Which windvane system should I get for my yacht?

[lyralicious]

We have an elderly Oyster 435. She is the coachhouse version, is ketch (over)-rigged, with a central cockpit.

We need to get a windvane system for our planned long distance two-handed sailing (and for insurance purposes), but don't know which models we should be looking at. Can anyone suggest suitable models for our yacht?

Oh, and if you've got one for sale in the vicinity of Turkey please send me a private message!

Many thanks

[Celestialsailor]

If its a center cockpit and the aft cabin had the rudder post under the double berth, then a Cape Horn might be the best bet. That way you do not need the control lines cluttering up everything on deck.

[cal40john]

autohelm

http://www.selfsteer.com/products/autohelm/index.php

and hydrovane

Self Steering - Hydrovane Selfsteer

are possibilities.

John

[dkall]

We have a Sailomat. Handles the helm better than either of us. The new version of Sailomat has not control lines. Has an independent rudder. I have their product but have no other connection to the company.

[cal40john]

Originally Posted by dkall

We have a Sailomat. Handles the helm better than either of us. The new version of Sailomat has not control lines. Has an independent rudder. I have their product but have no other connection to the company.

I looked through their website, even the newest design still looks like the servo pendulum they've always made, just upgrades in bearings, weight, etc.

Sailomat

John

[feelsgood]

Having spent alot of time researching this subject I would recommend the Cape Horne with a centre cockpit

[witzgall]

The original Sailomat, model 3040, has a rudder. I'm rebuilting one right now.

Chris

Originally Posted by cal40john

I looked through their website, even the newest design still looks like the servo pendulum they've always made, just upgrades in bearings, weight, etc.

Sailomat

John

[cal40john]

Originally Posted by witzgall

The original Sailomat, model 3040, has a rudder. I'm rebuilting one right now.

Chris

Well I guess I didn't look at their history page.

SAILOMAT 601



John

[lyralicious]

Some friends of ours came across a Windpilot Pacific Plus for sale in a local boat jumble and rang us while we were sailing around the bay of Fethiye... Used only once we have bought it for less than half price. How serendipitous!

It's an auxilliary rudder model, so nothing running back to the cockpit or getting in the way of the mizzen.

Thanks for all your comments.

[Celestialsailor]

Good choice