This J29 Sailboat Weathervane was first commissioned as a 90th birthday present to a fellow sailor by a group of friends who had both sailed and raced with him on Lake Michigan for decades. The copper sculpture piece is fabricated in swell-bodied style for the boat while the billowing sails are in silhouette, meaning a single sheet of copper. Optional gold leaf was requested for the sail markings, and palladium leaf to demarcate the water line. Included in the price is the name of the boat in gold leaf on the hull. As the copper darkens over time, the gold leafed lettering will stand out in nice contrast. The addition of a Security Device was requested because of the high winds in the vicinity of the lake.

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.