Building a self steering wind vane

n4lbl · Sep 8, 2016

I have no experience and in spite of that recommend this book: Self-Steering for Sailing Craft: John S. Letcher Jr.: 9780877420422: Amazon.com: Books Perhaps you could find it in a library. I read http://windpilot.com/n/pdf/bookeng.pdf but don;t really remember it. Cheap at twice the price.

Gazuum · Sep 8, 2016

Self-Steering Gear -- Build a trim-tab based wind vane or autopilot self-steering system for your boat

Instrutions and ideas for building self-steering systems

www.svsarana.com

These people made a trim tab system for their boat. A trim tab
is the way to go on an aft hung rudder. The AB would obviously be
more difficult.
The good thing about this site is the thoroughness and
documenting of their project and offers a lot of insight.
Probably the best way to go on an AB would be a second rudder on
the stern controlled by a trim tab.
This site with the aforementioned books will get you where you
want to go.
Gordon

On 9/8/2016 9:50 PM, n4lbl
alan.schulman@... [AlbinVega] wrote:

tomfentonvega2977beowulf · Sep 8, 2016

My vega came with a Monitor windvane system. It was easy to use, incredibly accurate and robust, and we used it all the time even on quite short passages. It was over-engineered for the Vega and would have been quite capable of steering a boat twice the size or more. The mounting was heavy and took up most of the transom. I briefly had a Rival 32 with a Windpilot Pacific, which took up far less space, and there was room beside it for a boarding ladder, so presumably also for your outboard bracket. Tom

gene_neill · Sep 9, 2016

I have no knowledge about windvanes, sorry ... but I sure would be interested in the install of that outboard kicker bracket. I'd be grateful if you'd keep your us posted on how that develops. I've been thinking about doing the same thing.

rchrdcoe · Sep 9, 2016

On my first Vega in the mid 70's it came with a early model Hasler windvane. I used it extensively and was very pleased with the performance. The Hasler is a pretty basic unit,not too difficult to build a similar unit, but would not be as powerfull as the later models.

Gazuum · Sep 9, 2016

As powerful as you want to build it if home built. Plus the
satisfaction of several thousand dollars still in your pocket and
the satisfaction of having done it yourself.

Duckworth mag has a lot of info on building naca rudders and
foils which will help if you go with a second rudder and trim tab.
The really nice thing about a trim tab is that a balanced naca
foil turns very easily but can control a large load like a rudder.
Made with positive feedback, this system will correct much faster
than a helmsman could.
An added benefit is your tiller pilot can be tied to the trim
tab meaning very little power required and little mechanical wear
with the obvious benefits.
Another benefit is no hodgepodge of lines and blocks in the
cockpit!

Gordon

On 9/9/2016 11:01 AM,
coe.richard@... [AlbinVega] wrote:

dougpol1 · Sep 9, 2016

Hello, I just left Alaska a year ago. Did you buy your Vega up there? And do you plan sailing up there? Very curious. Someday, I want to sail up there, then to Kodiak.

Gazuum · Sep 10, 2016

Trim tab or pendulum. Both have their pros and cons. Trim tab
system lighter and less complicated but will stick out a ways.
Read and reread all the data available before your final
decision and design.
Gordon

On 9/9/2016 3:03 PM,
alaskaflyfish@... [AlbinVega] wrote:

dade_jeremy · Nov 10, 2016

Hi All, Interesting to read the comments on self steering systems. I don't have the time to build one myself so was looking at affordable self steering systems. I was wondering if any Vega owners had had experience of the Hebridean wind vane?