Wind vane self steering for sailboats
PACIFIC
Windpilot
Windvane type H vane
Mode of operation steers through the main rudder
Type of steering tiller or wheel (mech.)
Cockpit position aft
Can be used as an emergency rudder? No
Load on the transom low
Position on the transom central, max. 10 cm/4 in offset
Weight 20 kg / 44 lbs
Force transmission
Tiller force transmitted to tiller fitting via lines led through four turning blocks, trim adjusted by moving stainless steel chain relative to tiller fitting
Advantages
The lines are fastened to the top of the pendulum arm at deck level, so transmission paths are short
Short lines = little stretch
few blocks = little friction
Self-steering can be disconnected quickly and easily by removing the chain from the tiller fitting
Wheel force transmitted to the wheel adaptor via lines led through four turning blocks. Wheel adaptor functions analogously to a disk brake and provides infinite adjustment
Advantages
The lines are fastened to the top of the pendulum arm at deck level, so transmission paths are short
Short lines = little stretch
few blocks = little friction
Wheel adaptor drum slides on wheel adaptor disk when overloaded to prevent damage elsewhere in the system (provided drum clamps are not overtightened)
Adaptor fits 5,6,7 and 8 spoke wheels
Compatible with wheel steering systems that already have an Autohelm 3000 or 4000 or Navico/Simrad WP autopilot installed
Autopilot option a pin fitting for an Autohelm or Simrad cockpit autopilot is provided as standard on the windvane hanger
Patents
pending in Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand
granted in Germany and the USA
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