Home Mactra Marine Equipment Home News & Events Used Marine Equipment Yacht Surveys Testimonials Pricing Contact

Aries Windvanes Katadyn Watermakers Ocean Rower & Racer Schenker Watermakers Iridium Satellite Phones SCS Pactor Superwind Wind Generators

Introduction How It Works Bad Weather Problem Mounting Brackets Measuring for your Aries windvane gear Image Gallery Aries windvane website

MACTRA Marine Equipment - Aries Windvane Steering Gears

How it works

When the yacht goes off course, the plywood vane through its connection linkage rotates the servo rudder from dead ahead. The water flow forces the servo rudder to one side pulling the tiller or wheel. The servo rudder has only to pull the steering lines in order to steer.

It does not steer the yacht directly. The course is adjusted by pulling the course adjusting lines (called snaffle lines). These lines can be operated from inside the boat if desired.

Tiller Steering

The movement of the steering lines is connected to the tiller by a simple clamp (bronze casting) into which fits a length of chain. This arrangement allows an instant engagement or disengagement of the gear as well as having an adjustment for weather helm. It is impossible to steer by hand with the gear working and an instant disengagement is essential.

Wheel Steering

Instead of the steering lines being attached to a chain that locates on the tiller, the wheel steering version has the lines connecting to a hub bolted onto the vessel's wheel.

Run the lines parallel on one side (you can choose). Connect the steering lines with lines from drum with shackles. The Aries universal block is optional. You can also use normal blocks. The drum features a quick release clutch in the form of a handle enabling disengagement of the Aries instantly.

Hydraulic Steering

It is generally considered that an Aries cannot be used on a vessel with hydraulic steering. This is not so. As long as there is no 'creep' in the system an Aries can be used. By 'creep' we mean that your wheel does not return to the same position every time. If you have 'creep' it must be removed before an Aries can be used to steer your vessel.

NEXT PAGE

Please note all prices shown on this site do not include VAT at 17.5%
Why not call for a chat - if we can help we will.
Contact us:
MACTRA MARINE
Unit 20, Worle Industrial Centre, Worle, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset, England BS22 6BX
Tel: +44 (0) 1934 517288 Fax: +44 (0) 1934 520684 E-mail: info@mactrashop.co.uk
© Mactra Marine Equipment


World Cruising Club website
(opens in new window)

Back to Top