Hebridean Self Steering Wind Vane

24/04/2026

In the trades with the Hebridean

93 likes, 11 comments. "Crossing the Pacific on a 29ft Sailboat | Day 8 - 16"

10/04/2026

Heading across the Pacific with the Hebridean

We begin our passage across the Pacific to French Polynesia!https://www.patreon.com/cw/SlowlySomewhere

17/01/2026

Here is how John Fleming (the Hebridean's late designer) stowed the unit (with folded outriggers) by securing it to the lifelines when not in use. His 10 metre yacht, 'Sleepy Eagle' (a Pioneer 10 here pictured at Kinlochbervie on a return leg south from the Faroes) has a low freeboard (approximately 600mm or 2 feet). But the pendulum blade can be built longer by up to an additional 400mm to accommodate yachts with up to 1m of stern freeboard.

16/11/2025

Thank you .Somewhere for showing your wind vane.

Link to the Hebridean website: https://windvaneselfsteering.co.uk/We also wanted to mention that we aren't affiliated with Hebridean, we simply love the desi...

30/01/2025

Euan Denman's video clip (from aboard Imagination) of the late John Fleming (designer of the Hebridean) requesting a cup of tea as we headed north in company for the Faroes in May 2016.

16/01/2025

Chris Ratcliffe's clever Hebridean frame build and line routing (transom-hung rudder with frame), Port Philip bay.

An afternoon sail in 10 to 15 knots on Port Phillip Bay

06/01/2025

Dolphin turned on by the Hebridean...

Jump on board with us with extra content AND ad-free videos ~ Support our Production▸patreon.com/SailingMaalieHarbour Bar Navigation - https://www.marinha.pt...

02/09/2024

Practical Boat Owner Magazine October 2024 issue is out now (29 August) featuring its ultimate guide to wind vane steering systems — including the Hebridean.

Ultimate guide to wind vane steering systems, Offshore gear for small boats, How to winterise your engine, 10 low-cost solutions for anti-slip decks, the best apps for sailors and MORE! Order the October 2024 issue online now Buy a single issue delivered to your door! OR buy a single issue to downlo...

10/08/2024

The next issue of Practical Boat Owner (going to press Monday) features Ali Wood's 6-page Wind Vane Steering Buyers' Guide.

PBO has always had positive things to say about the Hebridean and it is great to see its inclusion once again as a respected little brother within the family of established providers, worldwide.

That is not only down to the ingenious, innovative design skills of the late John Fleming, but also the craftsmanship and motivation of each Hebridean builder. Without their wish to witness their very own invisible Hebridean helmsman at work – a magical experience when first seen – there would be none.

Thank you PBO and all Hebridean builders.

"In Last year's Jester Challenge, PBO’s Jake Kavanagh spotted many popular designs of wind vane, ranging from the top-end Hydrovane, to the budget-priced Hebridean..."

The Hebridean Case Study reads:

"John Fleming designed the Hebridean specifically for DIY construction, keeping parts simple for remote maintenance. Innovative features include his single unit vane-pendulum assembly, bypassing the need for a gear to link them. The traditional separated arrangement is replaced with a simplified structure which swivels in its entirety around a single attachment point. The simplified design geometry cleverly incorporates a horizontal vane axle (not offset, but feathered as the unit swings) for optimum response and sensitivity...

"Former PBO editor Dave Pugh tested the Hebridean wind vane built by readers Jeff Glass and Jerry Harrison using American oak from a local supplier. When Dave joined them in Lowestoft on a Jaguar 25, he reported, 'I’m impressed. Our test was only short, but the Hebridean seems to offer a powerful, reliable self-steering system at a fraction of the cost of an off-the-peg model. If you value peace, maintainability and battery charge, this is worth a look.' "

Practical Boat Owner Magazine Online combines a vast, easily-navigated, searchable database of boats for sale and marine products and services with the editorial excellence of Britain's biggest selling yachting magazine

22/07/2024

Here is the Hebridean's swivel pin (it is bolted to the frame) and the socket in which the whole unit rotates. All provided in the kit.

Builders have to decide the best way to make a clamp to mount the socket on their particular vessel. Usually this consists of a 50mm thick hardwood block bolted to the transom either side 30mm apart (can be marine stainless steel). Several design options are included in the plans.

An M8 bolt forms a horizontal pivot via one of the holes provided, allowing the unit to be raised out of the water. Another horizontal bolt through the mount forms a 'stop' to seat the socket and pin at 45 degrees in operation.