HOW
IT WORKS
The NORVANE works on a servo-pendulum system, which is generally
accepted as being the most efficient means of self steering. It
is completely mechanical, powered only by wind & water and
uses the vessel’s existing steering system to steer the boat.
It does not need any electricity therefore will not flatten your
batteries. The NORVANE is strong and powerful and can steer the
vessel better than most helmsmen in all weather conditions. In
fact the harder it blows the better it works
The NORVANE is easy to operate. It connects to the vessel’s
existing steering system by means of lines running from the unit
to the tiller or wheel. Once the sails are trimmed and the boat
is balanced and set on the desired course, the NORVANE is engaged
and will then take over the steering of the vessel; when there
is a change in the apparent wind and the boat wonders off course
the wind blade follows the direction of the wind and is pushed
to one side, forcing it to activate the gears to turn the servo-rudder.
At the same time the action on the servo-rudder by the water flowing
past the hull will swing it up to one or other side; this action
pulls the lines connected to the steering, bringing the vessel
back on the set heading.
To set the NORVANE, the course setting knob should be turned until
the counterweight faces into the apparent wind [in this position
there is equal wind pressure on either side of the wind blade,
keeping it in a neutral, upright position and the servo-rudder
will be trailing in a perpendicular position behind the boat. The
lines are then fastened to the wheel drum or tiller [making them
as tight as possible] The NORVANE is then engaged and takes over
the steering of the vessel. A line can be attached to the dial
so that the course can be adjusted from the comfort of the cockpit
or any other convenient position on the boat.
The counter-weight, which ensures proper balance, can easily and
quickly be adjusted so as to fine tune to suit wind and water conditions.
It can be raised or lowered by removing only one pin and one circular
cotter.
Downwind sailing in light air is one of the biggest challenges
for any wind vane steering system; however, if the boat is well
balanced, the NORVANE can handle this problem better than most
other vanes because of the adjustable counter-weight. If there
is little or no wind and it becomes necessary to motor sail, a
small, inexpensive, electronic tiller pilot can be attached between
the push-pit handrail and the NORVANE foil holder. With this arrangement
the energy required to steer the boat will then come from the NORVANE
servo-rudder passing through the water and not from the ship’s
batteries.
The NORVANE, as with all wind vanes, requires supervision. A change
in the wind will require re-trimming to stay on course.
THE SERVO-ARM CAN MOVE WITH EXTREME
FORCE AND CAUSE INJURY.
KEEP HANDS CLEAR WHILE VANE IS WORKING
Neither the manufacturer nor seller shall be liable
for any damage to the vessel, persons, or property
due to failure
or misuse of our product.
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