Doing up a hydrovane

[Mike Bryon]

I’ve just bought a second-hand hydrovane (def pre 2010 but think is post 1986). It’s obviously not going to come apart very easily. Would welcome recommendations on which penetrating/releasing oil best for the job.

Sadly, someone cut off the emergency steering tiller (why)! The bit that remains protrudes maybe 1cm and is going to be a job getting out. What process would you recommend?

It’s dirty and the alloy parts are oxidised. How do you recommend I clean it.

Otherwise, it works and moves freely.

Am waiting for quote from manufacture on a few missing bits. but advice from other users very welcomed.

 

[Tradewinds]

ACF50

 

[fredrussell]

The above, and heat. Use mapp gas and a plumbers torch.

 

[Mike Bryon]

I've ordered some ACF50 thanks, Fred any advice on which part to heat the alloy only or both alloy and stainless? Also how much heat and how many times? Lastly anyone got advice on best cleaning agent that won't spoil plastic bushes etc.
Thanks in anticipation of advice. Its really appreciated.

 

[capnsensible]

We got some minor damage to ours when a poorly handled boat bumped into it. Very apologetic and paid for repairs.

I emailed the manufacturer. They are a small group of dedicated experts. Got full advice on repair and parts shipped straight away. They are justly proud of their product.,try that?

 

[davethedog]

I will second Capn Sensible in that Hydrovane (the company) are brilliant with customer service etc

 

[Mike Bryon]

My queries are general that I suspect anyone with a mechanical or engineering background /experience of operating a hydrovane might know. I consider myself capable of deciding where or not to follow advice freely given.

Yes many people praise their customer service. In my op I said I’ve emailed them. So far this is the reply I’ve received:

'Thank you for your email. Our team is currently participating in the ARC+ Rally and will have limited access to email. I will be online periodically and answer each message in due course.'

 

[Mike Bryon]

Update in case you are thinking of a similar project

Turns out I bought a 80’s something (pre 86) Hydrovane for £800 and spent a further £500 on missing parts.

I hope it’s fair to say that I found Hydrovane reluctant to support units that predates 1986 and they say they have limited spares for the older models (although they had everything I needed).

I understand that their reluctance is [partly] due to the design changes made 86 onwards including bigger rudders and rudder stocks. They warn that older units have ‘lower strength and safety components that may mean performance in heavy weather may suffer’.

I think my gamble was worth it (I bought it unseen). The unit appears to have done very little work and a new one is priced at over £6K.

For what it’s worth I would recommend not paying too much for a pre 86 model. Before purchase check for missing parts and factor in the replacement cost or fact that you may not be able to source the missing parts! Also confirm the brackets and vane are right for your installation.

 

[Marco64]

I too went the second-hand way, and even after buying some upgraded components I spent roughly half the cost of a new unit. Luckily mine is a late 90s unit so compatible with all components / spares / parts in the current catalogue. I have nothing but praise for the assistance I got from the Hydrovane team.