EMAILS

From: Sue Cross [mailto:sue@svfugue.com]
Sent: December-22-09 7:17 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: sunset shot

Pacific Seacraft 40

Laurinkoster 31

Bavaria 36 - pre ARC in the Canaries & at sea - Hydrovane doing its job

From: Daniel Paull [mailto:danielpaull@comcast.net]
Sent: December-15-09 5:48 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com; will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane Installation

Kaufman 43 & OverSeas 40 in Whangarei, NZ
 

From: Chris Marchant [mailto:gryphon@mailasail.com]
Sent: December-08-09 2:52 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane Egret

Hope you like these pics. We were over 1000 miles from land en route to Barbados when these were taken. As I write he is still with us 500 miles later! We believe he is a cattle egret blown offshore. Our boat is a Beneteau 423.

Incidentally the Hydrovane was working well in these pictures!

Chris Marchant

PS Sadly I have to report the death of said egret


 

In a message dated 11/19/2009 4:30:38 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, will@hydrovane.com writes:(Will's eamil is in italics - Neal's response is in bold)
 

Nicholson 32

From: Dennis and/or Virginia [mailto:sbjohnsx@verizon.net]
Sent: November-05-09 11:02 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane Installation

Amel Maramu 46 - Note hole in platform - it fits over upper flange when Hydrovane removed and platform raised

Beneteau First 47.7

From: Roy Goodman [mailto:roy@roygoodman.com]
Sent: September-04-09 1:04 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hydrovane for Delphia 37

Hi Will

...My new Hydrovane does exactly what it says on the tin - and it fitted round a central stern step and side bathing ladder!
With the sails nicely set, you simply engage and enjoy the confidence of self-steering which results from quality engineering.
I can't begin to think how it works...it just does!!

But, surely, we all need a spare vane cover???
How can I get one?
very best,
Roy 

  - 

Delphia 37

From: Ian (address available on request)
Sent: September-25-09 7:29 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Re: Hydrovane

John

Hope you enjoyed the Southampton Show.

Here is the photo for your website. I include this one as it shows the Hydrovane in use with our dinghy to show that you can actually use the Hydrovane with a dinghy stowed in the davits - not a very windy day though! This set up works really well like this and the dinghy does not interfere with the Hydrovane - in fact the Hydrovane helps to keep the dinghy solid and stop it moving around. When we were researching wind steering systems we couldn't find any images of a Hydrovane fitted to a boat with davits - although you said this was possible - so you may find this picture useful in your marketing. If you need any more please let me know. Note also that the Hydrovane is slightly offset to allow us to use the centre gate to access the bathing ladder. Although the stern looks crowded it all fits pretty well together - the important thing was to plan everything!! I didn't plan as well as I should have and very nearly made a significant mistake with regard to positioning but corrected it just in time.

Re my Email on the website I am very happy with the content and the use of my first name but please remove my last name and my Email address from your site. Thanks

Regards
Ian

From: Ian (address available on request)
Sent: August-28-09 8:30 PM
To: John Curry
Subject: Hydrovane

Dear John

We took delivery of our Hydrovane in Feb and installed it during Jun - these things always take longer than expected. But we have now left our home port in UK and are heading down towards the Med. I had never used the Hydrovane before and was slightly aware that this was a huge investment for something I had never tried. We have gone for a slight offset to give us access to the bathing steps.

On our channel crossing recently the wind was ideal to use the Hydrovane as we were pretty much close hauled for most of the way and needed to claw some distance up wind if possible. I had read the instructions but at the first attempt the Hydrovane took up the steering flawlessly - it was fantastic and took us all the way across the channel without any problem - far more comfortable and safer than if we had been steering and importantly without using any electrical power. We made a few course changes using the course correction line so we didn't need to get out of the cockpit. I am now a Hydrovane convert and realise that it is one of the best purchases that I have made to prepare for our cruises.

Hope that you enjoy the Southampton show if you are over for that. I will not be there but will be at London in Jan so may see you there.

