Aires install questions...

[John Galt]

I'm starting to plan out this install. I see that my wind generator down tube will prevent a perfect centering of the Aires mount tubes. Would it hurt the performance to have it 3 inches to port? I might be able to move the w/g tower a bit port but would rather not. Not familiar with this vane, and can't find this addressed online.

[model 10]

I would not hesitate to move our Aires over 3". I would think the kind transom you have would be one factor. An old narrow type like ours would limit the move to not much more than that.

[barnakiel]

IMHO keep the windvane center, move the tube.

I have seen hydrovanes and windpilots pacific offset, but all I have read on pendulum wanes was to keep them in the center line.

b.

[John Galt]

Okay, just spoke with Guy from aireswindvaneusa. He told me to keep it centered midline. He also advised me the servo rudder should be positioned with 1 inch above waterline at rest.
Thanks for the comments....

[silverp40]

Also agree with keeping the windvane centerline. It is Much harder to set it properly if it is offset!

[maersi]

This photo is from the official Aries website Aries
It is difficult to be precise, but it seems rather more than 3 inches off center.

The site has been redesigned since I last visited it (some years ago) I was sure there used to be something about off-center mounting being acceptable.

Obviously, the boat will behave differently on a different tack, a combination of less servo pendulum in the water on one tack, and maybe a different airflow over the vane. However, 3 inches doesn't sound a great deal. It equates to 1.4 inches higher or lower than centerline mounting when heeled at 25°.

I think centerline mounting is best, but if you need to go 3 inches off, then it is no big deal (IMHO)