-centre to accommodate the boarding ladder. Credit: Hydrovane

As no lines are required leading back to the helm, there’s less friction and it doesn’t clutter the cockpit.

Additionally, some direct drive windvanes incorporate a servo blade connected to the system’s own rudder while other designs have a trim tab fitted.

Both help generate additional power. In heavy weather , windvanes are more robust than electronic steering systems, but if there’s no wind they don’t work. For this reason, many cruisers carry both.

Most direct drive wind vanes allow you to attach the auxiliary rudder to the electronic tiller pilot when under engine , so you needn’t use the yacht’s rudder.

Wind vane driving a trim tab in the rudder

Long-distance sailor and author Annie Hill, wrote to PBO recently, pointing out another variation: wind vane gears that drive a trim tab in the main rudder.

Annie Hill built trim tabs into her own transom-hung rudders. Credit Annie Hill

“ Although they can only be fitted to a boat with an outboard rudder, they are cheap to make, robust and effective,” she says.  “Transom-hung rudders are, anyway, easy to maintain, well-supported and robust. Unlike servo-pendulum gears, they don’t snag floating objects such as abandoned fishing gear or kelp and, being so close to the rudders, are much less vulnerable in close quarters.”

Annie’s self-steering controls in the cockpit of FanShi. Credit Annie Hill

“Experts will tell you that these gears are less efficient, but personal experience has proven otherwise.  A boat I sailed for over 100,000 miles, had servo gears for about 60% of this time, but when we changed to a trim tab, we found that this was better than its predecessors. It had a vertically pivoting vane, which made it much easier to set up and the added, not insignificant advantage, that a hand on the helm could override it, with no need to disconnect, should an obstacle ahead suddenly become apparent. When I built my present boat FanShi I didn’t even consider an alternative.”

Annie’s beautiful home-built junk FanShi. Credit Annie Hill

Where to mount windvane self-steering

For boats with boarding ladders and drop-down transoms, an offset windvane is an obvious advantage.

But does it affect performance when heeled on the opposite tack?

Paul EImers of South Atlantic comments that: “No windvane can be installed off-centre without losing performance. There is a limit of about 30cm for this off-centre installation… When the windvane is installed to port the rudder is well submerged when heeled to port, but almost out of the water when heeled to starboard, becoming useless.”

A crewmember on the ARC assembles the Hydrovane. Credit: WCC

But CapHorn inventor Yves Gélinas told PBO he was the first to offset a servo-pendulum on the Nicholson 31 Chance Encounter in 1991 and discovered that performance was in no way affected.

“Since then, a great number of CapHorn gears have been offset to the total satisfaction of the owner,” he said.

Hydrovane maintains that an off-centre installation isn’t a disadvantage, citing tests at Southampton University which concluded: ‘The Hydrovane is absolutely indifferent as to its location – as long as it has “clean water” to work with, the rudder can produce its certain amount of steering power wherever it is located.’

It’s true, yachts today carry more top hamper than ever, but that needn’t be an obstacle to fitting windvane self-steering gear.

Monitor has just launched its TopHat servo-pendulum model, which allows the air vane to be installed separately from the rest of the assembly (joined by a low-friction cable), so it can access clean air.

This means davits, solar panels , radar arches or mizzen booms no longer get in the way of installation.

Monitor TopHat rail mount on a Westsail 42. Credit: Monitor

CapHorn’s range of wind vanes are designed to fit any stern shape, and includes a model for boats with an outboard rudder for mounting on a boomkin or on a scoop stern.

Hydrovane is a popular direct drive model, with many units mounted on multihulls and most off-centre.

It has a large vane, and incorporates a four-position ‘ratio knob’ for adjusting sensitivity and power to the conditions.

Turn it far right, and the vane will disengage entirely; this is your emergency steering option, allowing your tiller to control the rudder.

The other three options change rudder deflection from 15° (1:3 power for light airs) to 35° (1:1 power for storm conditions).

In heavy weather, as well as increasing rudder deflection (which makes for a much straighter wake and tempers over-steering), you can reduce the angle and responsiveness of the vane.

While in the normal setting, this is vertical (providing the most power and most sensitivity).

The vane can be inclined up to 30° for strong winds. In light winds, the Hydrovane’s lack of friction allows it to continue steering in only a few knots of wind.

The highest spec model, the XT Vane, can be extended for more power in lighter winds.

Golden Globe Race

Once installed and bedded in, windvanes require very little maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them altogether, warns the founder of the Golden Globe Race, Don McIntyre.

McIntyre recalls a 16-hour stint of hand-steering in the Bass Strait after a bolt holding his Navik wooden quadrant slipped out, rendering it inoperable in the middle of the night. In 4m seas, he was unable to leave the helm to change hanked sails for fear of rounding up.

“I was over-canvassed and on the edge until we made anchorage. It taught me a few important lessons I never forgot. I now ‘spanner check’ things before and during a major passage.”

He later became a distributor for Aries windvane self-steering and in the past 45 years has sailed with a range of self-steering gear.

Jean-Luc van den Heede won the single-handed 2018 Golden Globe Race with the help of his Hydrovane ‘direct drive’ self-steering system. Credit: Christophe Favreau/GGR/PPL

“None are perfect, but some are far superior to others. Some are more suited to certain situations and types of boats for various reasons of size, power, design and the voyage itself.”

In the 2018 Golden Globe, the Southern Ocean tested self-steering gear to its limits, with skippers forced to hand steer or heave-to in bad weather to effect repairs.

As a result of this, the race now insists that windvanes are vetted and approved.

Some brands have even made modifications to fit the strict criteria. In the 2022 edition of the race 12 out of 16 competitors had Hydrovanes, and the remaining four had Aries and Windpilot models.

Only three had issues, and of these two came down to a lack of onboard observation and maintenance, with bolts coming loose.

“It happens to all machinery that moves constantly, just like my Navik,” says McIntyre. “This is an operator issue.”

And for those who claim windvanes don’t work, Windpilot designer Peter Förthmann says in his blog on windpilot.com: “Windvane self-steering systems are master teachers; there’s no such thing as ‘it doesn’t work!’ It all ultimately comes down to sailing in balance: if big rudder movements are what it takes to stay on course, there’s likely too much canvas aloft and the race is soon lost.”

Riemer Witteveen of Aries also comments: “All these systems work on the apparent wind. Modern yachts that can accelerate much faster than older displacement yachts don’t cope with these systems that well. “If they surf down a wave, their speed increases a lot, and therewith the apparent wind, thus engaging the system to steer against that current course. Wind vane systems are better suited on a more traditional displacement cruiser than on a cruiser-racer.”

