EMAILS
The following emails are presented verbatim including the owners name and email addresses. You are welcome to contact them but please introduce yourself as they are under no obligation to Hydrovane
Showing 196 Email Testimonials
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED DECEMBER 2011 - Hallberg Rassy 40
From: amanda springate [mailto:riffraffsailing@hotmail.com]
Sent: December-13-11 7:12 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: RE: Hydrovane PartsHi Will
Where do I measure the shaft to get 1 1/4 1 1/8 is it at the bottom where the rudder pushes on.
The hydrovane is fitted to a Hallberg Rassy 40 I will look for some photos. a far as performance is concerned i was amazed. I fitted it to the new boat because the circumnavigation would take us to parts of the world where it would be possible to get some rudder damage, I did not really think about it as self steering gear just an emergency rudder. I needed something and it was the easiest to fit four bolts and about three hours.
we sailed from uk to gibraltar with the electronic auto pilot. Sailing from gib to the canaries we got not very nice weather 30+and big seas maybe 4 meters off the quarter, the pilot would not deal with these at all well. I set up the hydrovane for the first time witch basically meant setting the vane into the wind and pulling out the pin. After about 15 minutes the boat was sailing beautifully and used no power what a bonus, we have never looked back it has steered my wife and I no Riff Raff most of our 32000 mile voyage. with just one of us on watch at night going down wind when the squalls hit it would just would just go the wrong way for half an hour or so without having to wake up the other I can't speak highly enough about it.
Once overhauled it will be bolted back on ready for a trip back across the atlantic next year.
Kind regards
Rob Springate
Hallberg Rassy 40
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED NOVEMBER 2011 - Dufour 38 Classic - Tiller /Fork Arm casting loose on the shaft
- From: Gavin MORGAN [mailto:gavingemorgan@hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 2:22 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: RE: Teething problemsJohn
Just to let you know that we have now arrived in Cape Verdes (some 980 miles at sea with 85 % under the Hydrovane). The problem was not one of a lack of balancing the sails as you had suggested (I find Hydrovane very forgiving actually). We had another Brit who had fitted Hydrovane in Gibraltar have a look at our set up and we found that the rudder was slipping on the shaft. I had thought we had tightened it sufficiently and I did not want to over tighten it and damage the shaft. However the casting needed to be a lot tighter than I had imagined. With this put right the Hydrovane sprung in to life and is now deemed amazing by all on Secret Smile.
I mention about the rudder shaft tightening in case any other client makes the same mistake. In my experience unbalanced sails only means wobbly lines on the chart plotter - and when you work out if you are luffing up or not you can adjust the main (or the foresail) to smooth out your course. Our problem had been that hydrovane looked like it was turning but no turn happened (I was wondering if the rudder was big enough to turn my boat - which now I realize was rubbish and it makes me smile)
Hydrovane has now become an invaluable crew member and we are very pleased with him.
Kind regards
GavinFrom: Gavin MORGAN [mailto:gavingemorgan@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:06 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: RE: Can I put your email up on our website in the EMAILS section?John
Just crossed the Atlantic with Hydrovane, only problem was the remote chord broke (easily repaired). I met a couple in Mindelo who have had Hydrovane for a couple of seasons and not got it working. I checked it out and it seemed installed ok so I have given them tips and told them not to expect dead straight lines as gusts make you wobble - but general direction is fine.
I think I have convinced him to just give it a proper go. I found in the Atlantic that the 3rd setting helped cope with the swells. We must have easily done 1600 of the 2000 miles with Hydrovane. You can use my emails on your web site. I have now found that with practice I am getting straighter and straighter lines (adjusting the sails when wiggles are constant to get rid of imbalance).
