* FAQs:
* OFFSET WINDVANE MOUNT
* COMPARISON: South Atlantic S 600 & Hydrovane

Self Steering PRICE - What's included in the windvane price?
When comparing prices for a windvane, it's important to consider the total cost of an installed unit. The list price includes a mounting system that's ready to bolt onto your boat, one air vane, one blade, and a comprehensive installation and operation manual. The wheel adapter is sold separately, and there's a spare parts kit available. We offer an uncomplicated set of special mounting brackets for different transoms to choose from. The only parts that we don't supply are the blocks needed to run the operating lines from the windvane to the steering adapter. This is because there's too much variation in installation possibilities and the owner's equipment preferences. However, our manual provides complete installation guidelines. Almost all wind vanes are owner-installed using the manual, which avoids extra yard and installation costs while providing professional results. Installation takes no more than two hours!

Self Steering SPARE PARTS KIT - You recommend buying the spare parts kit. Should I expect to have to repair my windvane?
Not really, we have many examples of Wind vanes that have been known to make complete circumnavigations without needing a repair from their owner. However, it's always better to be prepared, as proper preparation can turn a major difficulty into a minor one. That's why the wind vane manual has an extensive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair section, just in case a problem arises. With the help of the manual, the spare parts kit, and regular hand tools, any sailor can completely disassemble and reassemble the wind vane. The spare kit contains replacements for parts that would show wear after extensive use, as well as many small, hard-to-find replacement parts such as bearings, bushings, and spring clips. Experienced sailors would agree that being prepared for any eventuality at sea is basic seamanship and common sense. We sell the spare kit because we believe that every offshore sailor should be prepared for any contingency."

When a ship sails with sails set, the wind steers it better with a South Atlantic!

INSTALLATION AND MANUAL - Where do I get instructions for installation and operation? Do I have to haul my boat? Does a yard have to do it?
We supply a comprehensive installation and operation manual . It has a step-by-step installation procedure for a typical mount.

How simple is it to install a South Atlantic?
Installing the South Atlantic system is a straightforward process that most customers can handle on their own. You only need to drill four holes in the transom and follow the instructions in the manual. The South Atlantic system uses a universal mounting principle, which guarantees that the mast tube will always be vertical, as required.

 

OFFSET WINDVANE MOUNT? - I have a centrally-mounted stern ladder! Some of your competitors say that off center mounting is OK. Can the windvane be mounted off center?

The concept of using an offset mount for windvanes is tempting for some sailors, especially if they have a swim ladder. However, it's important to note that this approach is not recommended, unless you're only talking about a few inches or if you have a multi-hull. It is strongly advised that the windvane, regardless of the manufacturer, is installed on the boat's centerline. This is because the laws of physics apply to every self-steering windvane, and off-center mounting can cause problems. When sailing on a reach or upwind, most boats heel significantly, and with an off-center mounting, the paddle could be too deep on one tack and completely out of the water on the other tack if the boat is pitching in heavy weather - which could lead to disaster.

CAN I USE A windvane ON A CATAMARAN? I've seen articles that state that a windvane won't work on one!
In the past, it was commonly believed that wind vanes could not function on catamarans. However, this belief overlooked the fact that wind vanes can fail to work on any racing boat, whether it is a mono-hull or a multi-hull, when the boat is capable of achieving speeds that cause the apparent wind to fall near zero. On the other hand, cruising catamarans, even the fast ones, usually do not achieve such speeds, making them ideal for using wind vanes. Additionally, catamarans have the advantage of being more flexible in terms of wind vane placement. While the standard position for wind vanes on a boat centerline can still be used by fitting the wind vane on the after edge of the bridge deck, mounting a wind vane off the boat centerline is also possible on a catamaran, as catamarans do not heel to any appreciable amount.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - What service can I expect after I buy a windvane?
If you need any assistance regarding windvane orders or have any self-steering questions, simply send us an email. We have over 30 years of experience in shipping parts and complete windvane orders, and we offer a three-year warranty covering both parts and workmanship. Additionally, we provide free advice to windvane owners and anyone seeking self-steering guidance. We will respond to your email as soon as possible.

