Wind Vane Steering ?

[Captain Ludd]

Hi Guys n Gals
I am thinking about Lagoon cats, maybe 380 or 410 and wondering if anyone has a wind vane solution or is an Autopilot the way to go.
I am thinking about solo sailing so need to get something to take the strain.

[colemj]

There have been a few threads here on multihull windvanes. If you are looking at a Lagoon, you will not be using a windvane.

While there are occasional reports of claims of success with a windvane on other catamarans, take these with a large grain of salt.

The problems are legion - ranging from the wind being blocked or confused by the cabin house to the boat acceleration causing the apparent wind to change constantly.

Choose a good below deck autopilot and make sure the installation and mounting are bullet-proof.

Mark

[Captain Ludd]

Originally Posted by colemj

There have been a few threads here on multihull windvanes. If you are looking at a Lagoon, you will not be using a windvane. .........

That is what I thought from having a read but I thought I'd ask.

Do you use an Autopilot ?

[django37]

If you buy the standard setup, you will have an autopilot, that will steer from the relative or true wind direction - much better than a windvane - except that it uses electritity. We use the autopilot nearly all the time.

[Captain Ludd]

Originally Posted by django37

If you buy the standard setup, you will have an autopilot, that will steer from the relative or true wind direction - much better than a windvane - except that it uses electritity. We use the autopilot nearly all the time.

Thanks
What kind of charging do you use to power the AP ?
What I mean is to prevent the batteries draining.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Captain Ludd

Thanks What kind of charging do you use to power the AP ? What I mean is to prevent the batteries draining.

Hydrocarbon, sunlight, wind, and less common towed generator.

While our boat is not a multi, so I won't comment on the windvane, on the wind the wind gen keeps the batts up. Off the wind it's solar.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Captain Ludd

Do you use an Autopilot ?

I don't have a gun on board because if the autopilot goes out I would shoot myself.

Mark

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by colemj

I don't have a gun on board because if the autopilot goes out I would shoot myself.

Mark

Best gun post I have ever seen