Thanks again
Gavin EMAILS RECEIVED NOVEMBER 2011 - Maple Leaf 50 - 23 tons (cruising for last 12 years - makes a living by servicing other's Yacht systems)
- From: allen simis [mailto:wda4372@sailmail.com]Sent: November-27-11 10:58 PMTo: Will CurryCc: 'John Curry'Subject: RE: Poor quality controlHi Will,It sounds as if EcoTec will stand behind its product, that's great. Thanks for your assistance in that matter. I'll paste a response that I received from them, on the tail end of this email.We are very happy with the performance of our Hydrovane. I'm sorry for not having sent pictures of the install; I will try to do that this week. We have sailed about 4800nm with it since we installed it less than a year and a half ago ( 3 legs between Fiji, and Majuro). The trips have had the wind in every quarter, and on average 3-4 squalls a day. The winds have ranged from very light (8-12kts) to Heavy (40-55kts). The Hydrovane has handled it all.We are still trying to figure out the perfect balance for Love Song. We have hydraulic steering, and it sometimes takes several degrees of rudder to trim it all out. Even with that we are very happy with the unit. The rudder has developed some twist to it. I don't think it is hindering the operation of the unit, but it's something to keep an eye on.Once again, thanks.SincerelyJames SimisS/v Love SongMajuro, RMIFrom: allen simis [mailto:wda4372@sailmail.com]Sent: November-27-11 10:58 PMSubject: Re: ECHOTec. Watermakers-Customer ServiceHi Darryl,Thanks for the quick response. My shipping address is :James Simisc/o XXXXXLynnwood, WA 98036We will be at this address for Christmas, and the shipping will be way less than shipping here to Majuro, in the Marshall Islands.I have been cruising on Love Song for the last 12 years, and I make a living by servicing other's Yacht systems, so I know kinda how things work. There really is no explanation of how the base plate on my Ecotec isn't correct. Is it possible that the Mitsuboshi 210L is not the correct belt? The only other thought is if the pulley was sized incorrectly! I can get you an exact amp draw at 12vdc, under full load, if you think the pulley could be the issue.Thanks for you help in this matter.SincerelyJames SimisS/V Love SongMajuro, RMI
Maple Leaf 50
FROM A YACHT AT SEA IN ARC 2011 - DAILY BLOGS TO THE FLEET - DECEMBER 2011 - Southerly 135 - kindly forwarded to us by Rachel at World Cruising
- From: rachel hibberd [mailto:rachelhibberd@worldcruising.com]
Sent: December-02-11 2:15 AM
To: Will Curry (will@hydrovane.com)
Subject: Hydrovane comments from Watergaw ARCHiThought you’d all like this from the log of Watergaw in the ARC:
We have not said much about equipment, except for mentioning things that have given us trouble (even if self- inflicted, like the spin pole), but some folk (the geeks amongst you) might be interested. If we have nothing more important to impart, we will pick something - good or bad – and give you a few words about it.For today’s sermon, we will talk about the Hydrovane. There are several types of wind vane, which control the rudder and course of sailing boats, and avoid the sometimes tiresome task of hand steering (though most of us enjoy this, but not for 3000 miles!).I took a bit of persuading that investing a small lottery win in a less than pretty (sorry, but it has to be said) addendum to the stern of a yacht was a smart thing to do. They are the preserve of the anorak brigade and sea hippies, and let them keep them, I thought! With some reluctance, we acquired one and had it fitted in Gibraltar, as much because it is also a spare rudder in case a passing whale (see earlier post) deliberately or accidentally destroys your primary steering gear with a casual flick of a tail. Missing St Lucia and hitting Brazil because you can’t control your course would not be popular with all of the crew.We gave it a fair workout in the western Med, not in Atlantic conditions, but began to warm to its attractions – at about the same rate as we worked out its idiosyncrasies (like how you have to strip down to your underwear or worse and go off the back of the boat to put the rudder on (funds are available to buy the negatives of the photos taken by the hen party boat off Formentera island) ).We played around with it en route to the Canaries with the full crew, and started to really understand it’s potential. It does not whine and groan in the way the boat’s main autopilot does (or a grumpy crew mate!). It seemed to cope well with big swells, though it does take a bit of time to return us to our original course if we have skied down a big one.Since we left the Canaries, it has steered the boat faultlessly for almost all of the 1400 miles we have run. It clicks and clacks a bit, sometimes clunks when it has to make a big course correction, and responds (slowly but steadily) to tweaking of the control line from the cockpit. All in all, a worthy addition to the crew complement and proof positive that even an old cynic can be persuaded to revise his opinion. 8 out of 10 (lifting rudder would get it full marks)
Rachel Hibberd
Communications ExecutiveWorld Cruising Club
120 High Street, Cowes PO31 7AX, UK
T: +44(0)1983 296060
E: rachelhibberd@worldcruising.com UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED OCTOBER 2011 - Rustler 36
- From: Dan Hogarth [mailto:dan.hogarth@btinternet.com]
Sent: October-07-11 4:49 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Eschaton's HydrovaneHi Will.Good to meet up with you all at the Boat Show a couple of weeks ago and to see the latest improvements - by co-incidence, I had already moved my stern light to the case frame to improve visibility and reduce reflection. Admittedly your version is rather more elegant!Henry (after the Navigator) has now completed 3 Transatlantic circuits plus a wee diversion up through Norway to Svalbard to chat with Walrus. Without complaint he has successfully steering my Rustler 36 through all weathers and conditions including the tail end of a hurricane and downwind for several days in very light airs. If he could just make cups of tea…..He was fitted from new based upon the experience from other Rustler owners who are, to say the least, strongly opinionated about most things, and of the ones that I spoke with that cross oceans the consensus was that a Hydrovane was the answer. I concur. Whilst one could ramble on about its virtues, I believe that they can be summarised very simply:
