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
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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
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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$180
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SPARES - PRICE LIST
|
|
GBP |
EURO |
US$ |
CDN$ |
| OFFSHORE SPARES KIT |
|
|
|
|
|
VANE COVER |
|
|
|
|
|
2 LOCKING PINS |
|
|
|
|
|
DRIVE SLEEVE |
|
|
|
|
|
BOTTOM BEARING |
|
|
|
|
|
BOTTOM COLLAR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
103 |
134 |
185 |
206 |
| REFURBISH PARTS KIT |
|
|
|
|
|
SHAFT RACE COLLAR |
|
|
|
|
|
TOP BEARING |
|
|
|
|
|
MID BEARING |
|
|
|
|
|
BOTTOM BEARING |
|
|
|
|
|
BOTTOM COLLAR |
|
|
|
|
|
DRIVE SLEEVE |
|
|
|
|
|
KNOBS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
72 |
99 |
110 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| LOCKING PINS - each |
10 |
13 |
18 |
20 |
| VANE COVER |
65 |
85 |
117 |
130 |
| BOTTOM COLLAR |
9 |
12 |
16 |
18 |
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:
- #62 - Rudder Lock Pin - suffers from metal fatigue over time - recommend regular replacement and/or rotation with the other pins
- #61 - Shaft Lock Pin
- #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
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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:
- 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.
- 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
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OLDER UNITS - For older units the most likely items for replacement or upgrade are:
- 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
- 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'
- 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'
- 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'
- 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.
- 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
MODEL VXA 2 (worm drive - remote course setting) |
MODEL VXA 1 (simple - clamp style course setting) |
Part
No. |
Description |
|
|
Part
No. |
Description |
|
1 |
Axle Sleeve |
p8 |
44 |
Heading Tube Screw |
s1 |
|
2 |
Case Screw |
p2 |
45 |
Ratio Screw |
s2 |
|
3 |
Bobbin |
p1 |
46 |
Shaft Collar Screw |
s1 |
|
4 |
Vane Slot Collar |
p1 |
47 |
Axle |
s8 |
|
5 |
Vane Slot Peg |
p1 |
48 |
Tilt Stop Stud |
s1 |
|
6 |
Vane Slot Sleeve |
p2 |
49 |
Con-rod Bolt Set |
s1 |
|
7 |
Vane Pin Sleeve |
p1 |
50 |
Bobbin Bolt Set |
s1 |
|
8 |
Vane Axis Disc |
p1 |
51 |
Heading Collar Screw |
s1 |
|
9 |
Vane Axis Washer |
p1 |
52 |
Weight Arm Bolt Set |
s2 |
|
10 |
Tilt Bolt Sleeve |
p1 |
53 |
Weight Bolt Set |
s1 |
|
11 |
Tilt Bolt Washer |
p1 |
54 |
Top Frame Stud Set |
s2 |
|
12 |
Tilt Bolt Cover |
p1 |
55 |
Shaft Bolt Set |
s2 |
|
13 |
Heading Clamp Spacer |
p1 |
56 |
Ratio Bolt/Spring Set |
s1 |
|
14 |
Top Bearing |
p1 |
57 |
Ball Screw Set |
s1 |
|
15 |
Bottom Bearing |
p1 |
58 |
Fork Bolt Set |
s1 |
|
16 |
Heading Collar |
p1 |
59 |
Bottom Bearing Screw |
s1 |
|
17 |
Bobbin Washer |
p1 |
60 |
Vane Lock Pin |
s1 |
|
18 |
Lever Bearing |
p4 |
61 |
Shaft Lock Pin |
s1 |
|
19 |
Drive Sleeve |
p1 |
62 |
Rudder Pin |
s1 |
|
20 |
Ball Socket |
p2 |
63 |
Con-rod |
a1 |
|
21 |
Ratio Knob |
