Earlier in the year, Seb (Mischief) asked about self-steering gear on a Folksong. He was interested in a bracket to carry it.
I know he has now fitted a Hasler gear and has since sailed from the Tamar to Portsmouth with it, so I hope to hear how he got on.
In the meantime, this is the gear I picked for Blue Mistress – the Windpilot Pacific Light.
One of the reasons I like the Folksong is that there are no predetermined class rules. You have to make up your own mind. So, having decided which self-steering would suit me, then comes the problem of how to mount it on the stern with a rudder post that stretches as far aft of the transom as that on the Folksong?
This is what we eventually decided:
The Pacific Light is relatively simple to fit on most boats and Peter Foerthman of Windpilot is immensely helpful. However, there are always problems to overcome in any project like this. If anyone with a Folksong would like more detail, let me know.
There is a learning curve. I have already discovered a great deal about sail balance using the gear . . . but there is a long way to go, and, as only way to learn is to get out there and do it, I am going to keep Blue Mistress in the water through the winter and stick at it.
Beyond Steeple Point 
Hello Bill, please excuse me for probably posting in the wrong section. I am hoping to get in touch with you regarding questions about a Folksong I wish to purchase.
Best Regards Chris
Hi Bill, just saw your boat modelling the windvane on the manufacturer’s site, but listed as a Folksong 28! Maybe now it’s got this extension… Hope no marina owners see that. Gulp.
How are you finding the vane gear now?
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Hi Bill, just a quick question with regards to your pacific light installation. I also have a folksong up here in Scotland (seeker) and I’m looking to fit a pacific light to the boat too. I noticed on your bracket that it looks like you decided to raise the mounting of the Windvane from your original 4 holes on the stainless mounting plate. Was there a reason for this? Was the servo paddle too deep in the water, or does the gear perform better in the higher position? I read on the wind pilot website that the eye for the steering lines should be close to deck level as possible. I’m trying to get measurements for making a mounting bracket before I take the boat home to Shetland (from the Clyde). Thanks in advance! Best regards, Euan