It works as and when required;It is completely independent;It is very robustly built.I speak with experience on the latter as it has been proven on several occasions when other boats have tried to share the same spot as me. The most dramatic was a heavy 42’ yacht that blew down hitting Henry square on with their CQR anchor. It stopped. Smartly. The only damage to Henry was a chip out of the axis knob plus some scarring to the casting.My one regret (apart from tea making) is that I did not affix my Tillerpilot to the tiller arm. Having a Tiller steered yacht this would make obvious sense (after the event of course) and I suspect that it is only a matter of time before I add that option as the load - even on a reasonably balanced rudder - must be far less and will thus reduce the stress on the pilot as well as consuming less power. Having fitted a Duogen wind/water generator a year after commissioning, I would have gone for the offset mounting but it all works just fine although a tad tight.The personal service provided by the Curry’s is excellent and it is always a pleasure (well for me anyway) to meet with them at Boat Shows and to find out the latest improvement/enhancements. It is good to know that the product is continually being enhanced to keep up with the improvements in materials and engineering capabilities.About half of my trips are classified as single handed although with Henry constantly at the helm, this is probably not strictly true - thank goodness.With thanks for an excellent product & personal service.Best regards to allDan (Hogarth)SY Eschaton
Rustler 36 - Hydrovane amidships behind external rudder ... anchored in the Gambia River, West Africa
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED NOVEMBER 2011 - Hero 114
From: Stein Olav Pettersen [mailto:steinolavpettersen@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 3:22 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com; will@hydrovane.com
Subject: SY Hero - HydrovaneGood morning John and Will,Have now used our windrudder one year and it did the steering job perfectly for us across the Atlantic and the longer distances between islands in the caribbean. Now the boat is on the hard in Trinidad and I just noticed that the shaft bottom collar is cracked and a bit corroded.Seems like you have changed this for a plastic version. Is that right? Wondering how important this part is. If it's just a spacer it will probably last a bit longer, but in long term I will have to change it. Planning to launch the boat on monday after applying antifouling this weekend.Is it OK to change this part while the boat is in the water? Does it hold any bearings that might be lost?Will leave Tobago in about one week and then move on towards Panama the next months. How quick can you get the part to Trinidad and what is the costs?Best regardsStein Olav Pettersen[Editor's note - The Shaft Bottom Collars do not do much - only a spacer. Older ones made of plastic (Delrin/Acetal)had only one set screw and tended to crack. An aluminum version was too prone to oxidize. Our latest plastic (PET) have 2 set screws - best yet.]
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED NOVEMBER 2011 - Passport 40
- Sent: November-04-11 6:16 PMTo: Will CurrySubject: Re: Installed!Hello,Photos. The wonderful Baja-Haha has ended and we're in Cabo. Thank you forsupporting the event.HV worked very well. Am continuing to learn.B.
Passport 40
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED NOVEMBER 2011 - Beneteau 423
- From: Keffords [mailto:Kefford@mailasail.com]Sent: November-03-11 7:12 AMTo: 'Will Curry'Subject: Hydrovane - Tashi DelekDear Will,We are in Lanzarotte in the Canary Islands having had an excellent sail down from Gibraltar via Madeira. The Hydrovane was fantastic, we love it. Thank you.However, a yacht has just moored opposite us in the marina with a dark (navy) blue stubby vane cover .................... and we think we would likeone too! We had not thought nor were aware that there was a choice ofcolours, having only ever seen red! How much do they cost and could it be shipped to my sister in New Jersey?[Editor's Note: Sorry, Stubbies are only in red - anyway, for emergency purposes, the red vane might be the only way you can be seen at sea]With best wishes,Mike
.jpg)
Beneteau 423 at dock & at sea
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED OCTOBER 2011 - Malo 39
- From: Kåre Horntvedt [mailto:karehorntvedt@gmail.com]
Sent: October-31-11 7:04 PM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: About Hydrovane for SY Kilico, NorwayHello Will
We have now used our Hydrovane for more than three years. We have sailed the whole Mediterraneo all the way in to Istanbul, crossed the Atlantic, down the east coast of South America and rounded the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego and in to the Beagle Channel, all the way up the Chile fjords and crossed the Pacific to Tonga and now down to New Zealand.
During this time the only thing we have done is to wash it, change the vindvane-cover and once change the pin for the rudder.
But during the Pacific crossing I noticed some slack somewhere in the system. And I was not able to locate it before we was ready to head down to NZ. The slack is in bottom of the thin vertical arm that connect the wind vane to the horizontal claw where I can chose between the three levels of steering. I have no spare part list or descriptions of this parts so I do not know the correct names.Is it possible to adjust this so the slack will disappear? And how do I do it?
[Editor's note - It is the Drive Sleeve #19 - can be 'end for ended' or replaced - see Instruction #14 on the website at http://www.hydrovane.com/Instructions.html#DriveSleeveChange ]
Will appreciate an answer.
Best regards
Kare Horntvedt
Malo 39 UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED OCTOBER 2011 - Nauticat 44 (22 tons)
- From: Russell Worrall [mailto:russworrall@gmail.com]
Sent: October-18-11 10:08 PM
To: Will Curry
Subject: NC 44 Worrall WindHello Will,
Our Hydrovane or "Heidi" as we call her has been our loyal and trusted third crew member. In our passage from San Francisco to Australia via the South Pacific she has steered the boat 94% of our logged hours for a distance of over 12,000 nm! She has performed perfectly in all sailing conditions, though she seems to prefer the stronger winds and bigger seas unlike her human crew members.
The Echotec water maker has also been working perfectly.
