| System type |
servo-pendulum gear |
| Windvane type |
H vane |
| Mode of operation |
steers through the main rudder |
|
|
| Steering signal |
wind |
| Steering force |
speed through the water |
| Steering element |
main rudder |
| Power leverage |
< 220 cm / 90 in |
| Suitable for |
|
| Vessel length |
< 18 m / 60 ft |
| Vessel weight |
< 25.000 kg / 55.000 lbs |
| Type of steering |
tiller or wheel (mech.) |
| Cockpit position |
aft |
| Can be used as an emergency rudder? |
No |
| Load on the transom |
low |
| Position on the transom |
central, max. 10 cm/4 in offset |
| Weight |
20 kg / 44 lbs |
|
|
| Force transmission |
|
| Tiller |
force transmitted to tiller fitting via lines led through four turning blocks, trim adjusted by moving stainless steel chain relative to tiller fitting |
|
Advantages
|
The lines are fastened to the top of the pendulum arm at deck level, so transmission paths are short |
|
Short lines = little stretch |
|
few blocks = little friction |
|
Self-steering can be disconnected quickly and easily by removing the chain from the tiller fitting |
| Wheel |
force transmitted to the wheel adaptor via lines led through four turning blocks. Wheel adaptor functions analogously to a disk brake and provides infinite adjustment |
|
Advantages
|
The lines are fastened to the top of the pendulum arm at deck level, so transmission paths are short |
|
Short lines = little stretch |
|
few blocks = little friction |
|
Wheel adaptor drum slides on wheel adaptor disk when overloaded to prevent damage elsewhere in the system (provided drum clamps are not overtightened) |
|
Adaptor fits 5,6,7 and 8 spoke wheels |
|
Compatible with wheel steering systems that already have an Autohelm 3000 or 4000 or Navico/Simrad WP autopilot installed |
| Autopilot option |
a pin fitting for an Autohelm or Simrad cockpit autopilot is provided as standard on the windvane hanger |
| Patents |
|
| pending in |
Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand |
| granted in |
Germany and the USA |
