This book shows how to choose, buy, build, install, maintain, repair, and use a windvane self-steerer. When you're cruising shorthanded, you can't always be at the helm. A windvane self-steering system is the most reliable means of steering your small vessel on long ocean passages--and it doesn't use one amp of your precious electrical power."The Windvane Self-Steering Handbook" is the definitive guide to every aspect of sailing and working with the long-distance sailor's best friend. Veteran sailor Bill Morris points out the mechanical and navigational advantages of vane steering systems; provides an overview of available products, complete with sizes, prices, and contact information; and shows you how to install, maintain, repair, and modify vane gears for best performance. In this practical guide you'll find: lucid explanations of how vane gears work; an easy-to-implement discussion of how to match a vane design with your boat; invaluable instructions for how to sail with a windvane - settings, sail trim, etc.; a look at ten commercially available vane gear systems; diagrams and instructions for a home-built unit; and, instructions for customizing vane gears for optimum performance.