Wind Vane self steering systems - An easy, animated introduction on how they work

This video explains, in simple terms, how wind vane self-steering systems work on yachts and sailboats. The video follows an easy flow from auxiliary rudder systems to servo-pendulum systems, which is designed toward beginners looking to expand their sailing knowledge.
royalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for FreeSound Music
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original video: (link to original clip in our channel)
Created with Blender 3D
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Website: www.searchingforcoconuts.com
Email: [e-mail]

[@justincase5272]

Unlike autopilots, wind vanes do not "steer our vessel back onto course." Nor do they even steer the boat back onto a heading. Rather, they help the boat maintain a constant bearing relative to the apparent wind. As the apparent wind changes, so does the boat's heading. The bearing relative to the apparent wind is set by the pilot or autopilot on the wind vane. In order to maintain a constant heading, wind vanes must be manually or automatically adjusted by the pilot or an autopilot. Course control is only achieved, either by the pilot or the autopilot, by monitoring position relative to course and making small correction back to course. Wind vanes have two primary benefits: 1) They reduce the pilot's workload, including prolong time away from the helm to adjust sails, cook, and rest. 2) They act as backups for the sailboat's autopilots. Without them, an autopilot failure requires a pilot manning the helm at all times. As with any sailboat steering system, it's best to set and trim sails such that large changes in either wind velocity or wind direction have minimal effect on helm load. This way, wind vanes will best be able to maintain a constant relative wind.

[@harbourdogNL]

I commented 9 months ago, and after watching this video again, am going to repeat what I said below: excellent video, and you really put a lot of work into them! I'm enjoying the new ones as well. You deserve to have a lot more subscribers.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, as in the past, your feedback is valuable and much appreciated

[@2MeVietnam]

This is the first explanation of wind vane systems and how they work that I’ve been able to comprehend, so thank you very much!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

great comments, thanks so much

[@joshreagan1487]

The way you describe and show through animation on your videos are world class.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

really appreciate your comments thank you, our next video to be released this coming week

[@jonathansimmonds5784]

I met Bill Belcher at his home in New Zealand many years ago, his book on how to make your own is all anyone needs!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

👍

[@Paul-ou1rx]

I have been a casual daysailor my whole life and never understood how these operated. Thanks.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

you're welcome, thanks for posting

[@williamavery9185]

I still dont.....?

[@salty8752]

I will admit, I knew nothing about this until this video. I have learned something for sure. Personally from this video I prefer the first one.

[@RoaldKoger]

Thank you. You're the first to make me understand the principle of windvane steering.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Thank you, appreciate your great feedback

[@GraduadoFigo]

Thank you very much for explaining how these contraptions work! Beautifully simple vid and so useful!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

very nice to see your great comments, much appreciated

[@RC-rv1gq]

Amazing job with the animation. I finally understand how these suckers work. Thanks!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for your great comments, very motivating

[@Pablo-ob7hm]

Absolutely Brilliant... well done for such a great demonstration of how these systems work

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks Paul for your great comments, much appreciated

[@aaammm1606]

Clear and instructive. Exemplary delivery of the basic concepts. Thank you.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for your great feedback, highly encouraging

[@frankschubert1447]

Thanks guys for these brilliant explantion and animation. As many before, I always wondered how this gadget works.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

my pleasure, thanks for watching and adding your positive feedback

[@earlliotti5316]

Thank you for this explanation. Very easy to understand the way you present it.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

that's great to hear, thank you for your comments

[@davidclarke7728]

Well done , so simply described , the first time I have understood how they work

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

amazing comments, thank you for adding such a positive contribution

[@supremeflagship8965]

Excellent video! I always wondered how these things work.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, appreciate your kind comments

[@MrDamon888]

Best explanation and visuals. Great job. Thanks

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you !!

[@AP-kh4zw]

Excellent. Explain very clearly. Thanks from France.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for such great comments

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Excellent video as well as pros and cons. Thanks much. Jim Rodgers

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

excellent comments, thank so much

[@johndixon5097]

Very good video, thank you. This made the operation very understandable.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for your positive comments

[@coastlineguardianscic8370]

Yet another fantastic and informative video. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Please keep up the good work 👍🏴‍☠️👍

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you, your amazing comments and contribution helps the channel grow

[@andredc9583]

Finally a great explanation of these systems :) Thank You!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, great positive feedback

[@apackwestbound5946]

This is an excellent instructional video; clear and to the point. Outstanding! Thank you.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

amazing feedback, thanks so much

[@mohamedkalym7237]

Superb. Great work

[@cyuan1171]

Very clear explanation. Like the slower pace of explaining things.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Thank so much, greatly appreciated

[@knutlorentzen5014]

Perfectly explained! Thanks

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for watching and the great positive feedback

[@MrWanderlodge]

Brilliant graphics and easy to follow instructions

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, greatly appreciated

[@michaelryan5160]

You're a wealth of knowledge...thanks for making these videos...

