[Public-List] Cape horn windvane problems

John Riley jriley at dsbscience.com
Sat Jul 7 05:59:07 PDT 2012


Glenn,

My first thought was "reversed control lines."  You've probably checked
this 100 times, but maybe worth a look.  For a well-tested vane gear,
this is probably the most common 'problem' with such vastly incorrect
steering, especially on the boat the gear was designed for.

Also, how balanced is your sail plan?  Will the boat sail on her own (no
vane) for at least a little bit, or when you release the tiller she
rounds up hard?  That matters.  You want the helm fairly well balanced.

The A-30 is a pretty easy boat (comparatively) to get to self-steer. 
Hopefully, this issue will be something simple to fix.

Fair Winds,

John

Glennb wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> anybody have a cap Horn windvane installed on their boat?  I just installed a new unit and am shocked and surprised that it constantly rounds up into the wind, or broaches the boat depending on whether I am going upwind or down wind. The wind vane seems to blow over whenever the boat changes course slightly, and lays down on it's side, not recovering, thus pulling the  tiller hard over until I get headed or broached... The only time it has worked is sailing downwind in the harbor, with no sails set, just 5 kits wind in the rigging, and nor enuf wind to blow to windvane over.
>
>   I've talked to Yves and he says  the unit works perfectly on other boats.  which is great, except mine can't hold a course in a strait line more than 20 seconds before pulling the tiller hard over and stalling.  I.ve checked everything Yves suggested and still no good.  would appreciate talking to anyone who has some experience with these units.
>
> I really need to figure this thing out.
>
> Thanks
>
> Glenn B.
> dolce 318
>
>
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-- 
John S. Riley
S/V Gaelic Sea
1972 Alberg 30 #521


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