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I've always been worried about the deck plug and socket on my boat. I use it to connect the autopilot, it is often awash when we are in heavy weather, and we all know that water and electricity don't get on. So why not fit something less vulnerable, something mechanical, something simple? Sounds an easy question, but is it?
 A Sea Feather wind vane, self steering for the smaller boat!
What are the arguments for choosing one over the other?
A wind vane is mechanical and therefore less prone to failure. Well, up to a point. They are actually quite complicated with specialised gears made from a cast alloy. These are often only available from the original manufacturer, if they fail in some foreign part, you could be waiting a long time for the replacement to arrive.
Sure some parts of the mechanical steering gear are capable of repair. But even here the services of an engineer are likely to be needed, unless of course you happen to be one. It is still true though that in theory a mechanical system is more likely to be reliable when the sea is having its wicked way with you.
Another thing, on a boat the electricity bill is not payable for steering services. The wind and water do that job for you. The wind vane just needs setting up and away you go. Not quite, when the wind angle changes, gears need to be reset, not always easy if the weather is rough and you have to lean out over the back end. Some of course can be adjusted via control lines but it is slightly more complicated than pressing a button.
They don't work on all yachts and they are more expensive initially than the alternative. Lastly if this matters to you, they stick out like a sore thumb. So far I've not seen an elegant solution that enhances the appearance of a boat. But that is perhaps the least important argument against. A long night at the helm rather than comfort below is a pretty good reason for having one even if they don't make a pretty sight.
OK so what about an autopilot?
The first reason is the sheer simplicity of being able to set a course, and your friend, often given names like George or Malcolm, is quietly making the sort of tiny adjustments no human helm could possibly achieve. Change your mind and alter course, press the button and instant obedience. Lovely, but at what cost? You can sum that up in one word: electricity. They've certainly improved over the years with consumption dropping and compared to other delights such as a refrigerator they are less thirsty beasts. Even the humble tricolour will eat up the stuff and if all three are going at the same time, make sure that some form of replenishment is arranged.
This does not have to be the battery. Solar panels and wind generators can do the job, but of course this all adds to the cost. Solar panels are probably the best bet unless you constantly sail in the rain like me. The wind generator is another ugly bit of kit and comes with the added attraction of being great for slicing of bits of the crew if they are not careful.
We've pointed out the lack of empathy between water and electricity, so something more robust than my deck arrangement is definitely a good idea. Even so, all in all I think I'm moving in the direction of the ease and convenience of the autopilot, probably because my sailing tends to be of the modest sort. I guess if my next cruise includes crossing the Atlantic then the mechanical man might well be asked to join the crew.
Another alternative might well be belt and braces. No I'm not coming up with an elasticated device of my own invention. I'm thinking why not have both? In an ideal world where cost is not an issue, I think I'd go for the convenience and the reliability of both systems. Horses for courses, (that's one of the few clichés that doest seem to have a nautical history), None the worse for that.
So that's it, the answer to the question “which is best?” is both. There, I've not offended anyone!
You can make up your own mind and you can't blame me if you make the wrong choice.
Thanks for the photograph to: www.sea-feather.com
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