Regards
Ian

Oyster 406 - with a dinghy on davits

Subject: RE: Hydrovane Parts for Swan 38
From: "Alison Burnett" <yachtroxi@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, September 11, 2009 8:39 pm
To: will@hydrovane.com

Hello Will

Sorry for the long delay, hope you had a good weekend

We bought our Hydrovane self-steering at the 2000 London Boat Show, once it was installed we christened him Harold after my grandfather who was a keen sailor but in his 90's when we left for our first transatlantic cruise.

Harold is an amazing part of our crew on Roxi and to look aft and see the vane cheerily keeping us on course can be mesmerising. We use him upwind, downwind and even with our asymmetric spinnaker

Have included some photos for your gallery:

The Old Harold:

We are in the Galapagos Islands, Simon is holding up the old vane with its patchwork of repairs telling its history, this vane took us on; one Atlantic circuit from Europe in 2000-2001, into the Med for 18 months - it didn't get as much use during that trip, and then in 2006 from Portugal across the Atlantic again, through Venezuela to San Blas, through Panama, down to Ecuador and across to the Galapagos Islands. There in Isabella - our departure point for the Marquesas - in May 2007 we decided to treat Harold to the spare vane cover which we had stowed aboard.

The Atlantic 2006:

This our original vane cover with its many patched repaired still working happily to take us West

Tropical Sailing:

Our new vane cover with Harold beating towards Minerva Reef May 2008 So far the new one has taken us from Galapagos to NZ, then on a 4,000 mile trip up to Tonga and Fiji and back to NZ, we are still many miles from home so am sure the repairs needed in the future will start to have their own story.

We have no photos of our installation - which we are very happy with - and currently 'Harold' is not attached to Roxi's stern as we will be painting our hull, if you would be interested we can send some at the end of the year when our refit should be completed.

Best wishes

Alison and Simon

   

Vane Cover #1 - The 'Old harold'                     Vane Cover #2 - The Atlantic 2006



Vane Cover #3 - Tropical Sailing

Subject: Outstanding Hydrovane performance
From: "brettwilson2@tiscali.co.uk" <brettwilson2@tiscali.co.uk>
Date: Wed, September 9, 2009 12:32 am
To: will@hydrovane.com

Hi Will!

Your email prompted me to reply and let you know how delighted we have been with the newly-installed Hydrovane on our Bowman 40 this season. Its performance has been simply outstanding! It was also extremely easy to set up and learn how to use. We simply balanced the sailplan (as usual) and plugged in the Hydrovane. As easy as that!! Excellent performance without any additional messing or fiddling about. 'Humphrey' is now a valuable extra crewmember who relieves us of much of the tedious business of having to stand behind the wheel all the time. Until you experience the benefits of good self-steering it is difficult to appreciate the additional freedom it brings. You don't need to be a blue-water sailor crossing oceans to derive this benefit either. We also use it on much shorter passages of around 50 miles or so when short-handed and delight in the extra freedom it brings.

Well done Hydrovane! We used a well-known servo-pendulum design on our previous boat but suffered annoying problems with line tension and adjustment. Not so with Hydrovane. Truly 'plug and play'.

Regards

Brett Wilson

Bowman 40

From: xxxxxxx@sailmail.com - use: mmpitts@zetacorp.com
Sent: September-01-09 10:47 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Silverthorne and Her Hydrovane

Will,

It'd been almost a year since I wrote last. I had my voyage delayed by business and further refits but I'm finally underway to Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Guam or Palau and on to the Philippines. Choices on further SE Asia stops will be made later.

Maybe late in being said but I appreciate you support with the questions I had immediately after my installation back in the fall of last year ('08)

I'm currently 700 miles out of San Diego making for Hilo. I'm really pleased with my Hydrovane now that I've gotten the sail trim coordinated with the fine tuning capabilities of the steering unit. Compared to my past experience with my autopilot the Hydrovane has fully provided the reliability and confidence levels that I was seeking when I made the purchase.

