Hebridean self steering on a Hurley 22
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- This was the first sea trial of my Hebridean servo-pendulum self steering system designed by John Fleming. Building was done in garage using basic hand tool and took around three months to complete fully over winter. The wood used in this build was white ash which is extremely tough and shock resistant, the only downside to using ash is its reaction to moisture, for this reason all wooden parts have had eight coats of marine grade varnish.
For more information on the Hebridean self steering system visit
www.windvanesel...
A derivative of the servo-trim tab principle invented by Blondie Hasler, servo-pendulum self steering gear uses the speed of the yacht going through the water to push against the servo-paddle, creating a substantial force, which is then transferred to the yacht’s own tiller or wheel by control lines. The wind itself does not provide the power for the steering; rather it adjusts the angle of the paddle, relying on the hydro-mechanical energy of the boat going through the water to do the work of steering the boat. The secret of the wind vane’s success (and sensitivity) is the horizontal axis about which the vane deflects. All other wind vanes deflect around 20 degrees from the horizon which is why they ‘feather’. Existing wind vanes ‘feather’ into wind when they deflect. This limits vane deflection whatever the wind strength, but is necessary to damp the vane.
The Hebridean is different. The vane only ‘feathers when the pendulum blade swings. Only then is the vane damped to stop over-steering. Until then vane deflection is not limited.
It's interesting how the feathering on this unit is accomplished. It all relies on the inclination of the pivot axis of the pendulum blade (unlike most/all others where the pendulum pivots about a horizontal axis). This ensures the paddle feather towards the forward direction as it tilts over.
Sam T,
Looks good!
You've just saved me a lot of money!!
Thank you very much!
Very cool video ⛵️👍
Hi Sam
Just going over some of your old posts for something to do..
Like you do..
Just wondering what your thoughts are now on this steering system?
I've not had any issues with it, it works and I don't need to have it mounted permanently to the transom. For shorter trips I use a electronic tiller pilot.
I notice you've not been using the Hebridean in more recent videos - I'm just wondering why? I'm in the Blackwater and considering getting one - is it just that the electric is more convenient or less faff?
Its a bit overkill for use on local areas and probably wouldn't be that effective due to regular deviations in wind direcrion and strenths. I'm also less inclined to use it in areas where there are lots of navigational hazards as a change in wind direction wouldn't be just an inconvenience but become a significant risk. Long distance with little in the way of obstacles its a dream.
@Sam Sails Thanks for the reply...I think it'll be useful and I love the whole principle of holding a course relative to the wind by the wind. How did you find assembly? I'm a bit handy but no carpenter!
What's the approximate cost of materials and how many hours would you say?
Approx £700 a few weeks part time.
Do you sell them? Or the plans?
Hi Charlie, you can buy the plans from the hebridean website, thanks for watching. 👍