Has Anyone Made a Windvane / Self-Steering Device ?

[hpeer]

Originally Posted by Northeaster

hpeer - could you tell us a bit about what is involved in switching from steering yourself to, I assume, locking the tiller / wheel and engaging something on the vane??

Can the vane's rudder be left in the water when not in use?

I have never had / used a windvane. Is your's easy enough to engage / disengage, that it would be usefull for coastal legs of only 1/2 hour to an hour on each tack, or would it be much better suited for very open sailing on one tack for long periods?

There is a detent pin on the rotating housing that engages the vane to the trim tab mechanism. You just put it in and take it out to engage or disengage.

The rudder can be left in the water at all times but it is much more difficult to back with the rudder in and if you arn't using it it accumulates sea life.

I have used if for relatively short tacks, depends upon your situation. It is not much of a hassle to engage and disengage.

I have a lazarett across the back of the cockpit that I stand on to fiddle with or adjust the vane. I could see this as a problem for some, but that all depends upon the layout of your cockpit.

[Sven]

The image in my previous post is of Mr. Vane.
There is a free system by the same maker to be won here:
The Mister V(r)ee video competition | Mister Vee wind vane self steering