More Later

Mike Pitts
s/y Silverthorne
 

From: Bengt [mailto:bengt_wannerheim@hotmail.com]
Sent: August-13-09 1:56 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Photos of Hallberg Rassy 312

Hi Will,

Last spring I and my friend Par Olofsson purchased Hydrovanes to our yachts (HR312 and HR36 respectively). We found the installation quite straight forward and not too time consuming, and we have tested the rudders during our vacations in the Baltic Sea this summer. We are both very satisfied! Unfortunately the winds have so far not been very strong (6-10 knots) and only once above 20-22 knots, but I was running before the wind then, so the apparent wind was only about 16 knots. But it worked!

I still have to make some adjustments as the vane is touching the backstay, so I have to add about two inches to the timber pads, making them 4" (upper) and 6" (lower). If that should not be sufficient, can I shorten the vane 2 inches? I think such a small change shouldn't matter, or what do you think? I don't want to add more to the pads as that should increase the leverage on them.

Next summer I need to antifoul the rudder as we are heading south then (the Med and the West Indies) where the rudder will be more exposed to fouling than in the Baltic (where the salt content is rather low, and therefore not too much fouling). Can I just apply the antifouling on the rudder or do I need some type of primer first? [Editor - When the boat is moving, salt water scours the rudder - keeps it clean - best to remove the rudder when not at sea - then no need to paint. Otherwise, a hard paint like that used by power boats is best - not messy when handling it.]

I'm enclosing some pictures of my yacht, maybe you can use them as the rudder is both off-center and with an external swimming platform.

With kind regards

Bengt

Hallberg Rassy 312 - offset Hydrovane - shaft thru platform

From: WINGSVI@aol.com [mailto:WINGSVI@aol.com]
Sent: August-10-09 5:13 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Re: spare HYDROVANE - 2

Dear Will

I have enclosed some photos of the vane. The Stubby size was only OK if I lowered the shaft. Needless to say it does put the bearing almost on the water but I shall keep a close examination of it in the next few months. You will see that in harbour I put on the rubber strop to stop the rudder "chattering" at night. I did find that the friction on the vane angling device was NOT strong enough such that it tended to slide back to the vertical?

However, the performance overall was amazing! As you say in the instructions the key to it all was trimming the sails. But with a solo journey of just under 4000 miles (Grenada to Largs on the west coast of SCOTLAND, it came into it's own in the first two weeks of the trip. The wind increased from 20 to 40 kts. with gusts to 50+. The direction was fairly reasonable giving me a fetch of about 40 degrees off the wind. With the waves hitting from various angles it became very uncomfortable and to be able to leave the VANE "in charge" was a great asset. To the credit of the equipment I did allow myself 2 hour sleep periods and was confident that I would not wake up to any disasters. The worrying times were always as the wind increased and to see the vane in its fully raked position just laying over while keeping the boat on track was a delight. As expected the light off wind sailing was not so good. BUT I was so well topped up with battery power it was easy to switch on the Autohelm 7000 and let it do some work.

A humorous ditty occurred as I decided to "find" the AZORES High, and steered on a northerly track making it a 70 degrees wind angle. Having reset "stumpy"--the vane, I went to sleep. When I awoke on the alarm and did my usual check of the track, I found that "stumpy "had decided to go back onto a heading for the AZORES!! NOT what I had wanted but cunning. Of course on closer inspection I realized the wind had veered to achieve this!

I could go on but I will finish by saying that as a retired pensioner I thought the price was a bit hard to bear, BUT only days into the trip I was blessing the day I decided to install it.

Thank you for a great piece of gear.

Regards Phil

Moody 44 with arch - Stubby vane, offset


 

From: Andrew Frost [mailto:andrew.frost@ionbond.com]
Sent: July-27-09 12:51 PM
To: Valerie Williams; Will Curry
Subject: Hydrovane experience with Slavonka