Thanks for everything,
Russ and Roz
S/V Worrall Wind
Nauticat 44
UNSOLICITED EAMIL RECEIVED OCTOBER 2011 - Jeanneau SO 42 DS
- From: Derek Shields [mailto:derek@sagan.id.au]
Sent: October-15-11 8:50 AM
To: Valerie Williams
Cc: 'John Curry'; Will Curry
Subject: Re: Gibraltar Delivery Derek Shields
Hello all,
I thought you might like to see photos of my Hydrovane installation. It went like a dream, took 10 hours and was installed within 2 1/2 days of delivery, thanks to the well engineered design and fantastic instructions. Now all I have to do is test it. But there are 8 Hydrovanes on boats in Gibraltar now and all the owners have come for a look at mine and without exception have commented on how good the Hydrovane system is.
Thanks for the fantastic service to date.
All the best
Derek
PS There is 15 mm clearance between the top of the vane and my arch – made to measure! And I know I still have to finish tightening the vane cover – tonight.
On 17/10/11 8:57 PM, "Will Curry" <will@hydrovane.com> wrote:Hi Derek
Thanks for the great photos. I’m glad the top of the vane squeaked under the arch. The installation looks good.
Can we add your email to our ‘True Stories’ section on the website? See http://www.hydrovane.com/TestimonialEmails.html.
Look forward to further reports.
Thanks again.
Best Regards
Will
From: Derek Shields [mailto:derek@sagan.id.au]
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 1:32 PM
To: Will Curry; 'Valerie Williams'
Cc: 'John Curry'
Subject: Re: Gibraltar Delivery Derek ShieldsHello Will,
Our berth is right at the base of the stairs to the marina office opposite the showers and toilets so I think everybody in the marina passed by during the fitting. Many were very impressed and have since come back to ask about the Hydrovane. I left the vane on for the first day to show off the name! But I am really impressed by the number of cruising sailors who praise the Hydrovane and back it up by having one on their yacht. It seriously outnumbers all other makes by at least 5 to 1!
You are welcome to add my email to your web site if you wish. I will also send you an appraisal from the other side of the Atlantic you can add as a sequel. I have sailed over 50,000 miles over 26 years with my own handmade copy of the Aries design on my hand made timber 35 ft sloop Sagan including a single handed voyage from Durban to Hobart so I have some experience in this field.
But I am very proud to have a beautifully engineered Hydrovane gracing my transom and all and sundry making positive comments about it. I had an old sailor called Ted (Ted Devey - listed on our INSTALLERS webpage) who says he is one of your recommended installers and has installed 11 units and knows everybody concerned with Hydrovane give us very high points for the installation.
All the best to you allDerek
Jeanneau SO 42 DS
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 2011 - Spencer 42
- From: bryan pollock [mailto:oneeyeblink@gmail.com]Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 1:13 PMSubject: Amazing vane results but Broken mountsHi John,Bryan Pollock here. You know, the guy with the Spencer 42 and free standing mast. You'll be happy to know that the Hydrovane got us down here to San Diego after a rough passage that never let us shake out the three reefs and small staysail. The vane worked flawlessly steering in some very screwy waves and wind and got us through some bad gales. We didn't touch the helm once except to gybe or tack. At one point all I could or would do was hide down below with my face buried in my pillow crying for my mommy. Mr Wobbles just merrily steered the boat through all that bad mojo with aplomb.The main reason for this note apart from my wishing to let you to know how well the Hydrovane did under very trying conditions is that I would like your opinion on a repair I am about to do to the transom and Hydrovane mounts. During the passage the vane mounts had started to slowly pull the nuts and washers through the backing plate and transom. It was ultimately found to be pretty loose which would explain the increasingly louder and louder reverberating thuds we would hear throughout the hull. In fact it was that scary sound that led me to the discovery of the loose bolts. I think perhaps the bolts stretched and allowed the movement to slowly pull the nuts and washers through the backing plate.Of course all of this was found out in thirty knots and very short and steep seas in the Channel Islands. Another emergency backing plate of plywood and G10 plate saved the day. I'm going to replace the core in the transom with West epoxy and high density structural filler. On top of that I will layup a solid 1/4 inch layer of knytex cloth (about eight layers lapping the entire inside of the transom. Then a 1/4 inch or so of G10 backing plates to finish up. I'm certain this structural change will help and may in fact be all the install needs to prevent a reoccurrence.This leads me to my main question. I'm thinking of installing 45 degree angled struts either side of the lower strut in a horizontal plane in stainless steel. I thought I would collar these struts around the SS tube just aft of and snuggedup close to the lower cast aluminum collar. I think that the side forces with the single strut were enough to start the bolt movement I described above. Normally I would just upsize to the double strut kit you sell but for two reasons. One, I need to finish this repair/upgrade in the next week as we head down the Mexican coast in two weeks. And two as I recall the double strut kit you supply is breathtakingly expensive. I guess I'm asking for your blessing or at least opinion regarding a non stock modification or addition to your standard single strut mount design.The other question I have is the bolt sizes. I cannot remember what sizes you recommend and am now wondering if I may have inadvertently downsized the bolts I do have. I find this hard to believe as that doesn't sound like something I would do. At the very least I am going to replace the existing bolts since the current ones have