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

my pleasure, thanks for taking the time to contribute with such positive feedback and comments

[@Dragonballsoffire]

I dont have a boat yet. but thanks for making this video for future knowledge when time comes i sail. God speed

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, wish you well in your future plans, keep us updated

[@arturturner5213]

this system is on my to do list. you made it simple and pretty much understandable for beginners. Definitely, i've to study it more but for now, it serves the purpose.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for watching and taking the time to review

[@michellegaeb2291]

Your diagrams (animations?) are wonderful! It is so nice to learn about sailing by watching as opposed to reading. I’m not new to boating but I am new to sailing so these videos are a fantastic way to get started before going out to take lessons.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Thank you very much!

[@inixio11]

Finally someone expIains graphically how the vanes work. I was starting to think I was stupid or something seriously...!!! Thanks for the great job.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

much appreciated, thank you for taking the time to add your great comments

[@josephlai9759]

This is truly a complete instruction that is well thought out. It not only navigate through the mechanics of the systems and the sensitive issue of product copyright with ease, it also offer, importantly, an often neglected advice on having sail balance as a caveat before any systems can be put to effective use. Bravo! Very well done! Thank you.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, what great comments

[@RajeshSingh-Bhangu]

Thank you for this very instructive video

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

you're welcome, thanks for watching

[@kristinpetry7371]

This really helps! Thank you!

[@franklund8635]

What a good video, it gives a wery calm and excellent full explanation of what You need to know about this issue with vind steering. Thanks for that

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

amazing thanks so much

[@DanielCalvoGonzalez]

Well done. Good animation and easy to follow.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

awesome to hear, thanks for the great feedback

[@DucaLeindecker2021]

Excellent!! Thanks!!! I'll try to build one!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

much appreciated, good luck in your project

[@coldisle]

This was so very well done and really helpful. Thank you!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks to you for watching and adding such amazing feedback

[@Seafariireland]

Excellent explanation of the workings of wind vanes, now I see how they work. Thank you for such clear and easily understandable information! Greetings from the Emerald Isle. Ramey.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

much appreciated, thanks for watching and posting such great comments

[@esboyce]

Super videos. Very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

most welcome, thanks for the great feedback

[@pacific7775]

Wow now i get it perfectly. Im planning my liveaboard life 10 yrs in advance and learning all i can .thank you for the help

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for adding such great comments, much appreciated and good luck with all your planning

[@ajerrim]

Brilliant explanation. Thank you.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you, much appreciated

[@YvesGageot]

your videos are fantastic to learn and understand

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks Yves, much appreciated

[@rodneyallen5003]

As I am recently discovering my desire to learn how to sail, I’m soaking in as much knowledge about every thing I can to expedite my learning curve. Hopefully to the extent of even on my first sail , having a comfortable level of confidence. Thanks for sharing this knowledge

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for your contribution by providing such encouraging feedback

[@alexanderbryant9821]

Fantastic expaination! I have always wondered how these systems work, never having owned a boat myself. Curiosity fully satisfied! Thank you very much:)

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

ah no, thank you, what amazing comments, much appreciated

[@daneulekowski929]

It's like a magician just showed me how the trick is done.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for watching and posting

[@SeaDadLife]

Thank you, very informative.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

amazing thank you.... and thanks for watching, much appreciated

[@alstovalljr]

Another amazing video! This answers many questions for me. Thank you so much for your effort. Happy to subscribe to your channel!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you, welcome aboard

[@tihodimitrov6427]

great video and spoken explanation. well done and informative

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much for your inspirational comments, awesome to hear

[@CaliRico2001]

Excellent video help me to understand how work this system, thank you

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

you are most welcome, thank you for adding such great comments

[@bont3202]

O melhor que vi até agora

[@thisoldboat7393]

Thank you for your work. 🎉

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for watching and adding value to the channel, much appreciated

[@claudioalbertoarcagni1170]

Excelente explicación. Saludos

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, greatly appreciated

[@stefanm67]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to know. 😁 This is such a useful and well made video. 👏

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

so great to hear, thank you for your amazing feedback

[@Wizardman646]

Finally I understand! Thank you!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

you're welcome, glad you enjoyed

[@ferdaaydin7405]

Very informative video ,thanks🎉❤

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much for watching and adding such great comments

[@RJMSINCR]

brilliant! many thanks!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for taking the time to post amazing feedback, much appreciated

[@madloop3217]

Your videos give me hope

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

😁 thanks so much

[@arturturner5213]

that was helpful. Thank you so much!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

you're welcome, thanks for watching

[@grahamdittman3067]