Servo-Pendulum vs Direct Drive

Servo-Pendulum (uses boat’s rudder)

• Lines in cockpit
• No backup steering
• Harder in low wind and boat speed
• More complicated for centre cockpits and hydraulic steering systems
• Doesn’t have the advantage of an additional rudder for stability
• Most systems must be installed on the centreline
• Fixed axis (usually 20°)

Direct Drive (uses own rudder)

• More expensive
• Clutter-free cockpit
• Separate emergency steering
• Powerful in light airs
• Can be used on any boat and is generally too heavy for boats less than 20ft long
• Ship’s rudder can be used as giant trim tab to reduce yawning and weather helm
• Can be fixed off-centre
• Some can change axis and rudder deflection according to weather

Hydraulic steering

Hydraulic steering systems transmit force from the wheel to the rudder indirectly via pumps, hoses and hydraulic cylinders.

Windpilot inventor, Peter Förthmann, points out that such systems don’t lend themselves readily to a mechanical wind vane self-steering system.

Hydraulic steering requires more turns of the wheel, and can suffer from ‘drift’, causing the amidships wheel position to change over time

Angle importance

“This creates a problem for servo-pendulum systems as they rely on the relationship between wheel position and rudder angle being permanently fixed,” says Peter.

“No matter how small the loss of hydraulic pressure, the eventual inevitable result is a boat unable to resist weather helm.”

He points out that this can also be a challenge for electric autopilots because the creeping loss of hydraulic pressure inside the ram inevitably drives up power consumption.

So before considering a wind vane, Peter advises those with hydraulic steering to check for drift.

Turn the wheel hard against each of the end stops and hold it there. If the system can’t maintain position or pressure, you need to overhaul the hydraulic cylinder – a job for a professional.

Once this is fixed, there are options such as the Hydrovane direct drive model or Windpilot Pacific Plus, a servo-assisted double rudder system.

Balanced trimming

“Both systems require that the main rudder be adjusted precisely to start with to keep the boat properly trimmed so that the windvane self-steering system only has to look after course corrections,” he says.

If there is an emergency tiller available, the lines that transmit the force from the vane gear can be attached to this tiller instead.

A bypass valve on the hydraulic cylinder is absolutely essential so that the emergency tiller only has to move the rudder and not the whole of the hydraulic steering system.

With CapHorn’s Jean-du-Sud and Spray windvane models, the lines can be returned from the inside to pulleys fixed on an auxiliary bar (which can be the same as that of the hydraulic system) and from there to jam cleats in the cockpit.

However, a bypass valve must be installed when CapHorn is in use.

Case Study: Windpilot on the Golden Globe Race

Abhilash Tomy’s Rustler 36, Bayanat . Credit: GGR 2022

Naval aviator and yachtsman Abhilash Tomy has taken part in two Golden Globe Races (GGRs), coming second in the 2022 edition

“The decision to use Windpilot for GGR 2018 was taken thanks to the recommendation of Johan Vels, who was consulting on building my boat Thuriya , a Suhaili replica. Thuriya was a ketch, which made her a well-balanced boat, easing the load on the Windpilot, which performed admirably well. During a knockdown that dismasted the boat, the Windpilot remained unaffected.

“Due to its performance in GGR 2018, I preferred the Windpilot for GGR 2022. The Rustler 36 Bayanat (pictured above) was a sloop, so slightly more difficult to balance than the ketch, and since I was pushing the boat faster, the Windpilot must have experienced more strain.

“The plywood sensor on top broke during gybes. I ran through four spares by the middle of the race and had to resort to scavenging wood from the cockpit lining and even Plexiglass from the chart table to make a spare (not a difficult task).

“The connecting link was bent and probably about to break in the fifth month (when I was rounding Cape Horn). It was an easy fix, and I had three spares anyway. No further problems

“Paddles broke, and I ran through the supply of three paddles towards the end of the Pacific. I replaced it with plywood from the toilet door (did not work), and then plywood from bunk hatches (did not work), before scavenging metal parts from the anchor (worked for about 8,000 miles).

“Overall, I was extremely happy with the Windpilot. It is very rugged and will work flawlessly for months before requiring any maintenance, and parts can be easily fashioned from what you have on board.”

Case Study: DIY Hebridean

The Hebridean is designed to be built at home

John Fleming designed the Hebridean specifically for DIY construction, keeping parts simple for remote maintenance. Innovative features include his single unit vane-pendulum assembly, bypassing the need for a gear to link them

. The traditional separated arrangement is replaced with a simplified structure which swivels in its entirety around a single attachment point.

The simplified design geometry cleverly incorporates a horizontal vane axle (not offset, but feathered as the unit swings) for optimum response and sensitivity.

Former PBO editor Dave Pugh tested the Hebridean wind vane built by readers Jeff Glass and Jerry Harrison using American oak from a local supplier.

When Dave joined them in Lowestoft on a Jaguar 25, he reported, “I’m impressed. Our test was only short, but the Hebridean seems to offer a powerful, reliable self-steering system at a fraction of the cost of an off-the-peg model. If you value peace, maintainability and battery charge, this is worth a look.

Case Study: South Atlantic on the Globe 5.80

A South Atlantic installed on the back of a Class Globe 5.80. Credit: Ocean Frontiers OGR/ GGR/CG580

The Globe 5.80 is a solo transatlantic race in 19ft (5.8m) home-built plywood yachts.

Race founder Don McIntyre chose South Atlantic’s compact and lightweight S 301 servo-pendulum design to sponsor this biennial race.

“I considered all available self-steering units on the market. I wanted fast reaction times, absolutely bulletproof construction, total reliability, not excessively heavy and importantly value for money,” he said.

“The objective was to select a system that will do at least two Transats, an AZAB and then the 2025 Mini Globe Race. The standout unit was the South Atlantic S 301, so I ordered one in time to be ready for the launch of my own 5.80 TREKKA .

Case Study: Hydrovane on the ARC

The Hydrovane has a hydraulic steering option. Credit: Hydrovane

The Hydrovane is ubiquitous in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), which sees entrants sailing 2,700 miles from Gran Canaria to the Caribbean.

Many of the models are mounted on multihulls and most off-centre.

Of course, any wind vane’s ability to steer diminishes with the weight and size of the boat, but Hydrovane claims to have successfully installed models on yachts over 50ft and 27 tonnes.

Dinghy davits, arches, gantries, radar masts are also not a problem.

“We love installation challenges … try us!” says the manufacturer.

Last year, PBO met Maltese sailor Juan Manduca, who was sailing around the world on his Dufour 530 B emZ .

He described the Hydrovane as a fantastic piece of kit. “It provides two backups,” he said, “a mechanical back-up for the autopilot as it uses no electricity, and a full backup for the rudder.”

Neil Smith took part in ARC+ 23 on his Moody 54. “We started with the Hydrovane but it wouldn’t keep us on course. It meandered 20° to 30° off the rhumbline and when you’re goosewinging you need to be more precise than that. We switched to the Raymarine SD60000 autopilot and it was brilliant.”

