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South Atlantic Self-Steering Gears®
We produce a concise range of Self Steering Windvanes. From one of the lightest models in the market to the strongest and powerful S 600. The S 600 it´s a self-steering and an emergency rudder. All of them are simple, robust and reliable self-steering Gears. Product Range: 7'' models. All our models can be customized. The S 500 & S 600 are Self Steering & Emergency Rudder, 'Ready To Go' The design concept of the South Atlantic Self Steering wind vanes lends it hem to a fast and practical fitting to your boat. All our units are easily owner installed, in most cases in only 2-4 hours, from start to testing under sailSouth Atlantic S 470
Self Steering Windvane, Has Them Been Outdated by Electronic Autopilots?
Almost 100% of Self-Steering wind vane buyers have an automatic pilot on board before the purchase! The Self-Steering wind vane is used 90% of the times after both systems have been installed! When a ship sails with sails set, the wind steers it better! Read MoreHow Does a Windvane Self Steering Gears Work?
Essentially, a mechanical devices sense the apparent wind direction and steer the boat on a course relative to it. Check our crush course for more details. Read More
Modern Self steering Windvane: Servo pendulum systems
With this type of Self-steering Wind-vane, the rudder shaft moves sideways (swing), depending on the vanes signal and also on the position of the rudder. The servo-forces here are usually enough to sail the main rudder of ships of up to 30 t (tons) safely. Proper transmission of the rudder is indispensable to this aim and steering through the tiller will be ideal. Read More
Servo-Pendulum and Auxiliary Rudder Self-Steering Types Compared...
Servo Pendulum Self Steering Windvanes
Type S 301 / S 440 / S 470 / L 360:
- Steering forces increase with wind speed and vessel speed.
- Rudders can be lifts it up out of the water on one side when not in use.
- Works directly on the main steering.
- Collision damage protection built-in.
- Steering lines to helm can clutter cockpit.
- Not readily suited for use as an emergency rudder.
- The height of the windvane mast can be customized to suit your sailboat design.
- The length of the servo pendulum shaft is available in various lengths.
Windvane Self Steering Auxiliary Rudder
Type S 500 / S 600:
- Ready to go, they are an emergency steering system in the event of main rudder failure.
- No steering lines in the cockpit.
- They are more sensitive than servo-pendulums in light air. The pendulum rudder and the auxiliary rudder are perfectly matched
- The right choice for center-cockpits and hydraulic steering sailboats.
- More steering power than servo-pendulums because of the aft position of the rudder.
- The auxiliary rudder has maximum leverage for turning the boat from its position of the stern and the main rudder can be locked in place to take care of weather helm.
- The S 500 or the S 600 can put the helm over 35 degrees.