stretched. If I did use the correct diameter bolts can I up the new ones a size or is drilling out the bolt holes in the stock strut inadvisable?Anyway, sorry for the novel. I wanted to bring you up to speed with the vane. I have concluded that the earlier problems you and I witnessed while test sailing the Hydrovane on this boat had less to do with sail trim and more to do with a mainsail that has way too much shape built into the top half of the sail.I know this to be a fact because we swapped the old rudder and wheel onfiguration for a new spade rudder and tiller setup two years ago. The boat when properly trimmed is very easy to steer with just the tiller. Very little or no weather helm. However with the vane on it still struggled keeping the boat on course. No weather helm or very little so trimming was correct. After this trip down it's pretty evident to me that the next mainsail will have a much flatter top half to allow the vane to do its work.I look forward to hearing your thoughtsCheers,Bryan
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 2011 - Sceptre 43
- From: Steve Dana [mailto:sdfocus@yahoo.com]Sent: September-27-11 9:28 PMTo: Will CurrySubject: Pacific WindHi Will,Left Sceptre Marine/Shelter Island a couple weeks ago. Internal auto helm not working as we left the mouth of the Frasier at Steveston raising sail so set up the Hydrovane per instruction after balancing the boat and then...Off we went in about 10-15kn just forward of beam.My jaw just sort of dropped a bit. The Hydrovane just worked like a dream. Perfect in fact. Just like you say - stand back and watch. One of the best 6k I think I ever spent my friend. Sure glad my Raytheon auto helm was not working since it was my crutch that I was just simply reaching for first out of habit - silly after paying for this new wind vane! Played with the vane angle and ratio a bit, then ran down wind for awhile for a test.To be perfectly honest, all the criticisms I read about Hydrovane frightened me and I was insecure or unsure of my decision until this inaugural event. It is true that these criticisms are all from "sailors" who have never used your vane, or are based on their theories; well, you know, I'm preaching to the choir.Thank you!Current questions/troubleshooting?1. Shaft seems a bit in the water... The bottom smaller rudder stub is nearly fully submerged with the boat at rest with only about 1" above water before it transitions to it's full diameter. In motion a few inches of the main shaft is submerged and there is quite a bit if turbulence at the water-line. Should I raise? Get the bottom of the rudder stub 1" out of the water for hygiene? BTW: a little dish soap in the rudder-well makes it slide on a lot easier when you are trying to get it on the shaft while balancing to do so in the water when there is always some sea-motion...2. I think I have what is called the H-double A bracket set-up. Can you confirm?3. To raise my shaft, do I just reverse order loosen C then B bolt (A bracket), then B then A bolt (H bracket)? Other? Tips?4. To align rudder, can I simply unscrew shaft bolts of drive unit and rotate about shaft while underway to determine best angle at which to tighten....this is what I have been doing but it never seems to fully get that correction where there is NO deviation on the helm compared to when there is no Hydrovane rudder in the water. Other rudder alignment methods?5. If I want to "decommission" the Hydrovane for the winter (vs making a canvas cover, etc) by removing it from the hull brackets, can you describe for me the proper sequence by which I would safely do this and precautions I would take in storing and reassembling.I know these are a lot of questions and may take a bit of your time – my true appreciation in advance!Warm regards,Steve DanaPacific WindScepter 43
Sceptre 43 during installation - note plastic tubes used as 'dummies'
EMAIL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 2011 - Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40 - bolt failure in the AZAB 'Azores And Back' Race
- From: Howat, Graham (UK - England) [mailto:Graham.Howat@eu.jll.com]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 7:33 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: RE: Hydrovane fitting - Difference of opinionDear JohnThanks for the quick and comprehensive reply. Very clear message also.We did identify that the E bracket might benefit from a through bolt to make sure it doesn't move at all. This is what we will fitting out next season. We also thought that next time we will go for an A bracket as the forces on the unit are stronger than we imagined.There were about 8 yachts in the AZAB carrying Hydrovanes and all were interested in our problem and shared their past experiences with us. Most agreed that a stronger than expected fitting was required to the stern because of the forces. One owner even had to strengthen the GRP of their stern of his yacht because that was flexing. All agreed it was a fabulous piece of kit which worked very well so long as it was properly and robustly fixed to the boat.Despite our fixing problems, a converted Hydrovane user!Many Thanks.Graham Howat
Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 2011 - Beneteau 423 - sequel to following email re Gibraltar
- From: Keffords [mailto:Kefford@mailasail.com]
Sent: September-13-11 9:37 AM
To: 'Will Curry'