Hydrovane comments: “We never heard from this customer post-purchase, otherwise we would have provided some tips. The Hydrovane should be highly trustworthy while goosewinging, though heavier displacement boats require extra attention to sail trim and balance.”

Windvane self-steering directory

Aries (based in Holland). Price: £6,040-£6,427. Type: Pendulum. Features/Notes: Can refurbish old models. Click-to-adjust system: one click is 6°. Safe operation from cockpit or cabin. Website: ariesvanegear.com

CapHorn (based in Canada). Price: £3,678-£4,300. Type: Pendulum. Features/Notes: Quadrant and lines located in lazarette to avoid deck clutter. Needs only 10cm aft clearance. Guaranteed for 28,000 miles. Outboard rudder option available. Website: caphorn.com

Hebridean (based in UK). Price: £594. Type: DIY Pendulum. Features/Notes: Excludes wood for frame & pendulum. Additional kits for remote course adjustment and wheel steering. Suits transom freeboard of 60-100cm. Website: windvaneselfsteering.co.uk

Monitor (based in US). Price: £3,692-£4,622 (ex taxes) Type: Pendulum. Features/Notes: Can be converted to an emergency rudder. New TopHat version separates vane from paddle. Website: scanmarinternational.com

South Atlantic (based in Argentina). Price: £908-£1,790 for Pendulum (ex taxes) £2,793-£3,834 (ex taxes) for Direct Drive. Type: Pendulum and Direct Drive. Features/Notes: Sponsor of the Globe 5.80 Class. 3 x aluminium, 2 x stainless steel in 4 sizes, 8kg – 60kg (Pendulum) 2 x models in 5 x sizes. Off-centre mounting possible. Suits yachts from 16ft to 60ft/30 tonnes. (Direct Drive). Website: south-atlantic.com.ar

Neptune (based in UK). Price: £1,999-£2,977. Type: Pendulum. Features/Notes: Four models for yachts 23ft to 50ft. Website: windvane.co.uk

Windpilot (based in Germany). Price: £2,185-£6,640 (ex taxes). Type: Pendulum. Features/Notes: Used in Golden Globe Race. Four models available. Hydraulic steering option. Website: windpilot.com

Hydrovane (based in UK and Canada). Price: £5,000-£7,000. Type: Direct Drive. Features/Notes: Used in Golden Globe. Trade-in available. Hydraulic steering option. Adjustable vane and rudder deflection. Website: hydrovane.com

Editor’s Note: Annie Hill and several other readers have been in contact to highlight that we did not include the trim tab system in this article. We will be revisiting this in a future issue.

Annie Hall writes: “Although they can only be fitted to a boat with an outboard rudder, wind vane gears driving a trim tab in the rudder are cheap to make, robust and effective. Transom-hung rudders are, anyway, easy to maintain, well-supported and robust and the trim tab mounted on them has the same advantages. Unlike servo-pendulum gears, they don’t snag floating objects such as abandoned fishing gear or kelp and, being so close to the rudders, are much less vulnerable in close quarters.

The davits and self-steering on Annie Hill’s boat. Credit: Annie Hill

“Experts will tell you that these gears are less efficient, but personal experience has proven otherwise. A boat I sailed for over 100,000 miles, had servo gears for about 60% of this time, but when we changed to a trim tab, we found that this was better than its predecessors. It had a vertically pivoting vane, which made it much easier to set up (although again, this is supposedly less powerful) and the added, not insignificant advantage, that a hand on the helm could override it, with no need to disconnect, should an obstacle ahead suddenly become apparent. When I built my present boat I didn’t even consider an alternative.”

The rudder and skegs on Annie Hill’s boat. Credit: Annie Hill

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Wind Vane Self Steering: The Ultimate Guide

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 20, 2023 | Sailboat Gear and Equipment

Short answer: wind vane self steering

Wind vane self steering is a mechanical device used on sailboats to maintain a desired course without the need for continuous manual adjustment. It utilizes the force of the wind and a vertical axis to steer the boat by adjusting the position of the rudder.

How Wind Vane Self Steering Works: A Comprehensive Guide

Title: How Wind Vane Self-Steering Works: A Comprehensive Guide to Sailboat Autonomy

Introduction: Sailing is the epitome of freedom, embracing the unpredictable elements as we navigate vast oceans. However, when embarking on long journeys or overnight trips, the need for reliable self-steering systems arises. Enter wind vane self-steering! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into this ingenious system, explaining its principles and mechanics while highlighting its benefits for seafaring enthusiasts. So hoist your sails and embark on a journey of knowledge as we unravel the inner workings of wind vane self-steering.

Chapter 1: The Basics of Wind Vane Self-Steering 1.1 Understanding Sailboats’ Balancing Act: – Explaining the importance of maintaining equilibrium between the sail and rudder configurations. – Highlighting challenges faced when manually helming during long passages.

1.2 Introduction to Wind Vanes: – Defining the wind vane as an autonomous steering mechanism driven by apparent wind direction. – Detailing their various components such as vanes, sensors, gears, and linkages.

Chapter 2: Principles Behind Wind Vanes 2.1 Apparent vs True Wind: – Unveiling the distinction between apparent and true wind direction. – Describing how wind vanes utilize apparent wind to adjust course.

2.2 Weight vs Force Systems: – Distinguishing weight-driven systems (servo pendulum) from force-driven ones (auxiliary rudder). – Discussing pros and cons of each system in different sailing conditions.

Chapter 3: Mechanics of Wind Vane Self-Steering 3.1 Servo Pendulum System: – Unveiling the engineering marvels behind servo pendulum systems. – Analyzing their interaction with changing winds and seas.

3.2 Auxiliary Rudder Systems: – Detailing the mechanism of auxiliary rudder systems, their hydrodynamics, and adjustability. – Discussing how they maintain sailboat course while minimizing yaw.

Chapter 4: Installation and Utilization Tips 4.1 Installing Wind Vanes on Different Sailboats: – Providing step-by-step instructions for mounting wind vanes. – Highlighting considerations for various boat designs and sizes.

4.2 Calibration and Fine-Tuning: – Elaborating on the importance of accurate calibration to ensure precise steering. – Offering pro tips to optimize performance under different sailing conditions.

Chapter 5: Advantages and Limitations 5.1 Benefits of Wind Vane Self-Steering: – Presenting the advantages of autonomy, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced safety during long-haul sailing trips.

5.2 Considerations in Complex Sailing Conditions: – Identifying limitations related to challenging weather patterns or narrow channels, necessitating manual intervention.

