Proven​

The Auto-Helm windvane became part of the Scanmar windvane family in 1988. A proven self-steering gear for more than a decade it has since been improved and refined. It earns its excellent reputation from countless ocean crossings and circumnavigations. Today’s auto-helm windvane is thoroughly tested and perfected.

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Superior Auxiliary Rudder Principle

The airvane develops information for course corrections. Because of the limited power of the airvane, the signal has to be amplified. Rather than connecting the airvane directly to the auxiliary rudder, the airvane controls the trimtab. Even though it is small, it has ample power to turn the auxiliary rudder.

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Emergency Rudder

The auto-helm is a true emergency rudder which will effectively steer your boat back to port in case of main rudder failure. The semi-balanced auto-helm rudder is strong and efficient with a low drag, high lift profile.

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No Lines in the Cockpit

The auto-helm windvane is not connected to the boat’s wheel or tiller. It is completely independent of the boat’s steering system leaving the cockpit uncluttered.

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Superior Light Wind Performance

This self-contained windvane provides outstanding light air performance. It avoids the friction of the boat’s own steering system and much larger rudder area. As long as the boat is moving through the water, the auto-helm will literally "ghost" the boat along in light winds.

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Directional and Downwind Stability

The directional stability of the boat, especially in heavy downwind conditions, is significantly improved because of the aft location of the auto-helm rudder. The extra rudder has a stabilizing and tracking effect of the boat.

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Adjustable Airvane

The horizontal axis airvane is most powerful in the the vertical position. By pulling the airvane down towards the horizontal position, it can be easily reefed to control the power of the trimtab. When clearance for the mizzen boom is needed, the airvane can be pulled all the way down.

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Autopilot Control

A small, inexpensive, electronic tiller-pilot can be rigged up to the counterweight of the auto-helm windvane. Instead

of the airvane moving the trimtab, the electric autopilot will move it with minimum power consumption. To minimize

interference the airvane is reefed to a horizontal position. This is an excellent set up for motoring or when sailing a close

compass course.

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Versatile Installation

The auto-helm comes in two halves - the airvane (upper) unit and the rudder (lower) unit. The two units can be totally

separated, with the only connection being a wire running through a friction free teflon tube. The rudder can be mounted

at the ideal height and the airvane higher up, where it gets the best wind. It is possible to avoid interference of davits,

radar mast and other obstructions. The auto-helm windvane’s customized attachment system makes installation easy

on most boats. Installation plans for hundreds of cruising boats are on file. Send us as much information as possible

about your boat. We will make an installation drawing and mounting recommendation at no charge or obligation.

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Material

All rudder support parts in the lower rudder unit are made of stainless steel. The rudder and trimtab are hand laid,

fiberglass laminates filled with closed cell, high density, polyurethane foam. The upper airvane unit is made of hard

anodized 6061-T6, marine grade aluminum.

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Weight

Upper airvane unit weighs 17 lbs (8 kg). Mounting hardware to the rudder is about 15 lbs (7 kg). True installed weight is only 32 lbs (14.5 kg) due to the reserve buoyance of the rudder.

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