Subject: Tashi Delek HydrovaneDear Will,A selection of photos for to use as you wish or to throw away. The Beneteau 42 is a normal light displacement plastic boat and perhaps rather thin and flexible at the stern.We strengthened the transom with two layers of 6mm marine ply glued to the fibreglass with Sikaflex glue.Because the hull along the transom is not completely flat we bedded the wood backing plates onto the fibreglass with ISOPON Fibreglass filler to take up the curves as the bolts were tightened. We cut off the excess fibreglass while it was still relatively soft, thus creating a perfect edge around the wooden backing plate.The bolts inside had 4mm steel backing plates (discs or flat oblong) made to better fit the hull shape.The main problem we had was the position of the locker in the swimming platform and the fact that we could not get any access to the rear transom to hold or tighten bolts. We overcame this by cutting a panel in the locker (photo included) gluing the two layers of marine ply in place before drilling and fitting backing plates. (Unfortunately I did not think to photo the inside before we sealed it up). The panel was made into an inspection hatch by using a piece of FOAMALITE cut oversize and glued onto the original panel of fibre glass we had cut out. Finally we used self taping screws and fitted it on a bed of sealant.We put the whole thing together using plastic pipe to check that the pads sat correctly and everything was in line and vertical etc. Only then did we find that the outer tube strut that you had sent was not long enough and did not fit our design! As you know we found another piece of tube and the rest is history. We are VERY satisfied with the way it fits the transom (especially as we did not then have to move the name etc). We have just sailed to Madeira using it with ease and great success all the way. Another satisfied customer!May I order some spare securing pins?With kind regards.Mike
Beneteau 423 at sea UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 2011 - Beneteau 423 - delivery to Gibraltar
- Dear Valerie,Please forgive me for being so late in letting you know that we arrived in Gibraltar on 29 Aug and collected the Hydrovane on 30 Aug. I rang the freight company at 0900 and after a quick visit to their offices 10 minutes walk away the equipment was on board by 1200. Very efficient. We are now hard at work fitting it all and having great fun in the process. Luckily there is a guy in the marina who has fitted one to his own yacht and who has been very generous with advice, as well as singing its praises!Many thanks for all your help.With best wishes, as ever.Mike
Beneteau 423
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 2011 - Ovni 40
- From: voilier morigan [mailto:symorigan@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2011 7:35 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: news from moriganHi John and the staff !!!!We left Canet en Roussillon on the beginning of July et now we are in Lanzarote, Canaries.We are very enjoyed with our hydrovane, it's running perfectly.CheersDidier, Marie and Roko the parrot !!!!kisses from Marie to Valerie !!!!!
Ovni 40 & ROKO the parrot
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED AUGUST 2011 - Hallberg Rassy 42E
- From: 2HPK [mailto:2hpk@live.co.uk]
Sent: August-30-11 3:49 AM
To: 'Will Curry'
Subject: RE: Bearings for HydrovaneHi Will,Apologies, yes a 1 1/4" shaft with the larger sized rudder fitted. I believe the Hydrovane was new in about 2007-2008 before the previous owner sailed in the ARC 2008. His name was Paul Huntley, the previous name of the boat was "Libertad" and she was based in Eastbourne, UK. We renamed her Spruce to keep the same name as our previous boat, the Ohlson.In all honesty I was a bit worried before we sailed the HR42 as to whether the Hydrovane would have enough guts to steer her. Particularly because the extra lever arm between the boat's pivot point and the Hydrovane rudder was not a lot more than the distance from pivot point to main rudder...but it was all fine and probably also helped by the boat's design (an older Enderlein) having a high degree of directional stability with quite a long and deep fin keel. Anyway, we are very pleased indeed.Feel free to use our comments in any testimonials.I have transferred the £-- into your account indicated and the funds should be there by 13:30 UK Time today 30th August. I would be obliged if you can send the ball race sets to:xxxxxxAs I mentioned earlier, Carolyn will be flying out to sail with us on 14th September and can bring them into Madeira... we hear that although Portugal is also in the EU, getting anything delivered through customs here, even from within the EU, is a nightmare. They even insist on yachts checking in with Maritime Police, Customs and Immigration every time we move port. The joy of free movement across borders within the EUBest RegardsAndy
From: 2HPK [mailto:2hpk@live.co.uk]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 6:38 AM
To: 'Valerie Williams'
Subject: Bearings for HydrovaneHello Valerie,I wanted to arrange to have some of the spare white nylon ball bearing kits for a hydrovane VAX2D 1 1/2" shaft model supplied to an address in the UK. Can you please advise of the price for 4 sets of ball bearings.Since we were last in touch from Bermuda last summer we have gone back to the UK and bought a different boat. This vessel, as you have probably guessed, is also fitted with a Hydrovane steering. We now have a Hallberg Rassy 42 and the Hydrovane steered her beautifully during the 1,300M trip down to Madeira from the UK last week; we managed to try out most points of sailing with the vagaries of North Atlantic weather.We have some friends coming to visit from the UK on 14th Sept so wanted to pay via credit card or internet bank transfer and get the parts sent to ----------Best RegardsAndy Warmans/y SprucePorto Santo, Madeira
Hallberg Rassy 42E UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED AUGUST 2011 - MALO 41 - see his photos of installation
- From: Charlie Stillman [mailto:datademon@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 1:07 PM
To: Valerie Williams
Subject: Malo 41 Hydrovane installation completeHello Valerie,We are one week from departure on our voyage from Seattle to Mexico. Please share our information with Will, John, and the others.I have put together a brief set of photos on my website. Be sure to see the detail photos which have captions.Here's the photo gallery for the Hydrovane installation.So far, in brief testing, the unit works great. The project for today is to figure out a good way to lock down the wheel securely in a way that can be released quickly when necessary. More on that later.Regards,Charlie Stillmans/v/ GratitudeP.S. We'll have a blog at: http://gratitudecruises.blogspot.com/