Conclusion – Navigating the Open Seas with Confidence: Wind vane self-steering systems revolutionize long-distance sailing by providing sailors with a reliable automated alternative to constant helming. Understanding the principles, mechanics, and installation tips outlined in this comprehensive guide will empower seafarers to navigate vast oceans with confidence, leaving them more time to revel in the beauty of their surroundings. Embrace the freedom that wind vane self-steering offers–the transformative companion for every true sailor!

Wind Vane Self Steering Explained: Step by Step Process

When it comes to sailing, one of the most essential tools for achieving steady and reliable course keeping is a wind vane self-steering system. This mechanism harnesses the power of the wind to effectively steer the vessel autonomously, ensuring sailors can enjoy a smoother and more hands-free sailing experience. In this blog post, we will delve into the step-by-step process of how wind vane self-steering works, unraveling its inner workings and highlighting its benefits.

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the intricacies, let’s start with the fundamentals. A wind vane self-steering system consists of three main components: a wind vane, a linkage mechanism, and auxiliary steering gear. The wind vane acts as a sensory organ that detects changes in wind direction while transmitting these signals to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism then translates those signals into appropriate movements, which are eventually transmitted to auxiliary steering gear responsible for adjusting sail trim or rudder angle.

Step 2: Wind Vane Sensitivity Adjustment

Once you’ve set up your wind vane self-steering system on board your yacht or sailboat, it’s crucial to fine-tune its sensitivity for optimal performance. By adjusting the weight distribution or adding counterweights to your wind vane, you can achieve precise responsiveness according to prevailing weather conditions. This careful calibration ensures that even subtle nuances in wind direction are accurately detected by the wind vane.

Step 3: Setting Course

Now that your system is finely tuned, it’s time to set your desired course manually using traditional methods such as compass bearings or GPS coordinates. Aligning your vessel towards this designated course provides initial guidance for your wind vane self-steerer.

Step 4: Autonomy Engaged

As soon as you activate your wind vane self-steering gear, you enable an autonomous sailor’s best friend. Once the wind vane starts detecting any deviations from your initial course, it sends signals to the linkage mechanism, instructing it to make corrections. This process ensures that your vessel automatically adjusts its heading to maintain the desired course against external factors such as wind shifts or gusts.

Step 5: Continuous Monitoring

While wind vane self-steering handles most course corrections independently, it does require regular monitoring to avoid any potential issues and make minor adjustments as needed. It is crucial to stay vigilant and keep an eye on how your self-steering system performs with changing wind conditions and other environmental factors.

Benefits of Wind Vane Self-Steering

Now that we’ve dived into the step-by-step process of wind vane self-steering, let’s explore its advantages:

1. Hands-free Sailing: With a properly calibrated and functioning wind vane self-steering system, sailors can free themselves from continuously holding the helm, affording a more relaxed sailing experience.

2. Increased Safety: Wind vane self-steering reduces fatigue in long ocean crossings by maintaining a steady course, minimizing human error risk at times when crew members might be physically exhausted.

3. Energy Efficiency: By utilizing the power of nature (the wind), a wind vane self-steerer requires no fuel consumption or electricity input for operation, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for long-distance voyages.

In conclusion, the step-by-step process behind a wind vane self-steering system involves understanding the basics of its components, adjusting sensitivity levels, setting an initial course manually while enabling autonomy through continuous monitoring. This technology not only enhances safety but also allows sailors to enjoy hands-free sailing while embracing Mother Nature’s forces to keep their vessels on track efficiently. So why not embrace this clever innovation and sail away into effortless adventure?

Frequently Asked Questions about Wind Vane Self Steering

Frequently Asked Questions about Wind Vane Self Steering: Unlocking the Secrets to Effortless Sailing

If you’ve ever been on a sailing adventure or have spent any time around seasoned sailors, you’ve likely heard of wind vane self steering devices. These ingenious contraptions have sparked curiosity and interest among many sailing enthusiasts, but like any new concept, questions tend to arise. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the frequently asked questions surrounding wind vane self steering systems and shed light on their working principles. Get ready to unravel the science behind these mechanical marvels!

Q1: What exactly is a wind vane self-steering system?

A wind vane self-steering system is a mechanism designed to keep a sailing vessel on course without manual intervention from the helmsman. This device utilizes the power of the wind to maintain a steady heading even in challenging weather conditions. By harnessing wind pressure and utilizing specially shaped vanes, wind vane self-steering systems elegantly counterbalance forces acting on sails and rudders.

Q2: How does a wind vane self-steering system work?

The operation of a wind vane self-steering system revolves around one fundamental principle—using apparent wind angles and force to steer the boat. Typically mounted at the stern of a vessel, these systems consist of an arrow-shaped vane that reacts to changes in apparent wind direction. As the breeze shifts or fluctuates in intensity, subtle movements in the vane are transmitted via lines or linkage mechanisms to adjust the position of an auxiliary rudder at the boat’s stern.

When the boat begins deviating from its intended course due to shifting winds, turbulence, or waves, this auxiliary rudder automatically adjusts itself according to variations in apparent wind angles detected by the main vane. Consequently, as long as there is sufficient breeze available for propulsion, these systems effectively maintain precise navigation even during extended periods at sea. It’s like having an invisible helmsman tirelessly steering your vessel, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.

Q3: Are wind vane self-steering systems compatible with all types of boats?

Wind vane self-steering systems are highly versatile and can be installed on a wide range of sailboats. Whether you have a small, single-handed cruiser or a larger ocean-going yacht, there is likely a system that suits your vessel. The main considerations when choosing the right wind vane self-steering system for your boat include size, weight, balance, and how well it integrates with the existing rigging setup. Manufacturers provide detailed guidelines and support to ensure compatibility with various boat designs.

Q4: Can wind vane self-steering systems handle different weather conditions?

Absolutely! Wind vane self-steering systems are designed to thrive in diverse weather conditions and adapt to changing environments. Whether you’re facing calm seas or rough waters with strong winds, these remarkable devices remain stable and steadfast in their coursekeeping abilities. However, it is essential to learn about any limitations specific to the model you choose based on sailing experience and intended use.

Q5: Are wind vane self-steering systems difficult to install?

While installing a wind vane self-steering system may require some technical know-how, most reputable manufacturers provide comprehensive manuals and guidance materials tailored for DIY installations. However, if you prefer professional assistance or lack the confidence in setting it up yourself, seeking help from expert marine technicians is always an option worth considering.

In conclusion, wind vane self-steering systems offer sailors an unprecedented level of autonomy on their voyages by effortlessly maintaining course while they sit back and take in the panoramic beauty around them. Their ingenious working principles elegantly leverage wind power to navigate through uncharted waters. Embracing one of these marvels on your own sailing adventure might just be the key to unlocking new levels of sailing satisfaction. So, batten down the hatches, set your sails, and let the wind vane self-steering system be your faithful navigator on this extraordinary journey!

