Plans Needed to Build A Wind Vane Steering System

[Pagan]

Hi Knowledgable ones,

I am searching for some plans to build a wind vane self steering gear for my 18 foot sailing boat, in which I would like to do some more extensive single handed cruising this year.

I have a triple keel and a transom hung rudder, I have reasonable practical ability, although the less complicated to build and maintain the better.

Any assistance will be very gratefully received.

Kindest regards

Nev

[Maren]

Originally Posted by Pagan

Hi Knowledgable ones,

[B]I am searching for some plans to build a wind vane self steering gear for my 18 foot sailing boat, in which I would like to do some more extensive single handed cruising this year.

There are (or were) three that I know of.

By far the best was at this address: mindspring.com/~waltmur/Self- Steering/index.htm -- which seems to be defunct. You may be able to find a cached version by google.

EDIT: Walt died in 2006, here is a link to the mirror of the plans

The second is found in the Searunner Construction Manual by Jim Brown. The book is being re-edited and should be out soon.

The third is 20 or so page pamphlet for sale. I don't know anything about how good the plans are.

Hope that helps.

[boatman61]

Thanks for the link Maren... nice one..

[feelsgood]

Originally Posted by Pagan

Hi Knowledgable ones,

I am searching for some plans to build a wind vane self steering gear for my 18 foot sailing boat, in which I would like to do some more extensive single handed cruising this year.

I have a triple keel and a transom hung rudder, I have reasonable practical ability, although the less complicated to build and maintain the better.

Any assistance will be very gratefully received.

Kindest regards

Nev

Try looking at www.mrveeselfsteering

[Maren]

Originally Posted by feelsgood

Try looking at www.mrveeselfsteering

Could you check the link on that?

[Adelie]

Try Mister Vee wind vane self steering | Freedom with a Vee.

The Bill Belcher book 'Wind-Vane Self-Steering' also has plans and more importantly a description of principles so you can modify to suit.

[Maren]

Originally Posted by Adelie

Try Mister Vee wind vane self steering | Freedom with a Vee.

I like the use of carbon and structural foam. Hopefully the plans are worth the registering.

Originally Posted by Adelie

The Bill Belcher book 'Wind-Vane Self-Steering' also has plans and more importantly a description of principles so you can modify to suit.

Knew about it from one of the last threads we had on this; still haven't read it.

[mohawkmariner]

i would look into a simple trim tab mounted on the the rudder check books by bernard moitessier for a simple trim tab controlled by a vane made from t tube wing nuts and a broom handle and thin plywood took him around the world twice also try sailsarna.com/selfsteering and google trim tab self steering i remember a site on diy boatworks or something that used a geared wheel ontop of the trimtab shaft.all simple homemade devices more than suitable for you craft

[Pagan]

Hi May thanks to all for your responses.

I don't know 8f it is correct but I have heard / read some disturbing things about Mr Vee. Be careful and on your guard. It might be very good and I would be interested in a really objective report on it.

Pagan (Nev)

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by mohawkmariner

i would look into a simple trim tab mounted on the the rudder check books by bernard moitessier for a simple trim tab controlled by a vane made from t tube wing nuts and a broom handle and thin plywood took him around the world twice also try sailsarna.com/selfsteering and google trim tab self steering i remember a site on diy boatworks or something that used a geared wheel ontop of the trimtab shaft.all simple homemade devices more than suitable for you craft

I tried the website and it wouldn't work for me.

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by Pagan

Hi May thanks to all for your responses.

I don't know 8f it is correct but I have heard / read some disturbing things about Mr Vee. Be careful and on your guard. It might be very good and I would be interested in a really objective report on it.

Pagan (Nev)

Do you remember where you read this?

[barnakiel]

If outboard rudder, then a trim tab system might work. Very easy to build but do read up on the sizes, relationships and pitfalls - will make a long story short and sailing fun and safe.

b.

[jacobitwister]

Hi Adelie did you know anythink bad about Mister Vee steering systems..I'm considering to buy a Y&B windvane from Mister Vee...
Ben

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by jacobitwister

Hi Adelie did you know anythink bad about Mister Vee steering systems..I'm considering to buy a Y&B windvane from Mister Vee...
Ben

I have no opinion either way about Mr.Vee and have not found any first-hand accounts about their quality other than testimonials on their own site.

[SkiprJohn]

Another book you might try is Self-Steering for Sailing Craft by John S. Letcher, Jr..