Great video

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

that's so great to hear, thank you

[@ashrulredza471]

Thank you again.. So Helpful

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you again, much appreciated

[@user-bg4py3bc3t]

Прекрасная графика и кинематика. Текст великолепен : гугл транслейт отлично справился🎉🎉 мой горизонт знаний расширился

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Very informative, many thanks now I understand. Greetings from the tropical paradise island 🏝of Kauai

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Aloha, thanks for the great comments, much appreciated

[@JulianIbanez13]

I've owned a few boats including several sailboats such as a Vagabond 47 and other sailboats in the range of 30 feet and that was in 1980 and now I'm 70 years old. But never did I truly understand the wind vane. While I was able to use it in the 30-footer, I never fully understood how it worked. This video is really great because I've searched for a similar video and never found one that would explain it in such a clear manner. Congratulations on a beautifully done explanation!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

such amazing feedback, thanks so much, hugely appreciated

[@JulianIbanez13]

Today I showed the video to some friends who had issues with the wind vane in their boats, they bought this year a used Catalina sailboat 28' or something like that and it had a wind vane and they asked me how to use it. So I gave them your URL and now they have seen it and they all understand it perfectly. Thanks again for a great video. @@searchingforcoconuts2248

[@sellsidedream8766]

best video on the topic Subscribed

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, welcome

[@harbourdogNL]

What an excellent video. You put so much work into all of them. (Your logo on the counterweight is a nice touch too ;) )

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, amazing comments

[@gregorycrepin6110]

Nice job on those CAD!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank so much, highly appreciated

[@weinerdog137]

Nice animation.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thats great to hear, thanks so much

[@legend343]

Brilliant video. Thanks for sharing 👏👏 Warren s/y Legend👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧⛵️⚓️🇸🇪

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, greatly appreciated, fair winds

[@SoulFyahProductions]

That was helpful! Thanks :)

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

cheers, thanks for watching

[@CasualRiders]

Awesome videos 👏👏👏

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much 😀😀

[@mrmediterranean7014]

Amazing thank you so much

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

awesome comments, much appreciated

[@bearingSSW]

Thanks!

[@marciogoncalves8821]

Muito bom 😃😃

[@armagan2613]

thanks a lot

[@davidbrown4140]

I'm new to sailing,and watch your tutorials over and over, it's all sinking in beautifully!(excuse the pun!), waiting patiently for the next releases!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, your comments are much appreciated

[@nasseemmuttur7546]

Very nicely explained. Am planning to build a sail boat, so this will be helpful. Cannot afford a ready-made one.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for your kind words and we wish you all the best with your future project

[@ChefDanKibble]

great channel. Everything perfect! =D

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks so much, appreciate your great comments

[@Hindukushsailing]

Very good

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

welcome back, thanks again

[@sharonb6751]

Wow! The graphics in this are awesome. Is this Dimensions? The knowledge of sailing is brilliant but the skill in video design has floored me. Amazing! First time watcher. New subscriber 👍🏻

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

wow, your comments are much appreciated and highly encouraging... thanks for watching and subscribing... the videos are created using Blender 3D software

[@davidvanniekerk356]

Dankie/ merci Searching 4 coconuts. My English is not so wel, but I do understand now. Thx.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

lekker bra dankie

[@deleted.23]

Thankyou!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

no no no, thank you 😁

[@carsonc1272]

Great job! It's difficult to work out exactly how they function without seeing the entire system.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for watching and posting such great comments, much appreciated

[@captc0ck5lap60]

These, especially the auxiliary type, are not only superior to auto-pilots in that they draw no power, but are also much more reliable, especially in heavy seas. Since the auxiliary doesn't use the rudder and steering mechanism, it means less overall stress on those systems, which increases their longevity. If you're going any kind of distance, I'd highly recommend spending cash on one of these. It's a worthwhile investment. Also, great video helping understand how it help make boat go. I'm an idiot so just trusted to mechanical wizardry.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

love the name... thanks for the detailed information and input

[@jonnorousseau3096]

Your channel is a revelation, great information and useful insight. I've really found it to be a great source of practical information. With regards wind vanes I'm a hydrovane auxiliary rudder fan specifically, but for me any ARS vane is preferable to a servo pendulum type vane, although the likes of Monitor and Aries are great vanes the two big disadvantages of SPS vanes are the critical centerline mounting and control lines, and most importantly from a safety point of view they offer no secondary steerage alternative. I know of at least one instance where two simple 10mm bolts (port and stbd steering cable pulley mounting bolts) failes rendering the CPT and backup autopilot, helm and Aries all useless. This is a very well equipped high latitude Westsail 42' CC with a very experiencedoffshore skipper, I'm going for a hydrovane for the steel VDS 34' im negotiating price for as we speak, she also has 2 tiller pilots as autopilot and redundant autopilot. Offset mounting and the safety aspect of a hydrovane auxiliary rudder with only your continuous line to set vane angle on the worm gear pulley makes for a safe uncluttered cockpit with a second way to steer the boat. No brainer for a solo or shorthanded crew

