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bazzer · 07-02-2012, 08:32

There must be someone else out there with a Aries 4 Wind Gear. It's the one with the very substantial bronze gears etc. I would love to hear from another owner about maintenance and adjustment. There is nothing on the Aries site about it other than saying its very well built! The builder died a few years ago and although his daughter took over the business there is little information available about the number 4 and she has not responded to my emails.
I am about to install it on my True North 34 which has a Boomkin, not looking to hard, but I would like to see how you might have run the tiller lines, yes, my boat is tiller steered.
Thanks
Bazzer

atoll · 07-02-2012, 08:58

make sure the lines from the servo have a clear run,and don't chafe on any thing!

you will need the lines to cross over and run through 2-4 blocks to achieve this,best if the blocks are fixed to deck or pushpit.

spectra lines work best as no stretch,

tiller attachment works well about 2-21/2 ft up the shaft.
also a chain and corresponding slot fitting allows for weather helm adjustment.

use sewing machine oil only for lubrication,once a bay when on passage.

Mike OReilly · 07-02-2012, 09:29

Hi Bazzer, we have an Aries (a #3 Standard Model I think) fitted on the boomkin of our tiller-driven Rafiki-37, also designed by Stan Huntingford. Boat came with it so I didn't do the install, but it looks pretty straight forward.

We run the lines as Atoll says, with four blocks. We run our control lines straight out the vane to first block, which is also attached to the boomkin. Then we cross over to next block, which is attached to the pushpit on opposite side, just aft of tiller attachment. From there we complete the circle with a run of chain that fits into a slot-lock on the tiller. Works great.

Not sure if I have any pics of the lines, but I can I can search if it would help.

**roverhi** · 07-02-2012, 09:59

If you're talking the stainless and bronze version of the Aries, there may be an issue with the servo rudder coming out of the water with a following sea. You might want to do some research on that. Nick said he quit making them because of the cost so it may not be a big thing and other manufacturers still make very similar vanes. They sure are the most elegantly simple and robust gear out there.

bazzer · 07-02-2012, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by roverhi

If you're talking the stainless and bronze version of the Aries, there may be an issue with the servo rudder coming out of the water with a following sea. You might want to do some research on that. Nick said he quit making them because of the cost so it may not be a big thing and other manufacturers still make very similar vanes. They sure are the most elegantly simple and robust gear out there.

It's designed to come up out of the water to stow it. In use there is no way it could come out of the water with the tiller lines attached to the tiller. Unless the boat gets knocked down of course!
There are several lube points as well as a cover for the internal gears. My unit looks as if it has little use, if any, I am still wondering what are the best lubes to use. 30 years ago, when it was probably built available lubricants were more limited than today.
But which way round should the vane go? The mount is on a cant that's why I am hoping to hear from a Aries 4 user.

bazzer · 07-02-2012, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by atoll

make sure the lines from the servo have a clear run,and don't chafe on any thing!

you will need the lines to cross over and run through 2-4 blocks to achieve this,best if the blocks are fixed to deck or pushpit.

spectra lines work best as no stretch,

tiller attachment works well about 2-21/2 ft up the shaft.
also a chain and corresponding slot fitting allows for weather helm adjustment.

use sewing machine oil only for lubrication,once a bay when on passage.

Thanks for the info. Do you have one? if so any photo's possible?

atoll · 07-02-2012, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazzer

Thanks for the info. Do you have one? if so any photo's possible?

have had two that i used over about 30,000 miles,sadly never took any photos of them at work,but in sure if you go on google images you will find plenty.

sewing machine oil is the best lubricant,and parrafin for cleaning.
heavier oils tend to clog the bearings

bazzer · 15-02-2012, 05:59

It's now installed and I am over the moon with it. I now have to test it and figure out the best way and position of the tiller attachment. At the moment I have a temporary mount on the tiller about three feet from the pintles. I'll post some pictures soon for those interested.
The Aries no 4 must be the finest windvane ever built by far with its all bronze castings and gears along with stainless tubing. It's a work of art!
Bazzer

Eco Voyager · 19-02-2012, 16:49

ok Aries #4 sounds to be one of the best units around. Anyone out there have one to fit a 35ft'r at an affordable price... remember its tough times at the moment so please don't be greedy just a fair price please.

Celestialsailor · 20-02-2012, 10:08

I just saw a Monitor on ebay for $1000. I thought that was a deal!

bazzer · 20-02-2012, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

I just saw a Monitor on ebay for $1000. I thought that was a deal!

It's a auction, if you can pick it for less than $2k then you've got a bargain.

Celestialsailor · 20-02-2012, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazzer

It's a auction, if you can pick it for less than $2k then you've got a bargain.

...I totally agree. I have a sailomat now that I rebuilt and have no idea how it will perform. I had a Monitor on my Ingrid 38 and it was amazing!

bazzer · 20-02-2012, 14:03

Yesterday I got sail with the Aries 4 in San Pablo Bay in light winds and it performed just great. The statement about it being able to lift out the water when it's in use is just nonsense, there is no way it can do this with the tiller arms in place and the lines attached. I'll take some pictures next time out.

bazzer · 29-02-2012, 15:38

Does anyone know the thread sizes used by Aries? Not metric or a/f

atoll · 29-02-2012, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazzer

Does anyone know the thread sizes used by Aries? Not metric or a/f

if it is not af or metric,then the chances are it will be whitworth which was standard on a lot of uk stuff till the 70's

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