Boat Forum / Building / February 2007

hi all,
Ive been browsing the US patent database and looking at pictures, thinking
about building a windvane for a thunderbird 26.  partly because of the cost,
and partly just for something to do.  building it shouldnt be too hard for
me, i have plenty of time, access to materials and a cheap supply of
expertise and labour who are willing to work for beer.

what im wondering is about materials....  is stainless the only way to go,
or is brass a better option for some parts (gears?) .  Are the gears on the
commercial units made of stainlesss?  for bearings, are the plastic type
that are sealed or lubricated by water appropriate?  are the shaft sections
generally a standard hollow section, or are they a heavy wall thickness?

Thanks,
Shaun