Technical topics, gear discussion, maintenance tips, safety, and inquiries
Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot
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roniszoro Posts: 1
17 hours ago
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I am a single hander and I have a very good below deck autopilot on my 44 footer which works just fine. But I am deciding on a back up for when I am single handing off shore if that unit were to fail. My options are a 2nd complete unit that would have only the battery bank in common with the first unit with a switch so that either one or the other would be engaged or adding a wind vane, likely a Wind Pilot Pacific. Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated.
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Dick Posts: 437
6 hours ago
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Hi Roniszoro,
I can tell you what we did: (and it is a similar, but not so potent, dilemma for cruising couples):
We have a wind vane (Monitor) which, over the years, has become back-up (say lightning strike) to our very much loved below decks auto-pilot which is accurate, simple, quiet, reliable and easy on the amps.
For a higher latitude Atlantic crossing, I just bought the same auto-pilot. I replaced my 20+ yo old one with the new and put the old, but still working, auto-pilot in storage as spares. (later that year, the autopilot manufacturer closed its doors).
I would consider what I call a “wheel” (above deck) pilot, but I would need convincing that they could handle boisterous conditions. My last experience with those was 20-30 years ago and the ones I knew had a hard time (or would burn out) in open water when the winds got above ~~20 knots or so.
If world-traveling in remote areas, the wind vane probably makes the most sense as it is so independent and some could “take the place” of a rudder/steering if steering was lost somehow. If going that route, get some significant sea miles under your belt with the vane as they do have a learning curve and can be fussy.
Let us know what you decide.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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