1. What does the Voyager Windvane do?
The Voyager Windvane is a servo-pendulum self steering mechanism. Find your course, trim your sails, lock the windvane in place, and the Voyager Windvane will course correct and adjust for any alterations in direction.
2. Why do I want one?
One of our more popular questions, "Why do I want one?" generally has an answer that is specific to each individual customer. The Voyager Windvane has been used for several trans-Atlantic crossings as a long term course correction device. It has also been used as a temporary measure as Captain and crew take a break. Finally the Voyager Windvane can be used as an extra crewmember - maintaining course while the rest of the crew tends to other matters.
Potentially one of the most poignant reasons to own a Voyager Windvane is safety during long trips. The average crewmember can steer as precise as a windvane for approximately 45 minutes before fatigue begins to reduce efficiency - for longer hauls Voyager Windvanes make sailing less stressful and more fun.
3. Where is it made?
All of the components for the Voyager Windvane are hand crafted in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. One of the greatest advantages of purchasing a Voyager Windvane is that each unit is crafted specifically to the specifications and needs of each individual customer. It is this precise design and engineering that make the Voyager Windvane the choice of discerning sailors.
4. What are the differences between and autopilot and a self-steering windvane?
One question that is asked quite frequently along with this question is "Why should I buy this instead of an autopilot?" We would never try to dissuade a customer from purchasing a good quality autopilot unit for their craft - the Voyager Windvane is designed to be interoperable with most autopilot units. The Voyager Windvane is a completely different product with a different purpose - it can be used in conjunction (or not, as the sailor pleases) with an autopilot should you so choose.
The main advantage to using your Voyager Windvane in lieu of your autopilot is power economy. The average autopilot unit uses between 5 and 6 watts of power per hour; the Voyager Windvane is infinitely more economical in that is uses readily available wind power.
Secondly the Voyager Windvane course corrects in relation to apparent wind versus magnetic course corrections. While autopilots falter in stronger winds the very physics behind the servo-pendulum windvane dictate that it will perform even better.
5. Won't this weigh my boat down?
The Voyager Windvane is constructed using Anodized Aluminum and Kevlar - strong light materials. The Voyager Windvane weighs approximately 20kg - the average crewmember weighs between 65 and 90kg - Lighten your load with a Voyager Windvane!
6. Voyager Windvanes?
With the available Windvane Products on the market, why should you choose a Voyager Windvane?
- Each unit is hand crafted individual for the customer with their needs in mind.
- Limited Lifetime warranty covering materials and workmanship
- Progressive design has developed one of the lightest, strongest, most responsive, reliable and efficient systems on the market.
- 3 Position adjustable response for varying levels of wind
- Economical pricing - compared to our competitors we offer a better unit at a lower price!
The Voyager Windvane is the product of over 19 years of research. The original prototype is still in use in the hands of a very happy customer. Reliability, efficiency and accuracy - the safest and most co-operative extra crewmember money can buy.