You asked for our thoughts on this, well, I think it would make your boat look ugly! Also they don't do a good job on large boats. I sailed around the world on a 38 foot boat with a wind vane. It looked good and did very well. This was before auto pilots became reliable. I wouldn't even think of putting one on my SM. Put the money in a second back up auto pilot. Learn to trim your sails so as to put little helm pressure on the rudder ( so you don't use much power), and you will find the auto pilot your best friend. Remember that when you are in the doldrums of no wind for a few days, you will be behind the wheel for hours and hours as the wind vane will not work without wind. John "Moon Dog" SM248

To: amelyachtowners@...
From: bob@...
Date: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:23:30 +0000
Subject: [Amel] Wind vane


























Has any SM owner fitted a windvane for ocean passages? If so what make?

I am considering making this addition before my next passage but have heard some reports that certain boats do not respond well to either Hydrvane or Monitor systems. Thoughts?

Bob

s/v Minaxi sm6