Lewis Ready To Test
After some pretty solid work sessions I’ve now got ‘Lewis’ finished and mounted on the stern and I’ve figured out the connection to the tiller bar. From what I can see it should work but I won’t know until next month when we finally get back out sailing.
I’ve put a pin in the tiller bar and I’m using a length of chain so that I can make adjustments and release it quickly if I need to take back control. I re-positioned the wheel steering line tensioning pulley so that it’s near to the self-steering base which means I can disconnect Lewis and re-tension the wheel steering in a few seconds.
Darren asked why I chose this Hebridean design over JWD’s own self-steering. Well firstly I’ve had some experience with similar versions and frankly I never found them particularly effective, to be fair it was probably down to user error but I just didn’t fancy repeating the experience. I like the fact that the Hebridean is light and that it can be easily removed and stowed on deck but really it just boils down to a gut feeling that the vane would be right for ‘Gleda’. I might be wrong, we’ll soon find out!
In between working on ‘Lewis’ I’ve also done a lot of work inside the pod, more about that next time.
Hi Neil,
Just wanted to let you know that having followed your blog since you started it, I have since gone back and started reading from start to finish, like a book.
It’s just really inspiring to see the perseverance and quality of work you’ve achieved.
So, you’ve built the boat, and you’re inspiring others (at least I’m inspired) with your writing.
All that’s left is crossing oceans in Gleda and you’ll have achieved what you set out to do.
Awesome job.
By the way, since the collapse of my building shed a few years back, and the subsequent sale of my Tiki 46 plans, I am now ready to actually build my boat and will be back on track this summer.
The 46 is too big, the Tiki 30 is too small. So, it looks like I’ll go ahead and build the 38. Hope to see you on the water and voyaging soon.
Take care,
Bob
Hey Bob, great to hear that your V2 build project is about to start. If I’ve in some small way played a part in getting you there then I’m very pleased, but given the challenges you’ve faced and overcome so far I don’t think perseverance will be an issue for you.
I wish you all the very best and I look forward to sailing with you someday soon.
Thank you for taking the time to reply , its appreciated 🙂
Hi Neil,
hope all is fine for you and your project,
i have been studying the Hebridean windvane the last weeks, and i would like to know if you had any additional feedback on the magic thing … as i’m considering building one for my good old Romanée “Moscatel”,
thanks in advance
Bruno
Hi Bruno
I’m still playing with the vane but I’ve no hesitation in recommending it for a monohull. The small problems I am experiencing are entirely down to the unusual positioning on ‘Gleda’.
It was fun to make, way cheaper than any alternative and, remember, it steered us across Biscay straight out of the gate.
Good luck
Great ! good enough to convince me !
fait winds !