Malo 41
SOLICITED EMAIL - AUGUST 2011 - Nicholson 38 - 3 Hydrovanes since 1983 - 6 Atlantic crossings
From: royabrams@talktalk.net
Sent: August-22-11 4:47 PM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hydrovane Performancethanks for replyi can’t comment on performance only to say this unit is 18 months old and is far superior to my older two unitsit holds a better course down windthey have always been excellentalso saving cost in bigger autopilots for my wheel steeringthe smallest tiller type autopilots work excellent due to very little pressure on the tiller armuse to date cruising many years and 6 transatlantic crossingsif i find old pins i will post you itFrom: royabrams@talktalk.net [mailto:royabrams@talktalk.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2011 4:32 AM
To: linda@hydrovane.com
Subject: pins snapedlocking pins all snapped like carrots i have replaced them with 316 stainlesshave used 3 units now since 1983 latest unit is by far better down wind on nick 38royUNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED AUGUST 2011 - Liberty 458 - 25 tons (see earlier email Dec. 2009)
- From: Bill & Tracy [mailto:WDE4653@sailmail.com]Sent: August-17-11 11:02 PMTo: Will CurrySubject: Our thanksAs graduates of the class of 2011's Pacific Puddle Jump, we just want to say thanks for making such a great product. Our Hydrovane (James) steered us across the Pacific logging in close to 5000 miles since we left La Cruz, Mexico back in April of this year. We don't know what we would have done without him. When we arrived in Nuka Hiva, we were told that many of the boats that had arrived already had experienced trouble with their auto pilots (the old fashioned electric types). Ours had behaved like a champ in all kinds of weather and under numerous sail configurations. As much of the way was downwind sailing, our spinnaker was used quite a bit and James was more than up to the task. Just two days ago, we were sailing from Bora Bora to Suwarrow Atoll in 10-12 foot following seas with only a double reefed main up. We hit speeds of over 12 knots as we went up and down in the swells. One minute we were on the top and then sliding down the face at breakneck speeds. All the time, James kept us right on course. We might veer a bit, but he would put us right back on the course we needed to get here.I know you have heard this from other sailors, but we just wanted to say thank you for making a great piece of engineering.Bill & Tracy HudsonSV ZephyrSuwarrow Atoll
Then we asked Bill if the rudder trailed normally when disengaged ………………… His response:From: Bill & Tracy [mailto:WDE4653@sailmail.com]Sent: August-19-11 1:22 PMTo: Will CurrySubject: the rudder?Not exactly sure what you mean by "trail". We've not noticed any change inour steering with the rudder on James though we rarely go anywhere withoutthe rudder attached. So I'm not sure I can answer your question. If yougave me more info, I might have a better answer.When we were 63 miles east of Suwarrow, we gybed and headed almost due westin about 22 knot winds and following seas approaching 12 feet. They toweredover the cockpit, and if you have ever been on a Liberty, the cockpit ishigh. With the winds on a broad reach, and with a double reef in the main,James did a darn close to perfect job keeping us headed where we wanted togo, correcting at the top of the swells as well as at the bottom. He neverfaltered.As I said in the last email, one of the biggest problems of this year’s fleetwas the electric autopilots. Many could not handle the punishment of beingon 24 hours a day for upwards of 28 days. James came through like a champ.We arrived after 27 days with no problems and not having to wait for spareparts to be shipped in.Feel free to use what I said in the last email and if you want, feel free togive out our email address(at boat shows maybe) if someone wants a firsthand report of what it's like out here. Ours is even mounted off center andI did the installation myself so that proves anyone can do it.We do wear our tee shirts often and proudly (holes and all).
Bill & TracySV ZephyrSuwarrow Atoll--5300 miles since leaving La Cruz Mexico.
 458 at sea.jpg)
Liberty 458
EMAIL RECEIVED JULY 2011 - Cabot 36
- From: Bob Ciupa [mailto:bobciupa@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 2:10 AM
To: Valerie Williams
Subject: Re: Locking PinsHi Valerie, Canada Post will be fine.Heddie McVeen was a childhood friend of my wife Martha's grandmother. I'm not quite sure of the story but as she aged, whenever Martha's grandma spoke of Heddie there was always some oblique reference to guns and the stealing boyfriends back in the early 1900's. As I gather there was never enough said to be sordid, but enough to be intriguing and vaguely steamy to a child of 8 or 10.When we got the boat and I mentioned to Martha that since many people give the self-steering a name because they consider the equipment as extra crew, so she might wish to name the Hydrovane she blurted out, "Heddie McVeen." Might have something to do with the phonics, I'm not sure. Certainly doesn't have to do with guns!Best regards.Bob
Cabot 36
UNSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED JULY 2011 - Whitby 42
From: Duncan and Caroline [mailto:woodhead4@gmail.com]
Sent: July-05-11 1:31 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Fwd: HydrovaneHi Will
We broke the extension handle unfortunately one of our friends (a light weight girl) lent on the handle and it broke as you can see from the photos it broke in the weakest spot. Could you advise how to fix this. I have also attacked photos of the Hydrovane attached to our Whitby 42. It works really well in all sort of conditions although we do tie it off for motoring to support the locking pin
Regards
Duncan and Caroline
Australia
Web site www.alstonvillecottages.com
Email: Info@alstonvillecottages.com
Whitby 42 - note a bilge pump handle used as a tiller extensionSOLICITED EMAIL RECEIVED JULY 2011 - Bowman Starlight 35
