Fleming self-steering pin

[Briis]

Hi fellow salty sailors

I got a Fleming self-steering (windvane) with my boat but managed to lose the rudder locking pin on first installation. On Fleming user manual they call that part 'trim blade / shear pin'. Marked on that pic:



Any idea where to get a new one?

I possibly could re-make the part myself but would prefer the original stainless steel part if it's possible to get it since it was a really good quality metal and fit perfectly.

Many thanks in advance!

[Briis]

UPDATE: found some 2021 info they were sold to another company, but now got a reply from them Fleming Marine has closed their business for now. Pity, since it's such a great windvane.

Have to make this simple pin part myself out of stainless steel rod I reckon.

[HankOnthewater]

many many moons ago I had a fleming major.
The shearing pin will break when the rudder hits a solid object and then flips up.
From memory it looked like SS, but not sure what kind of SS, as it should break on impact to protect the rest of the steering! Use a softer metal, type of SS first I would say.

[Sailor_21]

Anyone have a copy of the manual for this Fleming wind vane?

And I found Fleming can still be reached by email: flemingmarine@gmail.com

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Sailor_21

Anyone have a copy of the manual for this Fleming wind vane?
And I found Fleming can still be reached by email: flemingmarine@gmail.com

FLEMING Self Steering Systems
Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
➥ https://l-36.com/read_pdf.php?file=m...ng%20Manual%27

➥ https://sbo.sailboatowners.com/downl...n_36254762.pdf

➥ https://www.ftp.tognews.com/Projects...021_4_2009.pdf

[dlj]

You may wish to replace using duplex stainless steel but you may have difficulties sourcing the correct diameter. Shear pins have tight tolerances where they shear.

dj

[Briis]

I semi-temporarily made one out of wooden stick with a simple M5 bolt going through and long enough as pin to lock the rudder - it looks so thin and weak, but it didn't brake even in rougher weather and waves. It worked the whole season, thus no amount of convincing will make me believe some fancy duplex SS or any other fancy material will work better.

I'll probably make a permanent one out of SS to make it look "nicer" for next season, but just to prove a point that it need not to be some fancy special material-selected part.