Monitor Cape Horn Windvane self-steering

[MV]

Originally Posted by little boat

The cap horn is a different kettle of fish. It is VERY sensitive. An adjustment with the monitor could be two inches; with the cap horn, it is literally millimeters. This is not a problem if one understands balancing the sails for a windvane, which is not the same balance as for hand steering. I find I must ease the main and tighten the jib for vane steering in order to get either vane steering exactly on a steady course.

I do not understand the concept here. Do you set the sails so the course is heading correctly and then set the tiller, or do you set the tiller and then set the sails. My fundamental ignorance is showing, I know.

Originally Posted by little boat

Whatever the configuration of your yacht, if you do not have a sensitivity to going through the water, then the monitor is very forgiving and will steer you flawlessly with a caveman's heavy hand; the cap horn will require a feeling for nuance and a very delicate touch. .

Do you mean sail configuration? By sensitivity, do you mean a touch and an intuitive understanding of the feel for the responsiveness for the boat?


I liked the Aeris videos -- it does look very easy.

If I take wheel and pedestal out -- actually, it is coming out regardless of vane choice and the unit WILL be for sale, wheel, pedestal, controls, compass and all-- then the quadrant under the wheel would not have to relocated, because my understanding is that the Cape comes with its own quadrant which is located most aft.

I really wish we had this thread going prior to the show. I can see that once again I did not know the relevant things to look for in relationship to my boat.

Michael

[Namoian]

We have installed a Cape Horn system on our new aluminum Dix 43. I was attracted to this product because it could be integrated into the transom design, thus resulting in a elegant looking solution for our centre cockpit boat. Spectra control lines are lead through conduit in the boat from the Cape Horn quadrant and the boat's tiller in the lazarette (we have Jefa solid link steering) to cam cleats in the cockpit near the companion way.

It really looks like it is part of the boat and not an after thought however, I will have to defer commenting on how effective it is as our boat is still a month away from launching.

[blahman]

The Monitor is a great wind vane. Mine has worked great and every one I've used has been great. Cape Horns are also great, and work as well. Get whatever you can afford. $4.5k for a Monitor, 3.5K for a CH. Learn to use it and it'll sail you.

That said, I'm selling my Monitor. It works flawlessly and I'm only asking $2700 (and that's slightly negotiable). You'll probably spend $300 modifying for installation, but it works great on my boat. Tech support from Monitor has been great for me - when I bought the boat, It was installed poorly. After correctly running control lines, it's sensitive and sails the boat all the time.

Windvane

[Blackdove]

I had the opportunity to test the Cape Horn on an Alberg 30 from Boston to Spain to Bermuda to Charleston. It worked like a charm without incident. I've sailed with Monitors and they are good vanes, but the design and simplicity of the Cape Horn is what made me go this route. Yves and company have been great to me. I'm refurbing a "new" Alberg 37 and will put a Cape Horn on it too...I like the idea of very little "plumbing" off the stern rail.