Aries Windvane question

[wolfpv]

OK...it's a VERY long shot...but I'm wondering if somebody out there might be able to help with an Aries windvane part issue.

I have a liftup Aries, which I sometimes use as a proper windvane, but I've also built a replacement upper (paddle) section which incorporates a simple electric servo (see photo). It makes a very powerful autopilot which consumes very little electricity, and it works incredibly well - recently steering us many thousands of miles to Mexico and return. The servo is controlled by an old Autohelm 4000 "box". I used one of the paddle linkage ends to attach to the ball on the lower unit - it fits the servo pretty well. BUT... I don't have spares for this fitting (other photo). It appears to be machined out of black acetyl (Delrin) and has sort of leaf spring clips to allow the ball to snap-in and be retained.

AFAIK nobody makes or stocks these clips or the rod-end. Has anybody got any idea where I might find them, or what might make a reasonable substitute?

[Bowdrie]

See if something from McMaster-Carr might work.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/ro...=ball+rod+ends

[Adelie]

Have you contacted Aries? They are still in business.

https://ariesvanegear.com/

[wolfpv]

Thanks to Adelie and Bowdrie.

Regarding McMaster - yes, they're often my go-to source (as they should be for any boat owner) Neither they, nor other hydraulic/pneumatic lift companies have anything quite right, but they've got items which can be kluged. I was hoping for something a bit closer.

Regarding Aries - The newer manufacturer doesn't have any parts for the lift-up version. The old web site which was (i think) run by Nick Franklin's family is, I think, no longer operational - but in any case, it didn't have these parts when it was operating.

FYI - I visited Nick Franklin on his farm in the late '70's when I sailed to England and needed help with my Aries. The setup was so quintessentially old-school British... and full scale manufacturing company in a barn on a farm in the countryside of the Isle of Wight.

Anyway... I'm still looking for the part(s)

[pdx_sailing]

Take the part into a local machine shop, shouldn't and issue to make a new one.

[MWGDVC]

Dimensions, such as ball diameter, shaft diameter might be helpful.

[MWGDVC]

Might match automotive throttle linkages, or shift linkages.

[barnakiel]

The plastic part will be done by a garage.


The metal round semi clip may be actually a bit more than a cut pipe. This one is likely steel that has some spring properties. Your best bet is a good good car mechanic or a garage that makes custom steel parts. Show them the original explain what it does. They will make you a couple of spares.


Note now there are materials better than delrin and teflon for the plastic part. Google some before you order the part. They are quite easy to source as rod or block.


b.

[hpeer]

If I understand you correctly you replaced the vertical arm with a electric ram. I have done something similar using a Pelagic unit but off to the side, retaining the Aries top. I had to make an interface contraption out of aluminum.

Back to your problem I think what you have is call a “ball socket” connection. They come in standard sizes and forms. So my advice is to google ”ball socket connection” and see where that leads.

It would be good to mic the ball diameter, may help narrow a bit.

Good luck.

[stevead]

If it is a rod end you're looking for, you could try WDS Components