PARTS

To all HYDROVANE owners:

• TIPS - Please visit the TIPS section (under the INSTRUCTIONS tab) - you might find something that you did not know - or you could have an idea for a 'tip' that we should include - if so, please pass it along.
• PHOTOS & VIDEOS - John or Will would be so happy to receive a picture of your HYDROVANE installation and/or any action or people shots that include the Hydrovane. Video footage would put us over the top!
• INSTALLERS - We would like the co-ordinates of any boatyards or installers with experience with HYDROVANES. We are often asked for such. We will display them on our LINKS section.
• UPGRADES FOR BIGGER OR FASTER BOATS - Recent improvements in the 1) rudder, 2) shaft and 3) bearings are BIG! If your boat is over 40' you could get significant improvement in your Hydrovane's performance with these upgrades - described below.

_______________________________________________________

NEW ITEMS - SPARES - REPLACEMENTS - UPGRADES

NEW ITEMS

RUDDER

Iintroduced July 2009

"Biggest improvement in performance in 30 years"

"... 50% more power & easier to control ..."

In 2006 the rudder length was increased - added about 20% more power. In July 2009 we changed the rudder again:

• Making it thicker (24% more material)
• Higher lift coefficent - maybe 50% more power
• Better balance - light to the touch - easier to control
  
  

To support this rudder one of the new stronger 1 1/4" 'Super Duplex' shafts (standard since January 2009) is a must ... and the new bearings, especially the new Mid Bearing. We feel that this new rudder is he most significant improvement in the performance of the Hydrovane since the Variable Axis was invented in 1980.

Price - See PRICES page for current pricing

_ _ _ _
Rudders - short one since 1980, next or left tall one since 2006, furthest back since July 2009

_______________________________________________________

FRAME CASE WITH LED STERN LIGHT
introduced November 2009

_ _

Ideal location for a stern light - on the Hydrovane cover (Frame Case)

• Higher than the usual positions

• Clear sight line aft - no obstructions

• LED light rated at 3NM - burns only 1.5W or 0.1amps

• New white Frame Case designed with a vertical face - points light dead aft

• Simple 2 wire 12V DC wiring
  
  PRICE - GBP 95, Euro 115, US$ 170, C$180
  
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  DRIVE UNIT COVER
  
  
  Made of heavy duty Sunbrella - 2 colours in stock: 'Captain Navy' & the lighter 'Pacific Blue'
  
  PRICE - GBP 95, Euro 115, US$ 170, C$180
  
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  SPARES - PRICE LIST
  

LOCKING PINS - We now have a much improved 'locking pin' (since 2005) - the pin that is used in three different locations. Each unit has 3 locking pins - all the same size and interchangeable. All should have tethers to prevent them from falling overboard:

1. #62 - Rudder Lock Pin - suffers from metal fatigue over time - recommend regular replacement and/or rotation with the other pins
2. #61 - Shaft Lock Pin
3. #60 - Vane Lock Pin

The pin has a rigid welded ring at the end - ideal for using a boat hook to 'pop' out the rudder lock pin. The spare pin comes complete with a nylon lanyard and an 'R' pin - so that the rudder lock pin can be held secure.

VANE COVERS - The vane cover could last several years in the tropics - depending on the amount of exposure to the sun - best to stow when not in use.

Now available in navy as well as the traditional Hydrovane red - maybe the only safety colour on the deck of your boat. The silk screened 'HYDROVANE' lettering is standard but we can provide plain covers without the lettering - just ask.

STUBBY VANE - Over the years the vane has grown in height in order to produce more power for certain conditions. Arches, radar masts, antennas, mizzens etc. can be interfering. We are now producing, as an alternative, a ‘stubby’ vane that is 12 in. (300 mm) shorter but 8 in. (200 mm) wider. It should produce comparable power but better accommodate those aft deck obstacles.

_

Ovni 385 (left) and Ovni 435 (right) - both with 'Stubby' vane

• the 385 photo courtesy of Charlie Tait....leaving Porto Santo, Madeira Islands - Fall 2005

• the 435 photo courtesy Rory Edwards

_______________________________________________________

NEW BOTTOM COLLAR - We think we have solved the problem of the cracking plastic Bottom Collar. It is now an anodized high density aluminum with two set screws to firmly hold it in place.


NEW BEARINGS - In 2008 we made two big changes to the bearings:

1. New MID BEARING - We discovered that, at speed, the shaft could flex a bit to cause the bottom bearing to crimp and stick - not long enough to be noticeable, unless you are watching for it. The new Mid Bearing solves the sticking - a definite improvement - especially for faster boats with longer shafts.
2. PTFE BEARINGS - Since 2008 all bearings are made of white PTFE - superior bearing material to the prior black Delrin/Acetal version.

Typically, only the Bottom Bearing wears enough to merit replacement - but when making the switch it is an ideal time to replace/upgrade all 3 bearings.

We recommend a bearing upgrade.


For instructions on changing the bearings see #12 - 'Bearings - Replace Rudder Shaft Bearings' under the INSTRUCTIONS tab.

When ordering bearings it is helpful for us to know the vintage of your equipment. If you can measure the Inside Diameter (ID) of the outer tube - here is a helpful guide:

• Pre 2002
  • 1 1/8” (28.575 mm.) shaft - tube is 46.8mm ID
  • 1 ¼” shaft (31.75 mm.) - tube is 44.4mm ID
• Post 2002 - all shafts are 1 1/4" (31.75 mm.) – tube is 46mm ID

_______________________________________________________

OLDER UNITS - For older units the most likely items for replacement or upgrade are:

1. Part #25 Shaft Bottom Bearing - best get the full 'Bearing Kit' - Part #s 24, 24M & 25 - Top, Mid & Bottom Bearings - See comments above about the Mid Bearing and new (2008) PTFE Bearings
2. Part #26 Bottom Collar with 2 set screws - new (2009) improved anodized high density aluminum version now available - will not crack - has two set screws to better keep it fixed in position - included in the 'Offshore Spares Kit'
3. Part #19 Drive Sleeve (it also can be 'end for ended' to double its life - it develops wear grooves - see INSTRUCTIONS - #14) - included in the 'Offshore Spares Kit'
4. Part #s 32 and 33 - Vane & Axis Knobs - new version, since 2005, is far tougher and improved with a nyloc nut to prevent the knobs from spinning off (a problem with the old knobs) - included in the 'Offshore Spares Kit'
5. Part #29 - Shaft - now standard (since January 2009 or so) is a 'super duplex' steel shaft - nearly twice as strong - but only for the 1 1/4" diameter shafts. This shaft is a 'must' for the new rudder.
6. Part #74 - Lead Weights - For models post 1986 - In 2006 or so we switched to an improved weight set - one side much heavier. For improved light air performance consider replacing one side of your weight set with the new heavier piece.

_______________________________________________________

For PARTS orders contact:

Valerie - valerie@hydrovane.com or Will - will@hydrovane.com

For technical questions contact:

Will - will@hydrovane.com or John - john@hydrovane.com

_______________________________________________________

PARTS LIST