Roy standing on the bumpkin of his Gauntlet 12T Cutter built in 1936

excerpt from his blog:  http://yachtguidinglight.blogspot.com/

The wind was quite strong F5ish which made that a bit awkward, as we left in glorious sunshine, Carlos now with changed job as Sailing Instuctor, came alongside with his students to say good sailing, and Sonia + me began hoisting sail....as we were in the middle of that..... a rain squall came across the port F^in F6! Sonia dived below to get our waterproofs but to late for me! soaked dosent really describe it. Whilst we were in this condition I engaged the pilot for its first test, left Sonia already fully waterproofed watching it, and went below to change! SUCCESS!! the Hydrovane was driving the boat no problem. The test journey was to 'Sada Marina' at Sada in Ria de Betanzos Position: 43,21.51N , 8,14.79W, a double barreled reason, second part was for a social visit as well, during the next couple of hours we were close hauled, beam reach, broard reach and downwind on both tacks, the pilot performed perfectly, I couldnt help staring at it steering the boat with my tiller lashed amidships. Slight adjustments to the heading on the control line had imeadiate effect every time WOW WoW WOW.

From: Jeffrey Kornblum [mailto:jkornblum4@suddenlink.net]
Sent: July-01-09 8:46 PM
To: 'Will Curry'
Subject: Caliber 40 LRC

Will,

My son and I installed the hydrovane last week and I wanted to share these pictures with you. As an amateur I would like to offer some suggestions for others who want to do this project on their own. The off center installation is ideal for this boat. My swim ladder is intact.

We built a dam with a tarp as you can see in the picture. We were lucky not to drop anything and had all components secured with a line.
Nevertheless I was worried about dropping tools and bolts that would not be easily replaced. Working from the dinghy simplified the job and since we tied it from both ends it was a good platform.

I purchased all my hardware as 316 SS. This was special order and one of the holes had thicker fiberglass such that I needed a longer bolt.
To get the job done we overnighted a pack of 3" bolts. I had overbought in case I dropped something but didn't buy two sizes to cover this potential problem. Those these bolts are relatively expensive they are cheap compared to the cost of the project and I would advise having a few extra bolts of different sizes on hand.

Instead of backfilling the backing plates we mixed the fiberglass with high density filler to make a peanut butter texture (suggested by Cory at Triton Marine) which applied easily and squeezed out nicely and neatly leaving a complete fill behind the plates.
We taped out the hull and bracket feet and also applied high temperature greese to the bolt head and wrenches before tightening down which simplified cleanup.

The post is to be vertical, however that is assuming the boat is not listing. A small breeze results in a small list of the ship. I put a level at several locations along the centerline of the boat and they were all different. We ended up using the levels near the stern and made certain the post had the same level as the boat. Standing on the stern even for a 16000 lb boat makes a difference with the list when you are trying for perfection. Looking from afar the post has the same alignment as the mast though up close when you are working on it you can't make this assessment. Vertical alignment also not exact. The CG of the boat varies with load and load placement and therefore the transom squat also varies. In the Caliber when under power there is enough squat that water is up on the lower transom step and obviously will cover the H-Bracket. Under sail the degree of squat and vertical alignment is going to vary with how full your tanks are when you install vs when you sail as well as how much weight in provisioning you add. Hopefully when we are loaded for cruise and anchoring out the pole will still be above the water.

We used G-10 for the timber pads which are rock hard and long lasting.
You can cut three timber pads from one 12X12 sheet. We cut the templates and drilled their holes at home. At the boat we sanded them using the technique of 60 grit on the hull with double sided tape. This took many hours by hand to get a flush fit. Tape a block of wood to the timber pad with double sided tape to give a good mechanical advantage on the timber pad and preserve your fingers from the sand paper. Teak would have cost about the same and would have sanded in about 10 minutes. Once done the G-10 obviously will not require further maintenance.

Nylocks are nice but can still loosen over time and stress. All of the bolts on my plane have a heat stable wax line over the bolt/nut interface that immediately shows if there has been any loosening. I am applying the same thing on these bolts for easy inspection particularly in the lazarette.

The instructions spoke of using 2 inch PVC as a template. The SS tubes are 2 inch outer diameter. I have both 2 inch and 1.5 inch PVC neither of which worked. Two inch PVC has a two inch inner diameter and 2 3/8 outer diameter. This was too big even with the plastic sleeve removed from the brackets. The 1.5 inch PVC has a 1 7/8 inch outer diameter which was too small even with the plastic sleeves. We jury rigged the PVC to get accurate measurements before cutting the SS pipes.

