Windvane choice for Benetteau 42 CC

[Selecta]

I'm now in a process of preparing my recently purchased Benetteau Oceanis 42 CC for some longer passages, and would like to install a wind vane steering. The choice seems to be a bit difficult, since I already have central steps in transom and a centered swimming ladder (see photos attached).

Transom view with all the stuff installed by previous owner:

Transom steps (platform) folded:

Transom steps (platform) unfolded:

The swimming ladder is currently installed in the middle of the platform.

What would be my best choice to your opinion? Monitor system will not do since the steering is hydraulic, ans Saye's Rig also seems to be quite difficult to install in these transom configuration.

Any help and advice would be highly appreciated.

[goboatingnow]

buy a standby AP ??

Dave

[Selecta]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

buy a standby AP ??

Dave

sorry for my innocence, but what is standby AP? and how does it affect wind steering choice? the boat has electric AP already

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Selecta

sorry for my innocence, but what is standby AP? and how does it affect wind steering choice? the boat has electric AP already

Im familiar with that boat, its on the big size for a wind vane , I suggested purchasing a backup autopilot instead. ( controls and Ram)

dave

[Selecta]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Im familiar with that boat, its on the big size for a wind vane , I suggested purchasing a backup autopilot instead. ( controls and Ram)

dave

that's a good idea, but backup AP will not conserve power as wind steering does, and it is not a zero-sum solution to steer a boat, imo. Definitely I will have a backup if I go far enough, but it would be nice to have something that does not rely on electric power

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Selecta

that's a good idea, but backup AP will not conserve power as wind steering does, and it is not a zero-sum solution to steer a boat, imo. Definitely I will have a backup if I go far enough, but it would be nice to have something that does not rely on electric power

This will bring me heat, but having crossed the pond several times on AP alone, I don't think power issues are a problem on a well maintained vessel. I would invest in a towed generator as backup, but you have solar and a generator and your main diesel.

A servo pendulum windwave will be on the limit IMHO for that boat. to handle the centre walk way you'll need a "swing out" design.


Talk to windpilot, I think Im seem his on big boats like yours.

dave

[Selecta]

The boat is really packed with power sources (previous owner installed 8 batteries, wind generator, solar panels and a separate diesel gen set), so maybe I should really re-consider the need for a wind vane. Thanks goboatingnow, you just saved me $3k )

[rockDAWG]

There is only one "Hydrovane" work best when install off center of the boat. Expensive but it is the best

[SaltyMonkey]

I'm also attracted to the Hydrovane. I've used others but this is the most flexible.

[Selecta]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

There is only one "Hydrovane" work best when install off center of the boat. Expensive but it is the best

Thanks for the reference, rockDAWG! Looks really interesting. Any facts or ideas on how does this system behave as wind is increasing?

[rockDAWG]

I have done upwind and downwind with Hydrovane, it works like magic and the system is so massive and overbuilt. It can serve as an emergency tiller. Don't leave home port without it.

If you can overcome the initial shock of the cost, you are golden. But there are lot other cheaper options, but none are as simple as this design.

Good luck on your search. I am sure other will chime in on this thread.

[SaltyMonkey]

Please note that because it is independent of the boat rudder, it puts strain on the stern and steers the boat. Perhaps rockDAWG can expound on this a bit.

[rockDAWG]

Hydrovane rudder is heavily built and designed work together with the boat's rudder. Hydrovane uses three mounting points to the stern of the boat. In its instruction manual, they require you to reinforce the top and bottom mounting place. They provide you a 3" (I think) SS stock tube for mounting.

[goboatingnow]

[QUOTE=Selecta;1502308]The boat is really packed with power sources (previous owner installed 8 batteries, wind generator, solar panels and a separate diesel gen set), so maybe I should really re-consider the need for a wind vane. Thanks goboatingnow, you just saved me $3k )[/QUOTE

if you went for Hydrovane, which is about all you can use for off centre installation as its a complete rudder, you'd save a lot more then $3K, more like $4.5K looking at the recent price lists

That would buy you two complete AP systems!

dave

[SaltyMonkey]

NOT true. Its an independent rudder:

"Only system powered by the wind. Vane directly turns its own rudder. That rudder steers the boat. The main rudder is locked in place – does not move."

Compare - Hydrovane

That has its plusses and it minuses. I like the plusses: No cockpit lines; off center; secondary backup rudder. minuses: high stress on transom.