Windvane pilot with dinghy davits on transom

[exMaggieDrum]

Any ideas on which (if any) wind pilot system might coexist with a dinghy davit on a fairly high freeboard flat stern with a vertical undercut (looks to be about 1 foot undercut over 4 foot from waterline to deck). Of course the vane would have to be removed when the dink is used on the davit. It's not my boat (yet) so haven't measured the arc of the davits with the dink on it. It may well clear a wind vane that mounts close to the transom. This may be no problem but I am sure someone has done it or knows of someone, or, has tried to do it and it didn't work. Thanks.

[model 10]

If it's a Whitby 42 that you are talking about, it would be a problem sailing down wind with the dink on the davits.

[exMaggieDrum]

Originally Posted by Guy

If it's a Whitby 42 that you are talking about, it would be a problem sailing down wind with the dink on the davits.

I don't have the Whitby anymore but in any case I wouldn't sail using a wind pilot with a dink anywhere else than on deck, and maybe, in some case towing it. But I can't remember ever using my wind pilot while the dink was in the water. It would probably be OK I guess provided the dink tow line did not get fouled with the wind pilot.

My question is really about a boat that I am considering buying. So clearance is the first problem. Another is the performance with the davit structure itself on the stern - i.e. the wind flow being disturbed.

[Captain Ludd]

I have asked this question of Hydrovane and they sent me a number of pictures of solutions. I'd recommend you get in touch with them, I found them very helpful.

[exMaggieDrum]

Thanks Captain Ludd. I have contacted them via email and they were friendly and helpful. I have heard other stories to the contrary post purchase but you always have someone who has an issue with anyone. I will be visiting them in person at the upcoming boat show here. Hydrovane is certainly on my list. The issue that I have with the arch/davits will be there for any windvane. I think the biggest issue will be capability in different conditions versus the lack of control lines to the wheel. I have dealt with that and it is a hassle (but worth it for having a good windvane steering system!).

[Eleuthera 2014]

I don't have a wind vane pilot but investigated most offerings as I was thinking of this solution for the previous boat.

In my opinion, the best, most advanced and solid design is the Cape Horn.

GL with your decision. Talk to their people as per the Captain Ludd suggestion.

[Kalinka1]

Good morning. I'd also talk to Cape Horn. have one of their vanes and it works a treat.

[Snowpetrel]

The scanmar autohelm system has a windvane unit that connects to the auxilary rudder with a cable system. This means the windvane sensor can be located on top of the davits.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[exMaggieDrum]

Many thanks for the suggestions. I have added the Cape Horn to my list. I don't think I could use the biggest feature - no lines in the cockpit. The previous owner of our boat added a stern extension with a very large lazarette. It is certainly strong enough to mount any of the windvanes but having control lines go through there to the rudder quadrant would be difficult and actually worse than having them on deck. But having the lines on deck would not be an issue when compared to a Monitor or Aries, et al. I have to say I don't like the website though. The pics are too small and most don't enlarge. The ones that enlarge really don't give very good views of the gear. I can get around that but the company would benefit with better pics and graphics.

[Eleuthera 2014]

IIRC, the Cape Horn has shaft drive... no cables and a real gearbox attached to the quadrant.

[JazzyO]

FWIW - I bought a Hydrovane last May and have been very happy with it. It's expensive but very durable.


Onno

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

FWIW - I bought a Hydrovane last May and have been very happy with it. It's expensive but very durable.


Onno

Just a question: if you have only had the Hydrovane since last May, how do you know that it is durable? These bits of kit have to last many years and many thousands of miles to be rated as "durable"!

But Hydrovanes have lots of fans, and one just might be the ticket for ex-Maggie.

Jim