Mastering the Art of Wind Vane Self Steering: Tips and Techniques

For sailors navigating the vast blue oceans, wind vane self-steering systems are an invaluable tool. These impressive devices not only alleviate the stress of manual helm control but also empower sailors to sail solo or in small crews with ease. However, mastering the art of wind vane self-steering requires more than just installing the equipment – it demands practice, knowledge, and a cunning understanding of its intricacies. In this blog post, we will delve into the depths of wind vane self-steering, providing you with tips and techniques that will have you sailing like a seasoned pro.

Understanding the Basics:

To begin our journey towards mastering wind vane self-steering, let’s start by unraveling its fundamentals. A wind vane self-steering system essentially functions based on an aerodynamic principle: it utilizes changing winds to adjust your boat’s course automatically. The device consists of a wind vane mounted atop your vessel’s stern along with various lines and connections to your ship’s wheel or tiller.

1. Sail Trim is Key:

Properly adjusting your sails plays a crucial role in maximizing the efficiency of your wind vane self-steering system. Ideally, before engaging the device, ensure that your sails are appropriately trimmed for optimal performance based on existing weather conditions. Fine-tuning this aspect will allow for smoother operation and minimize any unnecessary strain on both boat and gear.

2. Get Acquainted with Your System:

Understanding how every component in your wind vane self-steering system works is vital for seamless operation. Familiarize yourself with all cables, lines, blocks, attaching points, and mechanical adjustments within your setup through careful study of instructions provided by manufacturers. Additionally, consider practicing installation and removal procedures before setting sail to save time during maintenance or repairs at sea.

3. Devise Efficient Linkages:

Connecting your wind vane to the ship’s wheel or tiller requires creating a linkage mechanism that transmits the vane’s signals accurately. Carefully select and adjust mechanical linkages, ensuring that they offer proper responsiveness and minimal play. Remember, any slack in these connections will decrease accuracy and compromise performance.

4. Experiment with Tension:

Fine-tuning the tension on your wind vane’s lines is essential for achieving optimal response. Experiment by adjusting the tension – both tightness and looseness – of these lines based on prevailing conditions such as wave heights, wind strength, course changes, or boat speeds. This flexibility allows you to adapt your wind vane self-steering system according to real-time situations and enhance its efficiency.

5. Observe Nature’s Cues:

Nature can be an exceptional teacher when it comes to utilizing wind vane self-steering systems effectively. Observing how wind shifts affect your vessel’s course during different weather patterns will help you develop a keen sense of understanding impending changes in wind direction. By balancing this observation with data from meteorological sources or barometers, you can anticipate shifts ahead of time, allowing for precise adjustments even before they happen.

6. Make Incremental Adjustments:

Once your wind vane self-steering system is activated, it is essential not to make abrupt adjustments unless absolutely necessary. Instead, opt for small incremental changes when altering course or sail trim. Gradual adaptations ensure smoother transitions without overwhelming the device with sudden demands.

7. Continuously Monitor Performance:

Constant vigilance is key while learning to master your wind vane self-steering system completely. Continuously monitor its performance by observing your boat’s behavior relative to sea conditions (weather helm, leeway). Appropriate awareness combined with timely tweaks ensures efficient operation throughout extended voyages.

8. Seek Expert Advice:

When seeking mastery over any subject matter, there is no substitute for expertise gained through experience and shared wisdom. Engage with sailing communities, forums, or seek advice from seasoned sailors who have honed their skills in wind vane self-steering. Their firsthand experiences and clever tricks will provide invaluable insights to propel your learning curve forward.

In conclusion, mastering the art of wind vane self-steering is a journey that requires practice, experimentation, and understanding. By grasping the basics, fine-tuning sail trim, learning your system inside-out, observing nature’s cues, and making incremental adjustments while monitoring performance attentively, you can unlock the true potential of this remarkable piece of sailing technology. So hoist your sails high and let the wind vane guide you towards a new realm of solo or small crew sailing prowess!

Choosing the Right Wind Vane Self Steering System for Your Boat

When it comes to sailing, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding through the open waters, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. However, navigating a boat can be a challenging task, especially when you’re all alone out on the vast ocean. That’s where wind vane self steering systems come into play.

A wind vane self steering system is an invaluable piece of equipment that allows sailors to maintain course without having to constantly adjust their sails or helm. This automated system harnesses the power of the wind to steer the boat, freeing up valuable time and energy for sailors to focus on other important tasks.

But with so many different options available on the market, how do you choose the right wind vane self-steering system for your boat? Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Boat Size and Weight: The first thing you need to take into account is the size and weight of your boat. Wind vane self-steering systems come in various sizes designed to accommodate different vessels. It’s important to choose a system that is specifically built for boats within your size range to ensure optimal performance and stability.

2. Ease of Installation: As a sailor, you want a wind vane self-steering system that can be easily installed without requiring extensive modifications or additional support structures. Look for systems that come with clear installation instructions and minimal hardware requirements.

3. Weather Conditions: Sailors know that weather conditions can change rapidly at sea. Therefore, it’s essential to select a wind vane self-steering system that can handle a wide range of weather conditions – from light breezes to heavy winds and high seas. Look for systems that are durable and capable of maintaining control even in challenging weather scenarios.

4. Sensitivity Adjustment: Every boat handles differently based on its design and load distribution. To ensure precise control, choose a wind vane self-steering system that allows you to adjust its sensitivity to match your boat’s characteristics. This flexibility will enable you to fine-tune the system for optimal performance and responsiveness.

5. Reliability and Durability: When you’re out on the open water, you rely heavily on your equipment. Therefore, selecting a wind vane self-steering system from reputable manufacturers known for their reliability and durability is crucial. Look for systems made from high-quality materials that can withstand the harsh marine environment for years to come.

6. Cost: While cost should never be the sole determining factor, it’s still an important consideration when choosing a wind vane self-steering system for your boat. Evaluate different options and compare their features, performance, and price tags to find the best value for your money.

Now, armed with these essential considerations, you can embark on finding the perfect wind vane self-steering system that suits your boat and sailing needs. Remember to carefully research different products and consult with fellow sailors or experts if needed. With the right wind vane self-steering system onboard your boat, you’ll experience smoother sailing adventures like never before!

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Wind Vane Self Steering

Introduction:

Wind vane self-steering systems are a remarkable solution for sailors aiming to harness the power of the wind to navigate their vessels. By allowing the wind to guide the boat’s rudder, these systems reduce manual effort and provide a more reliable means of steering. However, like any piece of equipment, wind vane self-steering systems can sometimes encounter common issues that require troubleshooting. In this blog post, we will delve into some possible problems and provide professional, witty, and clever explanations on how to overcome them.