This job took a total of a day and a half spread over three and a half days waiting one day for larger bolts and losing one day to weather.Over half the work time was in sanding the G-10. Two people are a must and when aligning the pole, three would have been nice. Had we used Teak it would likely have taken about 6-8 hrs.

I will be on the boat in August for three weeks and look forward to running trials on the hydrovane. I am happy to talk with anyone who wants to do this job on their own. I will drop you a line in late August.

Regards,
Jeffrey Kornblum, MD
S/V Ko Olina



 

Caliber LRC 40

From: Olena Boyko [mailto:olena@oasisonline.com]
Sent: June-10-09 8:33 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Quality of Vane Cover
 

Greetings


This is kind of petty considering the replacement price, but I am perturbed in having to replace the nylon vane cover replacement as the original disintegrated in only 2 years (no tropics) and we sailed back from the Black Sea to the States with it duck-taped. Unit still worked fine but I am musing about sewing a new cover or re-inforcing the duck tape. It has been in storage for 10 years but now am preparing for another trans-Atlantic. Have you by chance upgraded the material?


This is the only weak spot of the whole system as even the A tubes bent only slightly in saving our stern from an ugly pier in a messy storm surge in Greece. Those tubes are great for hooking your legs around, bending back and being towed thru the sea. Also doubles great as a boarding ladder.


This is my second Hydrovane on my second cutter, steel hull, no corrosion problems after 15 years in the water. First unit was bought in Annapolis in 1974, those of the wooden vane, of which I made 2 spares with gold lettering and never had to use in 5 years of cruising(still have those as souvenirs). We figured out the need for counterweights on that early model; good thing we had extra zincs in the Atlantic.


For those bitching about the cost of the unit, get real with all the other expensive toys and trinkets put on the modern yacht. There has never been a life-raft or epirb or refrig on my boat (nothing electric on the old one) but I would never sail without a Hydrovane. I have been with you for 30 years and yes, I will replace the rudder pin.


Thanks for not letting this product die. It was an iffy situation a few years back.


Cheers


Olena Boyko
 

.... and a response to my request to print her email:
 

Hi Mr. John,


Aren't all sailors bribable? We have a deal.and I will take you up on offer but will also need to order a #13 and #19 pin. Does this make sense?


Since I insisted on the boat and gave him the house in the divorce, then he died and I found this note that these items were needed for the Hydrovane and I am not sure if this makes sense.


Anyway, S/Y Simoon was a mahagony on oak 1929 beautiful cutter. We chose the Hydrovane in 1974 as it was the only unit with an emergency rudder already built in and we listened very carefully to what the Hiscocks wrote. Was there even another choice! No electricity, no electronics, no radio (what fun coming into Israel), just our trusty vane, serving us for 7 years from the States into the Red Sea. Am trying to find a picture with the wooden vane.


S/Y Simoon of Sounion (guess where that project was conceived), is a round hull, 45' steel cutter, self-lofted and self-built, hull, interior,wooden mast, everything inside and out and she is the sexiest boat in God's country Virginia (your former colony). She was the first foreign yacht to sail up the Dnieper River in newly independent Ukraine in 1994, quite a sensation. Now her vane cover disintegrated in just 2 years, just like the marriage, somewhere between the Canaries and Guadaloupe. This is a soap tale saga: 2 boats, 2 marriages, 2 Hydrovanes.

Will also look for some pictures.


Incidently, both vanes were installed by us and no corrosion on the steel hull after 15 years. Of course everything is siliconed or bedded.


Yes, my praise of Hydrovane can be shared on your site. I perused the EMAILS and still this big deal about price from some. How much did these people pay for their deck shoes or branded foul weather gear. Was is the price of their Henri Lloyd outfit? Give up the e-charts and refrigeration, drink warm beer!


I will be in touch with Miss Valerie as she also perceives that I am bribable.


Cheers


Olena Boyko
 

From: Scott R [mailto:scottskis@yahoo.com]
Sent: June-14-09 2:59 PM
To: Will Curry
Cc: John Curry
Subject: Fantastic!!
 

