Small boats take extra careful consideration for everything. I decided I needed a self-steering mechanism but weight, space, and cost were all major considerations.

After much research, measuring, and envisioning, I decided on a Windpilot Pacific Light. With a bit of luck to boot, the installation and fit seemed to have worked out so far. Everything is in exactly the only place it could go, but it seems to be good enough.

I have tested the vane inshore and offshore with success.

There may be a future Resourceful Sailor article regarding more detail on the reasoning, selection, and installation of the unit. We’ll see. For now I will document and share these photos with the manufacturer to see if there are any suggestions for improvement which might(and can) be undertaken.

All photos Copyright 2023 Joshua Wheeler