DIY Wind Vane Plans

[paddlerjay]

I used to have a Transat boat with a homade windvane. Worked great - I am sure it was a QME. Ive searched the web and get a few hits on people having them but no manufacturer or plans. Anyone got any ideas ? Looking for vertical vane and either trim tab or Aux steering oar.
Thank You
Jay

[Ramona]

Jay,
Have a look at the windvane forum at http://www.cruisenews.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=62.

Walt Murray's designs are worth a look, try http://www.mindspring.com/~waltmur/Self-Steering/

Hours of fun for young and old.

[Brent Swain]

I sailed my first boat from BC to New Zealand with a QME type vane. It was a horribly unbalanced 36 footer ( Kinney designed "Pipe Dream") It was overpowered but got here there. Later I hooked the same vane to a trim tab, says rig style. That worked better, but the boat was still an abortion.
I found 1/8th inch 7X19 stainless wire worked far better for the lines, as they stretched less and chaffed less.
Now I use the one in my book, designed for well balanced boats with outboard rudders.
Brent