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

wow, thank you for informative review, and hope it all works out for you, thanks for watching

[@jonnorousseau3096]

@@searchingforcoconuts2248going to CT month end to fetch my Van De Stadt 34', the other factor re auxiliary rudder vanes is that I didn't mention, and this is a biggie for cable and quadrant helm steered boats is that you have ZERO wear on your main ship's steering gear, balance the boat, lock the helm and the vane takes over, better for the main steerage gear and vane as you'd already have balanced the main rudder so it's balanced and static so the vane doesn't have to take up the intrinsic weather/lee helm tendencies of the boat so the wear on the control head/gearing is reduced. Win win, for my boat a monitor is 74K and a hydrovane is 93K but I'm skeg hung tiller steered with a Scanmar Pelagic tiller pilot and a second redundant autohelm so no wear on cables etc and Scanmar make the monitor SP vane, also 8 tons of steel welded together, I'm not likely to lose the rudder and steerage. 19K is my new liferaft BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND 😂😂😂

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

@@jonnorousseau3096 my guess is you're talking Rands...? Thanks for the additional info, good luck and enjoy Cape Town

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

@@jonnorousseau3096 great information again, thank you... Had my eye on a Van De Stadt '34 situated in CT, but due to lockdown etc. never got around to looking at her last year

[@pl7868]

A well balanced boat will sail with the rudder tied off when cruising so start with that

[@AdventuresInParadise]

What software are the graphics made in? Very impressive!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Hi again. I use Blender 3D, which is amazing, yet free software... www.blender.org

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

Thanks for the walkthrough, I've been thinking of adding a windsteer system to my 30' Newport once it's done, mine has a advantage of still having it's original thru deck tiller mount as well as the original wheel mount, I've been thinking how to mount the wind vane on top of the arch I'm building and running a detachable connector to the tiller mount.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

I see your project is up and running, wish you all the best. Would like to assist and offer advice but someone needs to be physically there to check your options. Good luck with the channel and your adventures

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

@@searchingforcoconuts2248 appreciate it, thank you

[@devilspin6649]

Thanks for the instructive video! Which system would you recommend for an old Yamaha 33 and ocean crossing?

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you, appreciate the comments... best advice I can give is to check out for any forums where other Yamaha 33 owners can offer some input. I'm guessing most of these will be situated in Asia.

[@johnsherwin1104]

Peg gears (wood dowels), levers and captive chord are a simple low tech solutions.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

awesome input, thanks for sharing

[@jlsinchina]

Great job using graphics to explain something that's difficult to understand for most non sailors.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Thanks Jimmy for taking the time to add such great feedback

[@jjordii71]

Ideas on self steering rudder are so much clear now. However, I do not understant what makes this system so expensive? Thanks for the video!

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

Once it has a manufacturers stamp or logo on it, the price goes through the roof.... many of the earliest systems were self-made and still today there are online guides and plans on how to make your own

[@protonneutron9046]

YOU cannot get in trouble for showing "trade secrets" as anything sold is able to be taken apart and shown.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

basically what I should have said, but would have taken too long, is that I don't want to be responsible for someone trying to make one after watching this video. If they somehow got it wrong, fingers might be pointed my way. Thanks for watching and contributing, much appreciated

[@SVBLUEBELL]

❤

[@HarksModding]

Great video thank you. Iv decided on an auxiliary rudder system. better to have an emergency option, The other systems confuse me too much my cockpit is just a maze of sheets and pullies already better not have more lol

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for your great comments and good luck in your installation

[@vf12497439]

Thanks for this video. Im interested in sailing but have never been on a sail boat. After seeing videos I questioned... how does that work? I've learned quite a bit watching videos.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for your great comments, and we sure hope you are able to get on a boat sometime soon, keep us updated

[@carlthor91]

The auxiliary ruder vane system, has been installed on 65 footers with success, it is not just suitable for mid range to smaller boats. If requested I will put the URL in a reply.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thanks for the input, we appreciate any feedback and any links

[@hellkell8693]

Really nice videos. Thank you for making them. The only suggestion I’d make is I think the voice audio needs a little improvement.

[@searchingforcoconuts2248]

thank you for your comments and recommendations.... fortunately, audio skills improve as the videos progress

[@cigarmann]

as engineer whom normally relies on my right brain.....this appealed to my left!