NORVANE WINDVANE Performance / Reliability review

[laika]

Many thanks Kirk for the the detailed review. Particularly invaluable to get some insight into part replacements. I'm going with a Norvane and will seek out the extra delrin bushings in addition to the standard spares.

I've got a small boat with an outboard rudder and have been tempted again and again by the possibility of installing either an off-center mounted hydrovane ($$) or the more traditional trim tabs. Both fairly lightweight and unobtrusive. Unfortunately, months of thought and research gave way only to long hours in front of the computer and mounting indecision. l always seemed to come back to the Norvane.

The Norvane has the deficit of being a bit less protected from strikes than the hydrovane and the hydro doesn't introduce more lines in the cockpit, but the Norvane is less than half the cost and appears by all accounts to equal the hydrovane in performance and quality.

Regarding trim tabs, I have always been a bit turned off by their diminished heavy weather performance. They also obviously don't offer as much redundancy. Suppose I could still take advantage of the outboard rudder tho and use trim tabs as a backup to the Norvane!

..Anyway, thanks again.

-Ryan

[AirBoyzT]

I know this is an older thread, but on the norvane, is there a way to mount it if you have a swim ladder? I know the monitor is easy to take off and also sell a swim mount...don't know much about the norvane, but looks like it's right for me

[SKG56]

Originally Posted by AirBoyzT

I know this is an older thread, but on the norvane, is there a way to mount it if you have a swim ladder? I know the monitor is easy to take off and also sell a swim mount...don't know much about the norvane, but looks like it's right for me

Hey ABT, See if you can go to this link, check out the photos tab at the bottom
Sam NORVANE Self-Steering Wind Vane. Stainless steel, servo-pendulum. Powerful, sturdy and reliable for sailboats 20’ to 60’

[AirBoyzT]

Originally Posted by SKG56

Hey ABT, See if you can go to this link, check out the photos tab at the bottom
Sam NORVANE Self-Steering Wind Vane. Stainless steel, servo-pendulum. Powerful, sturdy and reliable for sailboats 20’ to 60’

I may be looking at the wrong pictures. I saw one with a ladder but didn't look like they could use it

[AirBoyzT]

After reading a little more it says it's easy to dismount...I think I'm going norvane. Now should I get a new autopilot (mine is broken) or just go ahead and get the
Norvane?