Windvanes and steering pedestals

[Glenn.Brooks]

Hello all,

Iam looking at an older Alberg 37’ racer/cruising design- with emphasis on cruising and a couple of ocean passages in the near term. The boat has a nice pedestal steering unit , I think set up with chain drive between the wheel and rudder quadrant.

I’ve been reading about some Windvanes not working well with pedestal steering systems due to the increased friction and resistance generated by the chain drive. The Windvane often doesn’t develop enuf force to move the drive chain and attached rudder post, particularily in light to moderate air.

My experience is solely with tillers and windvanes…

So Wondering about real life experiences with Windvanes and wheel steering? What should one look for with this type of gear setup.

BTW, Iam not inclined to retrofit a tiller with this boat, and would be adding an electric autopilot.


Thanks much for any advise,
Glenn B.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by Glenn.Brooks

Hello all,

Iam looking at an older Alberg 37’ racer/cruising design- with emphasis on cruising and a couple of ocean passages in the near term. The boat has a nice pedestal steering unit , I think set up with chain drive between the wheel and rudder quadrant.

I’ve been reading about some Windvanes not working well with pedestal steering systems due to the increased friction and resistance generated by the chain drive. The Windvane often doesn’t develop enuf force to move the drive chain and attached rudder post, particularily in light to moderate air.

My experience is solely with tillers and windvanes…

So Wondering about real life experiences with Windvanes and wheel steering? What should one look for with this type of gear setup.

BTW, Iam not inclined to retrofit a tiller with this boat, and would be adding an electric autopilot.


Thanks much for any advise,
Glenn B.

I circumnavigated on a boat with a Monitor Windvane and an edson steering pedestal, chain and cable to a quadrant.

A servo pendulum type windvane will develop plenty of power to overcome the friction at most times. In really light winds friction will matter, but in "average" decent conditions, the windvane develops a lot of power. In heavier conditions, you won't be strong enough to overpower it if you grab the wheel.

In really light conditions, they will test your sailing skills, as it is all about balance and setting a course by sail trim. And the windvane just makes very slow and small corrections. Many sailors will start the engine at that point anyway, as they would only be sailing 1 or 2 knots (or less)

Regarding the friction, if you are making ocean passages, rebuilding the steering first is a must, unless it has already been done recently. New cable and chain, new sheaves, new bearings. Once that is done and adjusted, it'll be fine. My steering is very smooth and you can't feel any friction at all.

[Orion Jim]

I have a Cape Dory 31, also an Alberg design, which is equipped with a Yacht Specialties pedestal steering system. I have a Monitor windvane which has taken this singlehander to Bermuda five times and has proven itself a worthy combination in numerous sea states and wind velocities up to a full gale in the Gulf Stream. You will have no issues if similarly equipped.

[Glenn.Brooks]

Great comments and recommendations. Thanks Warren and Jim for responding.