- From: paolo.bordo@alice.it [mailto:paolo.bordo@alice.it]
Sent: July-07-11 9:36 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: R: RE: Hydrovane Bottom CollarHi WillMe and my wife Rahel aren't expert navigator since we start our cruise last year. We bought the boat "Starfire" a Bowman Starlight 35 in England and we put the Hydrovane first for a backup rudder than second as a windpilot.As we move from Cornwall southerly to Brest we start take confidence with the new sailboat and system by system we start to familiarize with them .When was the turn of the Hydrovane we were a bit intimidating by the system , we take the instruction , read twice , and magically the boat start going alone without any input by me or by Rahel...We crossing Biscay next without using the electric autopilot and from that moment, to Sardegna where we live, we try to use your system as much as we can , with the electricity saved from the electric pilot we used the fridge and we have always cold beer onboard !!!!!!We cruise 1800 miles last summer with Hydrovane and we suggest every boat have one, it is the most simple, easy and safe steering system we know .Paolo and Rahel Bordonaro
Bowman Starlight 35 and Rahal at sea UNSOLICITED EMAIL WITH LINK TO BLOG - RECEIVED JUNE 2011 - Allied Princess 36
- From: Daniel [mailto:daniel@studiodccreative.com]
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 6:45 AM
To: Valerie Williams
Cc: John Curry; Will Curry
Subject: Hydrovane Article on my WebsiteHello Hydrovane Crew,Just wanted you to know that I wrote an article about the installation of my new Hydrovane on my website, and you're invited to check it out!………………………….Thanks, and I look forward to your comments on the article!
--
Daniel Collins
Skipper of s/v Aletheia, a 1978 Allied Princess 36' Ketch #115Whichever way the wind blows (On wind vanes and self steering)
Posted by Daniel – The following are excerpts. See his full story with some helpful information on his blog at: http://www.oddasea.com/archives/72-Whichever-way-the-wind-blows-On-wind-vanes-and-self-steering.html
“............. And some cruisers go “low tech”, using clever arrangements of lines, gears, vanes, and paddles to steer the boat using a whirlygig-like apparatus called a self-steering system, or wind vane autopilot. These range from the extremely low tech, homebuilt units costing relatively little but often required a significant amount of fine-tuning and time investment to make them work well, all the way up to the legendary wind vanes with names such as “Monitor”, “Cape Horn”, “Aries”, and “Hydrovane”.
........... While each of the major vanes have their pros and cons, and each of them have a fanatical group of hardcore supporters, one setup in particular stood out to me as superior for a few key reasons, which I will discuss in a moment. However, this solution does NOT come inexpensively. But when I weighed the pros and cons of the options, my skill and construction resources, and the time I have available, the value of the system became very clear. So I placed a call to Hydrovane International, and boy let me tell you: these people know how to please their customers.
From the beginning I felt like this was the kind of company I was glad to be supporting with my hard earned money. They didn’t immediately try to sell me the product, but instead I got a sense of comfortable confidence in their own gear - they knew that I had all the data I already needed to make the decision, and they were there to make the process as straightforward as possible. Getting engineering plans and validation, customized assistance with each part, and even individual consideration on whether or not my solar panel arch would be an issue was something they did quickly, happily, and most importantly, accurately. They aren’t sales people who pretend to be engineers, they are engineers who also enjoy ethical sales. So a big shout to John, Will, and Valerie, who each gave valuable and thoughtful consideration to my situation in a cheerful and accurate manner. This is how a company should be run.
Then there was the issue of the product itself. After making it nearly dead simple to order the right parts, I had a lead time commitment - which they honored - and the parts came in excellent packing. All in all, hauling the 5 boxes out to my boat was a simple task. But if I had been pleased with their company to this point, I was still positively surprised when I opened the box and hefted the first components. This is a solid product where no corners were cut, and the quality is evident immediately.
The installation instructions are not only thorough, but they supply a host of anecdotal tips and warnings acquired from a few decades of past installs to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth install. And as for the installation - it’s dead simple, once you figure out where you are going to put the thing.
...........................................In brief, the main reasons I chose the Hydrovane were:
1. It doesn’t require lines in the cockpit running back to the wheel or tiller.
2. It’s a completely standalone system that does not depend on the main rudder functioning.
3. It’s a spare rudder as well. This was a big factor for me.
4. It has a stellar reputation and I’ve heard of many users of other vanes moving to the Hydrovane and wondering why they didn’t do it sooner. I haven’t heard a single story of someone that went the other way.
5. It has the most straightforward install for my boat as well, and involved the least amount of holes in the boat.
Generally speaking I’ve heard great wailing, swearing, and gnashing of teeth over most of the other brands, and have heard nothing but praise for the Hydrovane. And having installed mine and seen how it’s constructed, I have to say I can see why. Though nothing short of a test sail and then some nice long passages will put the proof to the question.
Overall, I absolutely recommend both this piece of gear and the company themselves, and will let you know how well the new ‘vane sails the boat before too long!
Allied Princess 36
?