Hi All-  I got a vane unit in a batch of stuff that I recently purchased for my Westsail-  I am trying to figure out a brand/model/etc.  The gear is stamped "England" but otherwise has no identifying marks.  Any one recognize it?  Thanks!

https://goo.gl/photos/5XbdCUq3Uat4HiMN6

John

I have one of those. It is an early Aries 'Bronze & Stainless' model and it's excellent... works like a dream. They were 'handcrafted' and built like a tank. I once was med moored and a wake lifted the stern up onto the dock and it snapped a 2X12 gangplank like a pop sickle stick. No damage to the wind vane at all.  It cost Aries more to make them than they could sell them for so only about 400 were made.

Some parts are interchangeable with later model (rudder, sacrificial joint, sail).  If you have any other parts missing it will be virtually impossible to find replacements unless you can find a 'salvaged' one you can raid for the part(s) you need.  Otherwise it's off to the foundry and/or machinist you go.

I have no pics tat would be helpful. I can take some details/closeups but I've never been successful sharing pics on this site.  Maybe if you email me (see member area for my email addy) I can send them to you that way.

Yes, there is a large SS tube that fits into the vane. The tube extends forward (toward the bow) into a bronze 'T' adapter. On each side of the 'T' are two smaller SS tubes (1 1/2 - 2") that fit into bronze supports that are each bolted to the boomkins. Between the vane itself and the T-adapter is a bronze support that clamps around the large diameter tube and bolts to the SS boomkin crosspiece (where the aft shroud is attached).

Of course the mounts (mid support, 'T' adapter and boomkin supports) could be stainless and not bronze but would require a machinist to fabricate. Unless you have a connection you might be looking at as much to fabricate a mount as it would be to buy a more current model.

There is a public Aries windvane group on FaceBook. I've seen the Bronze & SS model on it a couple times. Might be someone with some spare parts lurking there.

I took some pics but lightening struck the marina a few days ago and took out the marina WiFi and generator and as usual during the rainy season the power is down as well. I'm posting this on laptop battery power while sneaking WiFi from the marina next door.  (or as we like to say, just another day in the 3rd world).  I'll get them to you soon

"Pics of the mounting of a Aries Bronze & Stainless model"