Well Will, it was hard to wait for the 5200 to cure but I did. Next day sailed the Loon for 6 1/2 hours with about 15 minutes at the helm. When I pulled the vane pin I at first didn't think anything was happening because the rudder movements/corrections were sooo small. I absolutely LOVE my Hydrovane!! My lady friend who races calls it "cheating", but after a couple hours she was so impressed that she gave it a name, "Heidi".

The Hydrovane performed absolutely flawlessly. It has surpassed my expectations. I would be sailing with it again today except that I'm fabricating my tiller handle and tiller-pilot installation to fit the Hydrovane.
 

Here are a few shots of my installation. As you can see I have kept the functionality of my swim step while also creating easy access to ship and unship the rudder. No reaching under. A little tip; Put a loops in your rudder tether line and hook a bungee inline so that you have to push down slightly to get the rudder under the shaft then let go and the bungee lifts it up into position. It's very easy to pin the rudder if you don't have to hold it up too.
 

Also is a photo of my new 3nm stern light (Attwood #6556-7 $69.99 USD) mounted properly with the Hydrovane logo in full view. You guys ought to sell this fantastic little light.
 

And finally, I've talked up the Hydrovane on E-dock at Shilshole for a year now. I really emphasize the emergency rudder and tiller steer capabilities of the Hydrovane and that it's a clean install that doesn't interface/interfere with your helm. So far I think TJ (Roberts 43) and JW( Poe'm, it's a double ender) have placed orders. Watch for DB (Hallsberg Rassey 42) and MF (Vallient 42). They're resistance is crumbling, especially after sailing yesterday. They've been over a number of times to see and ask about it but both came over yesterday and wanted to know how it did. In six hours plus I had winds from 4kts to 16kts and I was grinning from ear to ear. I just got back from D's HR42. He asked me to come over and show him where/how it might be installed. He's real close to committing.
 

So all's well that ends well Will. And please consider Hydrovane hats. I could sell even more units if I was wearing the logo on my head. In the mean time, I'll take a 2XL shirt if you've got plenty around.
 

Cheers - Scott Ritchie
s/v Loon~Asea, Folkes 39

From: RCYC Honorary Secretary [mailto:honsec@royalcornwallyachtclub.org]
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 5:01 AM
To: Valerie Williams
Subject: RE: Robert Hamer wind vane cover.

Valerie,

Thanks for that. If it lasts 20 years it could possibly see me out!

Incidentally over the 20 years I have sailed with the Hydrovane I have found it the most amazing and helpful member of the crew. It never complains or gets tired, doesn’t eat anything and seems to enjoy what it is doing. On the odd occasion it is a little irritating, ie in light winds when there is an awkward sea running it can lose its way every so often. Mind you it is bound to have a fault it is a woman after all. Mine is Gwendolyn who was John Benn’s granddaughter.

Regards
Robert H Hamer
Honorary Secretary
Royal Cornwall Yacht Club
Direct: 01326 211389
Office: 01326 312126
See our website at www.royalcornwallyachtclub.org

Saga 40 - 'John Benn' - 14.5 tonnes (32,000 lbs.)

From: Stuart Gough [mailto:dstuartgough@gmail.com]
Sent: May-30-09 6:22 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Passport Yachts Europe

Passport 515 CC - at the Southampton, UK Boat Show

From: jean claude fleuret [mailto:jcterue@gmail.com]
Sent: May-08-09 4:07 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: testimonial Hydrovane

Hello Will,

Back at home, boat in Panama, waiting my return to go on Pacific.

In attach, some pictures of Hydrovane on my boat and a text in franch about the Hydrovane.

You can choose the picture you prefer and put the franch text; if you think a text in english is better, you can perhaps find somebody to translate or tell me, I will try to write in english, but you know my capacities in that language !

__________________________________

Après 180'000 milles nautiques, j’ai décidé de m’offrir un second efficace: Hydrovane remplit à merveille cette fonction.

Jamais un régulateur n’avait à ce point répondu à mes attentes; car j’ai déjà utilisé à bord de mes différents voiliers des régulateurs: un Atoms sur flettner adjoint au safran principal, un Aries, puis à nouveau un Atoms avec drosses sur la barre. Hydrovane vient de supprimer chaque point négatif des précédents.

