Monitor Manual

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3 Installing the Monitor

3.2.5 Name Boards and Swim Ladders

Some owners let the position of a name board or swim ladder, etc., dictate the location of the vane gear. This, definitely, is a faulty order of priorities if you intend to make serious use of your self-steering gear. The MONITOR tirelessly performs the work of several crewmembers. Its importance can only be appreciated by sailing a passage with the gear and one without it. The correct positioning of the vane is of greater importance than that of convenience and embellishment. Usually the MONITOR attachment tubes can be bent or welded so that the vane gear can be correctly mounted without disturbing name boards, ladders and even open transoms. 

Ladders can often be relocated on the transom to the side of the MONITOR. A welder can easily modify a wide ladder and make it narrower. We also like to point out that, traditionally, the best location for the swim ladder has been midships. DO NOT let your swim ladder dictate the location of your windvane.

Next >> 3.3 Standard Frame Installation Checklist