- Sizing
- Installation
- Personalization
- Metal Choices
- How To Order
- *Pricing varies depending on the installation rod selected, any design modifications, and the options chosen.
West Coast Weather Vanes specializes in custom copper weathervanes and many of our sailboat weathervane designs begin as commissions from boat owners passionate about their crafts. In fact, this Melges E Scow Weathervane is one of several nautical sculpture pieces ordered by a customer who is an avid boating, sailing, enthusiast. In fact, he loves any finely crafted vessel that goes fast over the water. Among others, he also commissioned an Extra Large Gaff Rigged Yawl Weathervane, to be mounted on a cupola of his home.
Gaff Rigged Yawl Weathervane
Included in the price is the name of the boat in gold leafed on the hull. As the copper darkens over time, the gold leafed lettering will stand out in nice contrast.
If you have colored sails with distinctive markings or stripes we can use optional gold and/or palladium leafing to match them. We can also add an inscription on the hull or bar, if that is your preference.
When ordering a custom sailboat weathervane, we are often able to reduce the design fee if detailed schematic drawings are available. Also helpful for personalizing are detailed photos of the actual sailboat including the insignia, detailing, interiors, etc. Often overlooked by customers are detailed photos of the underside of the sailboat. This is an important view when looking up at a weathervane. If actual scaled down models are available, we often find them helpful guides during the construction process.
Because the price of our weathervanes is based on how long it takes us to make them, another consideration is the degree of detail. Some of our sailboat weathervanes have cockpits, steering wheels, detailed sheets, etc. Some don’t. When mounted on a roof you look up at the weathervane and details like the cockpit and steering wheel may not be visible from this angle. If we eliminate these features or reduce them in complexity, we can reduce the cost of your weathervane accordingly.
One thing to remember, however, is that skillfully handcrafted copper weathervanes can last a very long time. A century or more is not unusual, and in that time they can become quite collectible. A weathervane may remain in the original location up on the roof or on a cupola for decades, or someone may take it down to display indoors as a piece of American Folk Art. If this is the case, details like the cockpit and steering wheel would be valued. Either way, since each vane is made to individual order, we can add or eliminate details based on our customer’s preference.