OPERATING LINE SETUP - I do not want lines in the cockpit. It´s that possible?
The South Atlantic S 600 work very well and have no lines. We strongly recommend The South Atlantic S 600 when your boat steers over a hydraulic wheel.

LEARNING TO USE A windvane - How long does it take to learn how to use a windvane?
When using a windvane, there might be some subtleties and refinements to be learned, but if you're already comfortable with handling your boat, the basics are simple.
First, get your boat on your chosen course and use a reasonably balanced sail plan to avoid excessive weather or lee helm. Then, point the air vane into the apparent wind, drop the paddle into the water, and engage the wheel or tiller adapter.
That's all there is to it.

CENTER-COCKPIT BOATS - I have a center-cockpit boat. I've been told that I can't run the operating lines that far forward. What can I do?
If good-quality low-friction blocks are used and some thought is given to the run of the operating lines, quite large center-cockpit boats can be fitted with wind vanes. However we recommend The South Atlantic S 600 when your boat have center cockpit or steers over a hydraulic wheel.

We have a ketch with low mizzen boom that extends aft of the transom. Can we use a South Atlantic ?
Yes. Please contact our us for a custom design solution that may include a special mast tube, special air vanes, or modified mounting platforms or other components.

HYDRAULIC STEERING: We have hydraulic steering. Can we use the South Atlantic ?
The South Atlantic S 600 when your boat steers over a hydraulic wheel.

 

COMPARISON:
South Atlantic S 600 & Hydrovane

Hydrovane South Atlantic S 600
Suitable for All boats All boats
Maximum Displacement Not rated. Claims up to 50,000 lbs / 25,000 kgs Up to 66,000 lbs / 30,000 kgs
Power Derived From Very large vane to semi-balanced rudder.
Needs a lot of airspace – can be as tall as 12 ft / 4m
above the water and more importantly it has a lateral reach of over 4 ft / 120 cm. in all directions at that height – yes, a full 360 degrees!		 Servo paddle drive the semi-balanced rudder
Off Center installation Yes, encouraged.(but non of us can avoid physic Laws) Yes, but non of us can avoid physic Laws
(just see the image below).
With our extra large rudder, works fine
windvane offset mounting
Installation Complexity Two Brackets with flexibility in positioning Two Brackets with flexibility in positioning
Equipment Complexity Shaft and drive unit with vane and rudder attachments Vane, Rudder & Servo Blade
Rudder Removability Yes Yes
Motion & Stability The main rudder fixed provides greatest yaw dampening Improved– the main rudder fixed provides greatest yaw dampening
Course Direction Easy – remote line control Easy – remote line control
Course Control – Sensitivity and Power 1. Adjustable Vane Axis
2. Adjustable Ratio Control		 1. Adjustable Vane Axis
2. Adjustable Counter Weight
Unit Wear and Tear Mimimal Miminal
Main Rudder System Wear and Tear Major reduction in usage Major reduction in usage
Independent Rudder Yes, Independent steering system.
Rudder is part of the unit.		 Yes, Independent steering system. Rudder is part of the unit.
Adaptable for tiller pilot Yes – to tiller supplied Can be retrofitted
Rudder Sizes Just One 3 Sizes for maximal eficiency
Rudder Pin Just One Weak 6mm Pin Bolted. Strong 10mm
Durability Well built – over engineered Well built – over engineered
Operate Simultaneously with Main Autopilot Yes, possible Yes, possible
PERFORMANCE: To weather/upwind Excellent Excellent
Reaching in bad seas Good Good to Excellent
Running Good to Excellent Good to Excellent
Heavy Weather Excellent Excellent
Light Wind Subject to wind Power at Low Speed. Good. Subject to boat speed

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