1. Lack of responsiveness: One frustrating issue that sailors may encounter with wind vane self-steering is a lack of responsiveness. If your system seems sluggish or fails to react promptly to changes in the wind direction, there are a few potential causes.

Explanation: Just like us humans after an indulgent Thanksgiving dinner, wind vanes can become lethargic too! The most common culprit for unresponsiveness is excessive friction within the system caused by wear or improper lubrication. To tackle this issue, start by giving your system a good inspection. Look for any signs of wear on bearings and joints while applying lubrication generously where needed (Think spa day for your wind vane). If this fails to resolve the problem, it might be worth checking if any foreign objects or debris have made their way into critical components – just imagine trying to navigate gingerly during peak pollen season!

2. Oscillations and instability: Unwanted oscillations or instability in your self-steering system can make sailing feel like riding a bucking bronco! This issue can be concerning and potentially dangerous if left unresolved.

Explanation: Imagine you are attempting to steer straight but your trusty wind vane has gained an affinity for dancing instead – quite embarrassing! The primary reason behind oscillations and instability is often an imbalance between sensitivity settings and sail trim (imagine mismatched dance partners). Adjusting both variables can help find the sweet spot. Additionally, thicker or heavier sails may contribute to excessive oscillations, so it might be time to reassess your sail wardrobe and consider adopting a lighter ensemble for smoother sailing (we all deserve a wardrobe makeover now and then!).

3. Misalignment and wandering: Has your wind vane suddenly decided to become an explorer, sailing in any direction other than the one you intended? Misalignment and wandering can occur due to various factors.

Explanation: Picture this – you want your wind vane pointing north, but instead, it decides it wants to discover hidden treasures in the opposite direction – quite the rebellious spirit! Misalignment is commonly caused by incorrect installation or loose connections between the wind vane and the boat’s rudder. Ensure that all parts are securely fastened with the precision of a complicated jigsaw puzzle (but without the frustration). When resolving misalignment issues, imagine you are showing your wind vane some tough love – tighten those nuts and bolts until they can’t even think about misbehaving!

Conclusion: While wind vane self-steering systems generally offer efficient steering solutions for sailors, encountering common issues is not uncommon. By understanding these challenges and implementing our witty troubleshooting advice, your wind vane will be back in shape in no time. Remember, a witty approach combined with professional expertise ensures smooth sailing both on water and through blog posts!

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Kevin Boothby Sailing

Build Your Own Self-Steering Windvane

For the short-handed sailor planning long ocean crossings, a self-steering windvane is not essential but darn close to it. For boats with stern-hung rudders, a self-steering windvane can be constructed with readily available materials and a modest level of skill.

It’s all about leverage. There will be an air paddle which will weathercock to the wind and provide enough torque to move the trim tab which we are going to mount on the trailing edge of the rudder. The trim tab will be a slender, high aspect ratio blade, and we will add some “balance” to it–a little bit of the blade will lead the shaft–all so as to lessen the torque required to move the trim tab when the water is flowing over it and thus increase the amount of leverage the air paddle has over it.

Let’s start with building the trim tab. The trim tab should be somewhere around 10 to 15 percent of the area of the rudder. We decide on the correct diameter of shaft for the blade. In my case this was a 5/8″ diameter stainless steel shaft. We then drill several (say four) holes to take through-bolts which will hold the wooden blade to the shaft. Below is the rough blade held to the shaft with 1/4-20 bolts. Notice the thinner piece on the leading edge, this will give it some balance.

We then permanently attach the blade with the bolts and 3M 5200 and begin fairing:

Following fairing and shaping we will then encase the entire blade in fiberglass roving and epoxy, this will add a great deal of strength and durability.

Now we have to mount it on the end of the rudder. But before we start drilling any holes, we need to work out some geometry. The trim tab must be mounted such that the air paddle will attach at the “no action point”; that is, where the trim tab shaft intersects the axis of rotation of the rudder. This is important because if the air paddle is not attached at this point, the turning of the rudder will wag the air paddle back and forth resulting in poor performance. Hopefully the diagram below will make this clear:

For the gudgeons on the rudder I used 1″ thick pieces of ash which I cut like opened jaws to slide onto the trailing edge of the rudder. They were finally attached with through-bolts and plenty of 3M 5200. For the bottom gudgeon I drilled a slightly oversized hole for the shaft to drop down through. On the inside of the hole I put a few laminates of epoxy and fiberglass roving to minimize friction and make it snug (note: I’ve since inserted a nylon bushing, which works better).

Similarly for the upper gudgeon EXCEPT that I opened the hole to the outboard end so that it formed a “U” and then closed it with a small U-shaped piece of plywood bolted on top and facing inboard (see pics below). Why? So that the trim tab can be removed for servicing.

And finally there is a third gudgeon at the rudder head, which is simply screwed onto a wooden cleat mounted there, again so that it can be easily removed.

Now we have come to the issue of attaching the air paddle. First of all, the air paddle needs to be balanced. This means the axis where the trim tab shaft runs through it is also the center of mass, or if the shaft was held horizontally and the air paddle free to rotate it would not choose to do so absent any wind. Since the plywood air paddle has weight, this will require a counterweight for which I used a regular shaft zinc clamped to a wooden dowel.

With our air paddle and counterweight constructed the last remaining item is the engaging mechanism. I opted for the simplest possible, simply boring a hole up a rectangular piece of timber for the shaft to pass through, and then sawing about halfway up from the bottom (see above photo). The air paddle and counterweight are bolted at the top, while at the bottom, on either side of the bored shaft hole, are 1/4-20 bolts with big handles on them. The opposing nuts are set in epoxy. Thus the air paddle can freely turn on the shaft until I tighten the bolts, when it clamps onto the shaft and the windvane is thus engaged.

And that’s it.   So far this vane has steered me over 30,000 miles.  I can get it to work in winds down in the 3-6 knot range, and then it has steered the boat while running before a gale under bare poles.   In order to work well in light airs the gudgeons must be greased from time to time.  This can easily be accomplished in the water while donning a mask and snorkle.   Just lift the trim tab up a few inches (it cannot actually pop out of the bottom gudgeon before the blade runs up against the upper gudgeon–with the little plywood cap on, of course), clean, grease, and set back down. 

Now one peccadillo I have found with this type of steering vane is the tendency to over-steer. It tends to shove the helm too fast and too far on either side, causing the boat to sail a slalom course. One cure for this is to attach shock cords to your tiller lashings which will greatly dampen the effect. The size and setup of the shock cords will vary from boat to boat. Here is my current setup shown below:

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Windvane steering: why it makes sense for coastal cruising

• Will Bruton
• October 15, 2018

No electricity needed, built for gale-force conditions and currently experiencing 
something of a renaissance amongst 
cruisers; windvane self-steering makes sense for coastal cruisers as much as 
offshore voyagers. Will Bruton took 
an in depth look at the options 
and how they work.