p1 |
64 |
Heading Tube |
s1 |
|
22 |
Shaft Lock Sleeve |
p1 |
65 |
Vane Lever |
c1 |
|
23 |
Tiller |
p/s1 |
66 |
Top Mounting |
|
|
24 |
Shaft Top Bearing |
p1 |
67 |
Weight Arm |
c1 |
|
25 |
Shaft Bottom Bearing |
p1 |
68 |
Con-rod Top |
c1 |
|
26 |
Shaft Bottom Collar |
p1 |
69 |
Bottom Lever |
c1 |
|
27 |
Shaft Race Collar |
p1 |
70 |
Ratio Arm |
c1 |
|
28 |
Race Collar Pin |
s1 |
71 |
Fork Arm |
c1 |
|
29S |
Rudder Tube S 757mm |
s |
72 |
Top Frame |
c1 |
|
29M |
Rudder Tube M 986mm |
s |
73 |
Main Frame |
c1 |
|
29L |
Rudder Tube L 1240mm |
s |
74 |
Balance Weight Pair |
c1 |
|
29X |
Rudder Tube X 1494mm |
s |
75 |
Wind Vane Frame |
a/c1 |
|
30S |
Rudder Shaft S 979mm |
s |
76 |
Wind Vane Cover |
1 |
|
30M |
Rudder Shaft M 1208mm |
s |
77 |
Rudder |
p1 |
|
30L |
Rudder Shaft L 1462mm |
s |
78 |
Bolt Sleeves |
p6 |
|
30X |
Rudder Shaft X 1716mm |
s |
79 |
Frame Case |
p1 |
|
31 |
Shaft Ball Race |
p19 |
80 |
Worm and Axle |
s/p1 |
|
32 |
Vane Knob |
p1 |
81 |
Worm Bearings Pair |
p1 |
|
33 |
Axis Knob |
p1 |
82 |
Grooved Wheel |
p1 |
|
34 |
Heading Knob |
p1 |
83 |
Grooved Wheel Screw |
s1 |
|
35 |
Ratio Rod |
s1 |
84 |
Worm Terminal Nut |
1 |
|
36 |
Drive Rod |
s2 |
85 |
Worm Gear Wheel |
p1 |
|
37 |
Vane Bolt Set |
s1 |
86 |
Worm Box |
c1 |
|
38 |
Axis Bolt Set |
s1 |
87 |
Worm Line Fairleads |
p2 |
|
39 |
Heading Bolt Set |
s1 |
88 |
Worm Box Stud Set |
s1 |
|
40 |
Axle Screw |
s8 |
89 |
Gear Clamp Bolt Set |
s1 |
|
41 |
Tiller Screw |
s1 |
90 |
Bearing Washer |
p1 |
|
42 |
Drive Rod Screw |
s2 |
91 |
Remote Line Set |
1 |
|
43 |
Ball Socket Screw |
s2 |
|
|
|
|
100 |
H Mounting Flange |
c1 |
109 |
E Shaft Sleeve |
p1 |
|
101 |
H Shaft Clamp Pair |
c1 |
110 |
E Stay Tube |
s1 |
|
102 |
H Long Bolt Set |
s1 |
111 |
A Mounting Flange |
c2 |
|
103 |
H Short Bolt Set |
s1 |
112 |
A Stay Tube Clamp |
c4 |
|
104 |
H Shaft Sleeve |
p1 |
113 |
A Shaft Clamp |
c1 |
|
105 |
H Swivel Washer |
p2 |
114 |
A Bolt Set |
s13 |
|
106 |
E Transom Clamp Pair |
c1 |
115 |
A Shaft Sleeve |
p1 |
|
107 |
E Shaft Clamp Pair |
c1 |
116 |
A Swivel Washer |
p4 |
|
108 |
E Bolt Set |
s5 |
117 |
A Stay Tube |
s2 |
| |
Key to description: p = plastic s = stainless a = alloy c = casting Number after letter indicates quantity of that part.
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|
COURSE SETTING Parts in italics are VXA2 only Parts in bold are VXA1 only |
RUDDER SHAFT ASSEMBLY |
|
From 2002 onward all units are only the VXA 1D or the VXA 2D. The “D” indicates the heavier shaft assembly which includes the larger 1¼” diameter shaft with the heavier .125 inch rudder tube. Previously, a lighter shaft assembly was also available for vessels up to 43 ft L.O.A./30,000 lbs displacement (13m/13,500 kgs). That assembly had an 1 1/8 inch diameter shaft and the tube wall thickness was .080 inches. On re-order of shaft assembly parts it is most important that the shaft size is determined. The diameter of the rudder shaft can be either 1¼” (3.175 cm.) or 1 1/8” (2.85 cm.). That shaft diameter pertains to the following parts:"
| • Shaft Top Bearing |
part 24 |
| • Shaft Bottom Bearing |
part 25 |
| • Shaft Bottom Collar |
part 26 |
| • Rudder Tubes |
part 29 |
| • Rudder Shafts |
part 30 |
| • Rudder |
part 77 |
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