Hydrovane

[Tim_Bennett]

I'm thinking of fitting Hydrovane Self Steering because there's no lines running into the cockpit. Would probably mount it just off centre to keep clear of my transom boarding ladder. Anyone use one? Any problems?
Many thanks, Tim

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[temptress]

I had one on my last boat and have done several deliveries with them.

No problems - i think they are great but do ont have onbe on my current boat as i think it's too large for the hydrovane to cope with.

What type of boat do you have?

<hr width=100% size=1>Temptress of Down
Southsea Marina
Hants

http://hometown.aol.com/temptressofdown

 

[rallyveteran]

I circumnavigated with a Hydrovane but found we only used it when the autopilot packed up because we displaced over 40,000 pounds and used to yaw too much for our sailplan when going downwind in the ocean (which was the general idea). On the wind it worked just fine.

Now selling it for GBP 1500. It has an X shaft, the longest of the four.

Rallyveteran

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[Sea Devil]

I too have circumnavigated with one and found it excellent. Had a Windpilot on the previous boat and an Aeries on the one before but found the Hydrovane out perfomed the other two

<hr width=100% size=1>If you have time please visit my web site -
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing>http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing</A>

 

[RPC]

You can review a full list of all windvanes made worlwide here

Have you visited the Blue Water Cruising Site <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.onpassage.com>http://www.onpassage.com ?

 

[ChrisE]

You might like to look at the annual review of ARC kit which YW published on this web site. From memory the Monitor is the most popular with least problems but like boats each make of windvane has its own advocats and detractors.

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[Danthegorrila]

Hi,

We fitted a Hydrovane a few years ago for exactly the same reasons you state.
I mounted it about 6" off centre for various reasons. The instructions say it can be upto about a foot off centre, but check with them.

It works OK, but as some people have said, it is questionalbe how much you use it unless crossing oceans. In 4,800miles from Scotland to Greece (via Biscay) it has done about 2 days the rest thae auto pilot has done, but I'm glad its there as a back up and the Hydrovane as some sort of back up rudder.

Hope this helps.



<hr width=100% size=1>PB