Windvane - PBO editorial disclaimer?

[dgadee]

"As I said call Hydrovane to ask about sail and rudder sizes. My evidence is we have seen different size sails and rudders on different sized/weight boats, of which I have given an example or have you missed that?"

http://www.hydrovane.com/our-product/specifications/

 

[KellysEye]

>http://www.hydrovane.com/our-product/specifications/

If you look at the boats they all look a similar size. I do notice that nobody has called Hydrovane to ask what they need in terms of boat info to make one to order.

 

[elrig]

On a heeled boat the angle of the vane axis is also tilted , depending of the basic vane axis tilt angle , the heeling angle and the adjusted course angle between vane and yacht. The formula is given in the article, see the post of AMULET. This also yields for the Hebridean windvane.

Jan

Tilted yes but not feathered on the Hebridean. This difference must make a big difference in efficiency?

 

[dgadee]

>http://www.hydrovane.com/our-product/specifications/

If you look at the boats they all look a similar size. I do notice that nobody has called Hydrovane to ask what they need in terms of boat info to make one to order.

I see a hole and someone continuing to dig. You call them up.

 

[Wandering Star]

As far as I'm aware Hydrovanes are built on the one size fits all premise, only the mounting is bespoke to suit different transom designs. I have seen different vane sizes used but these have been made by owners in an attempt to improve performance. If you really think Hydrovane systems account for 75% of wind vane steering systems you really need to go to Specsavers! My observations (not recorded) are That Hydrovanes are in a large minority, most wind vane steering systems are servo pendulum derivatives with Monitor and Aries together claiming the top spot.

I think UK sailors opt for the Hydrovane because it's a UK brand and then hype up the qualities of the beast to justify their choice! The Hydrovane does have a couple of useful features including the emergency steering rudder option and the lack of steering lines in the cockpit but having sailed with a Hydrovane on one crossing and servo pendulum designs (mainly Aries) on several other crossings, I know which kit I'd prefer on my boat!

 

[dgadee]

As far as I'm aware Hydrovanes are built on the one size fits all premise, only the mounting is bespoke to suit different transom designs. I have seen different vane sizes used but these have been made by owners in an attempt to improve performance. If you really think Hydrovane systems account for 75% of wind vane steering systems you really need to go to Specsavers! My observations (not recorded) are That Hydrovanes are in a large minority, most wind vane steering systems are servo pendulum derivatives with Monitor and Aries together claiming the top spot.

I think UK sailors opt for the Hydrovane because it's a UK brand and then hype up the qualities of the beast to justify their choice! The Hydrovane does have a couple of useful features including the emergency steering rudder option and the lack of steering lines in the cockpit but having sailed with a Hydrovane on one crossing and servo pendulum designs (mainly Aries) on several other crossings, I know which kit I'd prefer on my boat!

The primary advantage to me is that it could be installed off centre.

 

[janalkema]

Tilted yes but not feathered on the Hebridean. This difference must make a big difference in efficiency?

Suppose the windvane is set nearly right into the wind. When there is no friction or resistance to rotate the vane and pendulum , each type of windvane will rotate to the feathered position. It is therefore recommended to use ball bearings in the moving parts of the "wind train", reduce friction , and balance the pendulum blade. Friction can lead to less accuracy of the course and course oscillations.

 

[janalkema]

While on the vane subject, I was rather convinced by the arguments on this page:

http://www.windautopilot.de/docs/alkema/USD-vane.pdf

It does seem that we have been doing it the wrong way up. However, I have never actually used a windvane. Anyone seen one of these in action?

There are many technical solutions for a windvane system. What counts is its performance.
Look at www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-2GxsrSmo0

 

[KellysEye]

>If you really think Hydrovane systems account for 75% of wind vane steering systems you really need to go to Specsavers! My observations (not recorded) are That Hydrovanes are in a large minority, most wind vane steering systems are servo pendulum derivatives with Monitor and Aries together claiming the top spot.

As far as I know there is no published data on the market share of wind vanes. When long distance sailing in six and a half years we saw over 1,500 boats of various nationalities, about 5% of them had wind vanes and as I said 75% were Hydrovanes.

The obvious reason for having different sail sizes (area) and rudder sizes for different size/weight of boats is demonstrated by the fact that from Wayfarers to mega yachts every size/weight boat has a different sail area and rudder size.

 

[dgadee]

The obvious reason for having different sail sizes (area) and rudder sizes for different size/weight of boats is demonstrated by the fact that from Wayfarers to mega yachts every size/weight boat has a different sail area and rudder size.

You are still digging that hole. Take your own advice and give them a call.