17th October

Long time no update.

Done some more bits on the windvane.  

Jacked stern up a bit to fit the rudder for trial fitting of windvane linkages.

Rudder top with lots of holes on linkages for testing what works the best.

Bottom of windvane tube linkage with pushrod connection to rudder top.  It can just be lifted off to disengage.

Top of vane mounting tube.  Vane can swivel through 360 degrees and pushrod onto top of rudder can be moved further or closer to rudder axis to give more or less feedback.  (Tiny temporary ply vane at an angle to not hit stuff in my roof - I guess it needs to be a lot bigger but can experiment with different sizes and counter balance weights)   Got to be on the water sailing to test if it is any good.  I have lots of other ideas to try if this is a fail.  This is the first trial fit to cut lengths of pushrods and mark for drilling mounting bolts.  

The boat is now 99% finished with only 50% to go!!

 3rd October

Done a few bits on the self steering.

All very rough. The black bracket is a locking device.  I can swivel the inner tube (which the vane is connected to)  to any position and lock it in place.  The pushrod that goes down inside the tube can swivel.  The counter balance weight  will be experimented with for weight and length of arm on the threaded rod.  Going to make a couple of vane sizes to see what works OK.  All pushrods are 6mm threaded rod (ss) to make it easy to be adjusted for testing.

Next job is to make the bottom bell crank mounting bracket on the bottom of the tube and a support post that can be bolted onto the transom.  This whole exercise is only for experimental purposes.  Not worried about neatness and a sexy look.  Half of the stainless is only A2 and stick welded to hold it together.  On a reliable self steering system you dont want nuts and bolts.  They have a habit of coming loose. 

Doing lots of thinking about quick engage and disengage system as well as easy weather helm adjustment. 

Also thinking about an emergency rudder system in case Willy gets hungry.

Hurricane Kirk skimming to the north of us in a few days and watching Lesley.

Will keep you posted - Cheers