Il est complètement indifférent, par exemple au portique et aux différents objets qui y sont attachés.

Il est sensible par petits airs, très efficace par vent supérieur à 7 Bft et reste totalement opérationnel quel que soit l’allure; c’est ainsi la première fois que mon second barre d’une manière experte par vent arrière.

De plus, il est très sobre esthétiquement, très robuste; son fonctionnement est simple, efficace; plusieurs réglages permettent d’adapter son comportement aux conditions de vent et de mer.

Seul point négatif; l’immergé ne se retire pas en mer, et au moteur par exemple, les vibrations sont importantes.

__________________________________

TRANSLATION (not precisely the same - Jean Claude has added some points - to keep his meaning the same)

After 180,000 nautical miles, I decided to give myself an upgrade: a Hydrovane that fills this function with wonder.

Never yet had a windvane responded to my needs; I’ve already used a number of different windvanes on board: an Atoms, an Aries, and then another Atoms. Hydrovane has superseded every negative point of the others.

It is completely indifferent to the arch and all its attachments (editor’s note – he refers to his shorter Stubby vane surrounded by an Arch with solar panels – see the following picture).

It is sensitive in light airs, very efficient in winds greater than Force 7 (on the Beaufort scale) and remains totally operational no matter how much wind; it is the first time that I feel an expertise in charge when heading downwind.

In addition, it is aesthetically pleasing to look at, and very robust. Its functionality is simple, and easy to operate. Multiple settings allow you to adapt its behaviour to the wind and sea conditions.

The only negative point is that the rudder cannot be removed while motoring which creates annoying vibrations; but it is nothing. I am sure it will be forgotten in my next navigation to the Horn.

__________________________________

Best regards, always in dispo.

Yours faithfully

Jean-Claude

Garcia 42 - 17 tons, aluminum

From: Edward Morgan [mailto:ebmorgan50@yahoo.com]
Sent: April-08-09 9:19 PM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Edward Morgan.. Cal 39

Hey, Will. Seems a long time ago that we last chatted about installing the Hydrovane in my Cal in Seattle.

We departed last August, and the vane did an enormous amount of the steering down the coast to San Diego, then to Cabo as part of the Baja Haha, then back up to La Paz where the boat is now.

Gotta say it's a spectacular piece of gear, and worked flawlessly the whole way. But in decommissioning the boat for summer storage, we notice a crack in the lower plastic ring. We have not touched it either in installation nor down the coast so I suspect it was either a bit overtightened when originally assembled or there was a flaw in the plastic somewhere.

I'm assuming this is still under warrantee and hope you can send me off a new one at some point. We won't be going back to the boat til the fall so there is no huge hurry. But I'd appreciate getting this resolved whenever convenient for you.

Editor's note - The Bottom Collar is now avaialble in aluminum - no more cracking.

Hope all is well in these these tough economic times.

Cheers

Ted Morgan

Cal 39 & Ted

From: John Curry [mailto:john@hydrovane.com]
Sent: April-24-09 10:47 AM
To: 'rya email'
Cc: 'Will Curry'
Subject: RE: Hydrovane

Hi Chris

As you surmised the height of the shaft is not important. Our only reason for the specified height is to keep the shaft out of the water – avoid growth. As it is you will need to clean it off from time to time. Try putting zinc oxide (baby cream) on – I hear it is good for such.

When raising it be sure to keep the bracket clamp well clear of the bottom bearing – not to pinch it. We suggest 2 inches of stainless tube showing – although it could be a bit less.

Best regards

John

From: rya email [mailto:cjguy124@rya-online.net]
Sent: April-24-09 9:20 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Hydrovane

Hi John

Yesterday we had our first sail in Kea with the new Hydrovane fitted. It was a perfect day for getting to know the gear, 15kts of wind and no sea. The gear performed as expected and we are very pleased. We are off on our summer cruise to Scotland soon and we are happy to have an extra crew signed on, especially one that does not need food and sleep!

