Self Steering Windvane.
A self-steering windvane is a mechanical device used to steer a sailboat autonomously, without the need for human intervention or electric power. The device uses wind power to control the direction of the vessel and maintain a steady course, allowing the crew to rest or attend to other tasks while sailing.
The self-steering windvane is designed to work with a variety of wind conditions and it can be adjusted to accommodate different sail configurations and sea conditions. The device is often used by long-distance sailors and other boaters who need to maintain a steady course over long periods of time, as it can reduce fatigue and improve safety on board.
We chose to install a windvane on our boat for several reasons.
Firstly, the windvane operates autonomously, meaning that it does not require electric power to function. This makes it a reliable and low-maintenance option for long-distance sailing. Secondly, in the event of a lightning strike, the windvane will not be affected, providing an extra layer of safety for us and our vessel.
Additionally, the windvane can help us conserve energy by allowing us to turn off our electronic autopilot system and rely solely on wind power to steer the boat. Furthermore, since the windvane is made of durable materials, it can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use over time. Finally, the windvane provides a hands-free method of steering.
We installed a Hydrovane, a well-known windvane that has helped many sailors navigate around the world. While there are other good windvanes on the market, we found that the Hydrovane had several key advantages for our needs. Firstly, it was easy to install and adjust without the need for additional lines to be attached to the steering or helm of the boat. Secondly, the Hydrovane's rudder can also serve as an emergency rudder in case the boat's primary rudder becomes damaged or unusable. This added level of safety was a critical factor for us when choosing a windvane.
However, we were not entirely satisfied with the appearance of the brackets that usually come with it. Therefore, we decided to take matters into our own hands and design a custom bracket using CAD software. After having the stainless steel bracket manufactured by a metalworker in Switzerland, we were pleased with the final product - it looked much better to us than the brackets from Hydrovane.
After almost two years of use in the Mediterranean Sea, we can confidently say that we are very happy with how the Hydrovane has performed. It is easy to set up and adjust, taking just a few minutes to get it ready to use. Although the Hydrovane is designed for longer passages, we haven't had the opportunity to test it extensively in that regard yet. Nonetheless, we are optimistic that it will enhance our sailing experience when we do embark on longer journeys and provide us with the peace of mind we need while cruising the oceans. Overall, we continue to be pleased with our decision to install the Hydrovane on our boat.