windvane - navik vs pacific light

pjacobs55 · Feb 11, 2007

Olav,
When I looked at vanes the Navik and the Pacific Wind Pilot Lite were
my first choices, too. I was lucky to be offered a good used Navik by a
fellow Vega owner, so I bought it.

I have never read about Navik not working in strong winds. I've been
very happy with it on the Vega. It handles all but the very lightest
winds, on any point of sail, and in heavy or calm seas. It requires
some getting used to ... a little tweaking for different conditions,
but I understand all vanes are like that.

The downside of the Navik is that they are getting harder to find. I
don't know if you can still buy them new.

Good luck, whichever you choose!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

penokeeblue · Feb 17, 2007

One thing to be aware of is that the Navik is (or has already) ceasing
production, or at least importation. If you want to check on this, I
got my information from Scanmar (who also sell the Monitor) in the SF
Bay area.

albinvega1865 · Feb 17, 2007

I will second this as I too am on a similar search. The Navik appears to be discontinued but there are a few European shops that carry the line. Pacific Light looks like a good vane as does the Cape Horn...I belive that the Pacific Lite is the most reasonably priced of the lot. My interests have leaned toward that model personally ( I always consider replacement parts and service prior to purchasing any product).... FWIW

Rachel penokee@... wrote: One thing to be aware of is that the Navik is (or has already) ceasing
production, or at least importation. If you want to check on this, I
got my information from Scanmar (who also sell the Monitor) in the SF
Bay area.

tom_rutter · Feb 17, 2007

Hi All,

It's a little away from the discussion, but has anyone considered an
auxilary rudder windvane steering. Might be better for cockpit space, and
also provides another workable rudder. This helps with the two biggest
problems with the Vega design: a supposedly weak rudder construction (ask
Steve Birch!); the rudder being forward of the prop.

I don't know what else is available, but I suspect that the hydrovane might
be a bit too heavy for a Vega, although they tell me they've fitted a few on
Vegas. Also they're a lot more expensive.

To me, it does seem like a good add-on for a Vega though.

Tom

stevebirch2002 · Feb 17, 2007

Hi All

Another I have seen fitted to a Vega is called the Sea-Feather made in
Brixham, UK

Cheers

Steve B

pjacobs55 · Feb 17, 2007

It might be wise for us Navik owners to stock up with a few spare
parts, while they are still available.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

frankdeba27 · Feb 20, 2007

Last year we purchases a Windpilot Pacific Light and we used it a lot and we love it!
Frank and Tena DeBaggis Vega 2141 Carpe Diem