Not currently on display at the V&A

Autohelm Plus

Electric Wind Vane Boat Steering Systems
1976-1977 (made)
Artist/Maker
Nautech Ltd (manufacturers)
Derek Fawcett (designer)
Place of origin
Great Britain (made)

Nautech was founded in 1974 by Derek Fawcett to produce auto-pilots under the Autohelm brand. Autohelm was acquired by Raytheon in 1990 and became Raymarine in 2001 after a management buyout.

Object details

Categories
Design Council Award Winner
Metalwork
Product Design
Tools & Equipment
Object type
Electric wind vane boat steering systems
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Connecting Rod With Halyard
  • Motor Housing
  • Vane
TitleAutohelm Plus (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Steel, powder coated and plastic
Steel
Plastic
Forging (Metal Forming)
Brief description
Autohelm and Autohelm Plus, electronic wind vane boat steering systems, designed by Derek Fawcett and manufactured by Nautech Ltd, 1976. Injection-moulded plastic with stainless steel and blade, and red anodised marine aluminium. Winner of the Design Council Award 1976.
Physical description
Autohelm and Autohelm Plus electronic wind vane boat steering systems for tiller steered yachts. Windvane and seperate electrically driven actuator for controlling the tiller.
Dimensions
  • Boxed height: 248mm (Note: Taken from the register.)
  • Boxed width: 168mm (Note: Taken from the register)
  • Boxed depth: 792mm (Note: Taken from the register.)
Style
20th Century Second Half
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Gift of the manufacturer
Object history
Historical significance: Winner of the Design Centre Award in 1976.
Summary
Nautech was founded in 1974 by Derek Fawcett to produce auto-pilots under the Autohelm brand. Autohelm was acquired by Raytheon in 1990 and became Raymarine in 2001 after a management buyout.

Other number
77/2144 - RF number
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
CIRC.124 to B-1977

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMay 3, 2011
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1194804/autohelm-plus-electric-wind-vane-derek-fawcett/
Download as: JSON