‘The distance run was 2,700 miles as the crow flies. During those 23 days I had not spent more than three hours at the helm. I just lashed the helm and let her go; whether the wind was abeam or dead aft, it was all the same: she always stayed on her course,’ wrote Joshua Slocum in 1895.

The ability of his long-keeled Spray to hold course without input from the helm was instrumental 
in making her the first yacht to circumnavigate single-handed.

Few modern boats bear these inherently balanced characteristics, so some form of autopilot is necessary to allow the skipper to rest.

Even for crewed passages, it can take an enormous strain off the crew without draining the battery. Some insurance companies even count windvane steering as an additional crew member, such is its contribution to life on board.

Unlike an electronic autopilot, self-steering needs no power

One solution experiencing something of a renaissance, is windvane self-steering.

Requiring no electricity, mechanical self-steering gear was first designed in an age when autopilots were the preserve of large ships and heavy motor cruisers. The principle is relatively simple and pure physics.

What mechanical self-steering cannot do is hold your yacht on a compass course. However, as anyone that’s experienced a sudden wind shift or squall whilst away from the helm knows, steering to a wind angle is preferable most of the time as you are far less likely to crash gybe, and the sails remain correctly set.

Self-steering gear achieves this by presenting a vane directly into the wind. When the wind acts on either side of this vane, it tips, transferring this action through the mechanism below to either a rudder or a servo pendulum which acts on the main rudder, altering the boat’s course.

The two main systems

Servo-pendulum

A derivative of the servo-trim tab principle invented by Blondie Hasler, servo-pendulum self steering gear uses the speed of the yacht going through the water to push against the servo-paddle, creating a substantial force, which is then transferred to the yacht’s own tiller or wheel by control lines.

The wind itself does not provide the power for the steering; rather it adjusts the angle of the paddle, relying on the hydro-mechanical energy of the boat going through the water to do the work of steering the boat.

Popular before the advent of the small craft electronic autopilot, it’s particularly well suited to yachts under 40ft in length, and can be swung out of the water when not in use.

There are now several derivatives, including some available as a self-build kit. Amongst the Golden Globe Race entrants, models included Aries, Monitor, Windpilot and Beaufort systems.

One disadvantage of the servo-pendulum gear is that it uses the yacht’s rudder, meaning it does not double up as an emergency rudder should the yacht’s steering be disabled, although some servo-pendulums can be adapted.

Direct drive systems

Wind vane steering linked to a secondary rudder is the most inherently simple of the mechanical self-steering systems, but relies on a much more powerful transmission of force between a large-surface-area wind vane and the system’s own independent rudder.

Direct drive systems feature a large fully independent auxiliary rudder

This has the advantage of ensuring 
a back up steering method is already on board but also requires a heavy-duty installation to bear the load and strain that will be exerted.

One of the most popular models is the Hydrovane, which is now available in several different sizes and shapes depending on 
the boat it is being installed on.

The size 
and shape of the fabric-covered windvane is directly proportional to the size of yacht, and has been installed successfully on yachts in excess of 50ft in length, including multihulls.

When the boat veers off course, the 
wind hits the vane on one side or the other, deflecting it away from the vertical.

This then acts on a gear that converts 
this sideways movement into rotation to directly steer a relatively large rudder suspended from the boat’s transom via 
the installation framework.

Setting up windvane steering

Balancing the boat.

‘Before doing anything, you have to get the boat sailing well. It demands you take the time to get your boat properly balanced, correctly reefed and with no weather helms; so it actually makes you a better sailor!’ explains Nick Nottingham, who recently fitted a Hydrovane to his Hallberg-Rassy 42, Spellbinder . Nick is about to use the system on an Atlantic circuit.

Self-steering relies on a well balanced boat. As the wind shifts, the mechanism corrects

Self-steering gear works by adjusting the yacht’s course in relation to the apparent wind. The first step to making this work as efficiently as possible is to balance the boat and reduce the amount of input required.

Sailing conventionally, the yacht should be easy on the helm and not overpowered.

Setting the system for the conditions

Whether servo-pendulum or direct drive, most self-steering systems have one or more methods of adjustment for the conditions. In light airs, the wind vane will be exposed as much as possible to the wind, to exert the maximum force on the system, whereas in heavier weather, the vane’s height can be lowered, reducing the force acting on the system.

Some systems, like the Hydrovane, Monitor and Beaufort have different sized vanes that can be swapped, while the Windpilot and Aries allow the vane to be raked aft, presenting a shorter level.

With the wind vane attached, you are ready to remove the locking pin and engage the steering mechanism

On some set ups, the power exerted on the steering system can also be adjusted at the point where the wind vane meets its pivot, just like changing sensitivity on an electronic autopilot. By controlling the rotation of the rudder or paddle created by the windvane, you control how aggressively the system corrects the boat’s course.

Changing the gearing at the point where the wind input creates the steering output achieve an increase or decrease of ratio.

Engaging the system

To engage the system, set the yacht on course and adjust the wind vane so that the wind is flowing over it with the least resistance, like a blade.

If you a using a system with its own rudder, centralise and lock the yacht’s main rudder, simultaneously engaging the self-steering mechanism.

Once engaged, monitor how the system adjusts and double check your sails are trimmed correctly.

As the vane moves it will adjust the steering accordingly.

In heavy weather, reduce the system’s power to ensure the least amount of strain.

Self-steering systems work efficiently in strong winds but most will steer comfortably in light airs as well.

Course adjustments

When the wind vane is vertical, you are on course. When the vane is deflected, the system is adjusting course.

Changing the direction you want to go in is simply a matter of altering the self-steering system’s vane angle relative to the wind.

On most systems this is achieved by a steering line that can be run into the safety of the cockpit, meaning you do not necessarily need to adjust the vane itself directly.

Make small adjustments until the yacht comes onto the desired course, trimming the sails appropriately.

A standalone system?

Whilst self-steering systems offer a much more resilient option than an electronic autopilot for heavy weather, when there is no sailing wind, they cease to be useful.

Here an electronic tillerpilot has been plugged directly into the Hydrovane auxiliary rudder

For this reason, most cruisers also have a conventional electronic autopilot on board to steer under engine.

In the case of systems incorporating a rudder, many also make it possible to easily engage a tiller pilot onto the system’s auxiliary rudder for use under engine.

Self-steering on the Golden Globe Race

If there’s one place that mechanical 
self-steering fandom bordered on the evangelical this year, it was at the start of 
the Golden Globe Race .

50 years previously, Robin Knox-Johnston’s world first single-handed circumnavigation was steered by his own self-steering gear system until it failed 
near Australia.

