Electronic autopilots and windvane self-steering systems have long freed sailors from the grind of hand-steering, particularly on long coastal passages or multi-week offshore crossings. With today’s technology, cruisers have a wealth of options to choose from—whether it’s a push-button tiller pilot for a weekend cruise to Catalina or a rugged windvane system capable of steering a vessel halfway around the world without drawing a single amp of power.
For coastal cruising and short-handed crews, electronic autopilots remain the go-to choice. Tiller pilots like the Simrad Tiller Pilot 22 and Raymarine ST2000+ provide simple, standalone solutions for vessels under 34 feet. These systems are compact, relatively easy to install, and can be configured to steer using GPS or wind input. Wheel pilots like the Raymarine EV-100 build on this simplicity by providing automatic helm control for mechanically steered vessels, making them ideal for longer nearshore passages.
Once a vessel reaches the size and displacement of a serious offshore cruiser—over 40 feet in length and above 10 tons—more robust below-deck autopilot systems come into play. These include mechanical linear drives, hydraulic rams, or rotary drives that connect directly to the rudder shaft or quadrant. High-end systems like Garmin’s GHP Reactor with Shadow Drive or Simrad’s integrated autopilots offer powerful and adaptive steering automation, often integrated with multifunction chartplotters. While these systems deliver high performance, they’re dependent on electricity, making a backup steering method essential for safety.
That’s where windvane self-steering systems shine—and according to Sarah Curry of Hydrovane International Marine Inc., their resurgence is being driven by a new generation of offshore cruisers looking for reliability, simplicity, and independence from power-hungry electronics.
“There are three major differences,” Curry told The Log, when asked to compare a Hydrovane system to an electronic autopilot. “Power draw—an electronic autopilot is constantly using battery power, whereas a windvane is purely mechanical in operation. Ie, windvanes draw no power.”
In addition to being power-free, the course-setting logic between the two systems differs. “Autopilots are often steering to a compass course, although some now offer a wind mode,” she said. “Windvanes steer a wind-based course: you set your Vane at an angle to the wind (on the point of sail of your desired heading) and it will keep you on that angle to the wind until you adjust it. Your boat is always trimmed properly and sailing efficiently.” Curry also emphasized their performance in heavy conditions: “The windier it gets, the better windvanes perform. A windvane mechanical issue is usually easy to identify and resolve, whereas electronic issues can be more difficult to diagnose and fix at sea.”
Among windvane options on the market—like Aries, Monitor, Cape Horn, and Fleming—the Hydrovane stands out for its unique design. Rather than rely on a servo-pendulum connected to the vessel’s main steering, the Hydrovane operates as an entirely independent auxiliary rudder system. This means that even in a worst-case scenario, such as losing a primary rudder, the Hydrovane can take full control of steering duties. It’s this backup capability that continues to make it a favorite among long-distance voyagers.
“Reliable self-steering makes the difference between a good passage and a challenging one,” Curry said. “The Hydrovane steers tirelessly for hours, days, and weeks on end—often not creating much of a story to tell. But when there is a need for emergency steering, accolades are most definitely due.” She recalled a recent case when a Jeanneau SO 43 sailing to Bermuda collided with an unknown object at 2:30 a.m., resulting in the total loss of the main rudder. With 10-foot seas and rising wind, the two sailors on board used the Hydrovane’s rudder to steer the remaining 500 nautical miles safely to Bermuda. “The boat owner attested: ‘Without the Hydrovane, I wouldn’t have a ship today. It’s as simple as that.’”
Windvane systems aren’t just for bluewater veterans. Curry noted that cruisers planning even one or two 24-hour passages—and especially those sailing shorthanded—can benefit. “Cruising sailboats with planned passages of 24hr+, coastal or offshore. Shorthanded crew with planned passages of any length will also benefit.”
The Hydrovane itself has evolved alongside the boats it steers. “The Hydrovane has evolved to steer modern cruising boats that are, on average, bigger and faster than sailboats 50 years ago when windvanes were first commercialized,” Curry said. “Hydrovane now uses stronger materials, a more powerful Rudder and Vane, and almost every part has been reviewed and redesigned.” She pointed to one recent update aimed at smaller boats: “We are particularly excited about a new short Rudder on offer. It is a smaller, lightweight Rudder model that helps bring the cost down for the smaller cruising boats still out there.”
For sailors trying to decide between an autopilot, windvane, or both, the best answer may depend on where you’re headed—and for how long. Many experienced offshore cruisers carry both systems: an autopilot for motoring or light wind conditions, and a windvane for when the breeze picks up offshore.
“Having redundancy and backup for your steering systems is one of the most important preparations for offshore passage making,” Curry advised. “Research the various self steering options. Consider the gear you already have near the transom—you should not have to give up dinghy davits or your swim platform for a windvane.”
Whether you’re headed for Catalina or across the Pacific, the right self-steering system can mean the difference between exhaustion and enjoyment. Do your research, talk to other cruisers, and make sure your vessel is equipped to keep you on course—no matter what lies ahead.
