windvane self steering HC43T

[dacapo]

I´m about to buy wind vane self steering for our 43T and would appreciate any advice/recommendations from other owners regarding the various systems available. I´m particularly keen to avoid lines in the cockpit and would like to try and get a model that won´t require modification (to keep installation as simple as possible) ie. from a supplier with knowledge or experience of the Hans Christian stern profile.
Thanks
Tony f

[johnrobinson]

Tony; I have installed a Cape Horn wind vane on our 43T. I haven't been offshore with it but know know that s/v Ulu, a 43T used one from New York to New Zealand very successfully. I've used my here in Puget Sound and am happy with it. I selectedif because it doesn't require lines in the cockpit connecting to the wheel . . it uses a vertically oriented quadrant inside the lazerette that is connected via block and tackle to the ships steering quadrant. They have a very good website that explains the installation and operation. If you send me an e-mail address, I can send you some pictures of my installation. They are not just bolt-on projects like a Monitor . . . there is some work involved in the installation but the manufacturer is willing to do the install generally for the price of an airfare.

Regards, John
s/v Crossings

[dacapo]

Thanks John, I´d certainly be interested in looking at any photo´s you have. My e mail address is yachteuropa@hotmail.com and I´ll take a look at the web site too

tony

[ccam]

Hey John,
I've just ordered one for the Horse and am very excited. Did you do the install yourself? It looks pretty strait forward with the pics online.

thanks
clc

[johnrobinson]

Cam;
Yes a friend and I did it. I was originally going to have Yves do it but our scheudles ended up conflicting so we just went for it. THe installation manual is very good. The only thing I'd add is to make the span between the turning block to the rudder quadrant and the block attached to the rudder quadrant as long as possible and at 90 degrees so you get the maximum leverage in the tackle.

Regards, John
s/v Crossings, Seattle

[ccam]

Thanks John,
I should be installing within a month and hopefully I have measured correctly. Appreciate the reply.

[dacapo]

The Cape Horn seems to be a popular choice. Does anyone have experience of the Hydrovane which is the other model we´re considering at the moment?

[apropos43]

I have a Fleming self steering vane that came with my boat but hasn't been installed. It's an 80's vintage (major). Looks like the previous owner ran the control lines into the lazerette, then into the cockpit via the footwell under the helm seat. From there I'm not sure how it got tied into the wheel (I haven't located a wheel drum). My question is: since the lines go thru the lazerette, can I tie them into the quadrant for moving the rudder post? I suspect not since the origianl install wasn't done this way, but don't know why this wouldn't work (not sure how it could easily be disabled though when taking over control of steering manually). I see Johns setup with a newer/different model that has part of the mechanism inside the laz and ties into the quadrant. No lines in the cockpit seems like a good way to go. Also, does anyone have an owners manual for the older Fleming model?

Thanks!