Restored to her former glory, 
Knox-Johnston’s Suhaili joined the parade; along with Indian competitor Abhilash Tommy’s replica yacht Thuriya , which sports a commercially made Windpilot servo-pendulum system.

Self-steering gear on Suhaili. Credit: Nic Compton/Alamy Stock Photo

With this year’s revival competition using 1960’s technology and electronic wizardry strictly prohibited, mechanical self-steering systems are effectively the only option for competitors. Each has chosen carefully.

Competitors in the race are using a variety of systems including Hydrovane, Aries, Monitor, Windpilot and Beaufort.

Due to the nature of the boats competing being long keeled, they are ideally suited to mechanical self-steering, naturally holding course better than a modern hull. However, should systems fail and prove unrepairable, it will be hard 
for them to remain competitive in the race.

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Hebridean self-steering wind vane

“well worth investigating”

TOM CUNLIFFE The Complete Ocean Skipper

“I’m impressed… the vane performed well on all points of sail, including downwind… the servo pendulum system took control to the extent that it could sail a course with the sails badly set” DAVID PUGH Former Editor, Practical Boat Owner magazine

Build your own servo-pendulum wind vane from a kit

The Hebridean wind vane is an innovative version of the tried and tested servo-pendulum self steering system for sailing boats steered by tiller or wheel. The Hebridean  has crossed Atlantic and Pacific oceans but is also quick and easy to mount for weekend coastal sailing or jaunts across the Channel, Minch or other strait/sea.

Stern freeboard The kit fits yachts with stern freeboards from 600-1000mm (stationary). It is designed specifically for DIY construction. The Hebridean can be tilted up out of the water or lifted off the stern and stored on the guard wires. Or partially dismantled for storage below.

Horizontal vane axle The Hebridean is the only serv0-pendulum vane with an actual horizontal vane axle. One of its unique design features allowing boosted performance, simplified construction and enhanced efficiency in all conditions. John Fleming’s analytical genius was responsible for the innovative geometry on which this landmark development in servo-pendulum windvane design depends.

Simplicity For confidence at sea or in remote locations, the simplicity of its components and assembly crucially allows the unit to be maintained with tools usually found onboard. Building the Hebridean yourself is a hands-on “course” providing you not only with a good understanding of its workings, but also substantial confidence in your ability to maintain it anywhere.

Wood When sourcing your own wood you need 4m of suitable hardwood at 145 x 20mm (EU standard). The longest plank is 1800mm to make the pendulum/paddle for 1000mm height transoms. Here is the wood cutting plan .

Affordable The Hebridean offers DIY sailors the opportunity to build an affordable wind vane in wood and stainless steel, with no welding, bearings or plastic cogs in the main H2 Kit. (there is one worm and wheel in the optional Remote Course Adjustment Kit which can be viewed in action in this youtube video ). All the metal components are prefabricated (drilling and some surface finishing required) ready for you to bolt to the wooden frame. The build requires basic wood-work skills and tools. And several days of absorbing and highly rewarding work.

Wheel steering too A “drum” kit for connecting the Hebridean to wheel steering is available.

Shipping For shipping costs, please contact me at the email address below with your full name, delivery address and phone number (required by carrier) for a quotation.

Kit prices Prices are listed on our Prices & Ordering page.

A section by section video from Hebridean builder, Ian French Thank you Ian!

• Part 1 Intro and frame: Intro & Frame
• Part 2 Turret and Vane : Turret & Vane
• Part 3 Fixtures and fittings : Fixtures & Fittings
• Part 4 Servo Rudder: Servo Rudder
• Part 5 Boat mounting: Boat Mounting
• Part 6 Testing the wind vane: Testing the Wind Vane
• Part 7 Wind vane in action
• Part 8 See the remote steering mechanism being assembled . The single weld required in Part 8 is completed by us before kit dispatch.
• Part 9 Preparing Remote Control Lines

See the Hebridean in action

• Videos shot in Scotland in varying sea and wind conditions Scotland Sea Trials
• Trials over 8 years of coastal and off-shore sailing by John Fleming, the designer of the Hebridean Wind Vane The Hebridean in action.
• Emmanuel sailing on Lake Geneva with Mont Blanc in the background Wind Vane in action on Lake Geneva
• Mounted on the 45 degree rudder stock of a Twister off the Scilly Isles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNlZHFFseB0
• Finnish archipelago Sailing https://photos.app.goo.gl/hYWTEcJhbdX3WGe39
• Wheel steering , all beautifully finished, on Al Hanson’s Pearson 31-2. Al’s video also features his removable Hebridean mounting solution attached to his folding transom boarding ladder.
• 1912 Falmouth Quay Punt Plymouth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6BIxYQUPiM
• Wind vane and dolphins off Fair Isle https://vimeo.com/136486631
• Courtesy Tom Fisher on “Angus” The Hebridean Wind Vane in action in strong winds 25/5/17 Bermuda to Azores https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po-oXzVaIAk
• Kristian Møller Pedersen’s first day out with the Hebridean on trial after having completing the wind vane also see testimonials page   https://youtu.be/d2fjzbkh0dU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg7JgwH6Y58
• https://youtu.be/1090Z-dK2Ys
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjAUfm-i6Yw
• Hebridean mounted on top of rudder stock on a canoe stern sailing off Canary Islands Hebridean in use in Canary Islands
• An afternoon sail in 10 to 15 knots on Port Phillip Bay watch-v=QBx0ywAjMCA&feature=youtu.be
• Video of the “drum” kit watch-v=4KLWJbYYOF0&feature=youtu.be

Frequently Asked Questions

John Fleming  1951 – 2023 teacher   yachtsman   inventor   thinker  

Here is a 10 minute video tribute to the Hebridean’s designer, John Fleming. It was aired at his life celebration in The Tip i at his family home, The Dell, Nethy Bridge, 19 April 2023. https://www.sgmarkphotography.com/Client-Area/John-Fleming  Use password sleepyeagle (the name of John’s Pioneer 10).

Notice from Ian Kirkwood

When John’s health got worse, he asked me again to take on the project. I am an enthusiastic fan of his highly ingenious version of the servo-pendulum self steering-system. I sailed in company with John on and off for a decade — using my own Hebridean (I was his first customer in 2013).

Our Hebrideans steered us around Scotland’s northwest coast and isles. We made three trips in company to the Faroe Islands. On the first of these I sailed happily solo. All thanks to the Hebridean. Dying winds foiled an attempt to reach Iceland: our boats lay calmly hove-to overnight a few miles off the Butt of Lewis. Plan B proved to be a fabulous voyage down the length of the Atlantic coast of the Outer Hebrides. A highlight was anchoring off Callanish in blazing sun.

I hope to continue John’s personal style of service. Please allow a generous lead time as I get used to stocking the components and preparing Hebridean kits while maintaining their high quality…and a reasonable kit price in times of rising costs.