I have one small comment about the fitting which was straightforward and that is that in your drawing of the Nicholson 32 stern the waterline shown is the designed waterline when in fact the boats float somewhat lower when fully loaded. I failed to spot this and as a result I fitted the gear is lower than I would have liked. With 2" clearance between the bottom bracket and the bottom of the bearing tube the rudder shaft is imersed to the level of the hole for the locking pin and so the rudder is correspondingly lower in the water. This is not a major problem and if necessary I will raise the bottom bracket next winter.

Many thanks for a great piece of kit.

Best wishes

Chris

Subject: Fantastic - First Time Out With Hydrovane
From: "Paul Sellers" <paul@franchiserv.co.uk>
Date: Mon, April 20, 2009 6:28 am
To: "Will Curry" <will@hydrovane.com>
Cc: "Spike-versatilemarine" <info@versatilemarine.co.uk>
"Alan" <sales@vectamarine.com>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

What can I say ­ it works flawlessly on any point viz. close to the wind, broad reaching or downwind it made no difference.

The other astounding feature precluding any need for anything like a tiller block is that we simply put the tiller in an upright vertical position (unlocked) and the Hydrovane did all the rest including tacking and a controlled gybe ­ all simply by pulling the string. Incidentally on this latter point can the string be as short as you want or should it be of an ideal length ­ we simply used it kite like yesterday with an end held in each hand.

Similarly Bill was absolutely right as far as leaving the rudder stock in and locked for an aft position when manoeuvring in the marina confines ­ it made little appreciable difference in reverse and if anything if improved in a go-forward aspect.

Although so far only experienced for a few hours it does seem a marvellous piece of engineering and the set-up just works ­ as they say it does exactly what it says on the outside of the tin!

The other new piece of kit that I used for the first time yesterday is a feathering Kiwiprop ­ again another faultless performance. Indeed I have taken the liberty of introducing you to Alan Pollard and vice versa you to him since both of you have exemplified the highest level of customer service and responsiveness perhaps arising out of confidence in your product and follow-up. Perhaps you can explore opportunities for cooperation?

Best wishes - Paul

Vancouver 32 - custom struts from 'H' brackets

In Paul's research for a Hydrovane he discovered the owner of another Vancouver 32 who has had a Hydrovane for many years. The following is more of our dialogue with Paul including the response he got from 'Jabril':

From: Paul Sellers [mailto:paul@franchiserv.co.uk]
Sent: December-04-08 6:45 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: FW: Hydrovane for Vancouver 32


Will and John

Thanks for these prompt responses I think my preference if only aesthetically is for a centreline installation such as Jabril’s but needless to say I now feel assured about the manoeuvrability question – indeed I am copying you with comments made by Jabril’s owner that only reinforce your own comments.

___________________________________

Hello Paul

Just caught up with all the various thoughts and advice coming your way re Hydrovane etc.

1/ the tube mountings around the rudder provide an exceptionally robust protection for your rudder in the marina and the Hydrovane is an exceptionally strong machine – things bounce off them!!
(I never leave the auxiliary rudder in situ when moored up for any time - to stop erosion of the rudder shaft housing)

2/ the Hydrovane is amazingly sensitive in light airs, to the point that she will try to steer even when there is not enough wind to sail properly - in a reasonably heavy V32 that needs 10k+ of wind to get going at all.
( as mentioned before it all comes down to sail trim)

3/ Never had any problems in astern – especially with a CJR or Kiwi prop giving you proper reverse thrust. Have had some very difficult mooring manoeuvres (single-handed!) in Dingle marina that is even tighter than Falmouth.
Also many tight mooring games with strong tidal cross flow – the Hydrovane rudder does not seem to influence the astern “nuances” of a V32 – but have always had a variable pitch prop to help overcome all the natural sambas of a long keel hull.

4/ If the boarding ladder gets in the way of the mounting, take it off and use the Hydrovane mounts as the ladder. I sometimes sit on the tube mounts to lift heavy things onboard etc. also easier to get in and out of dinghy as the mounts project further out over
the Avon side and you can simply step straight in.

Give us a call when you get back and we can meet up.

_________________________________

Okay so you’ve assured me of any concerns so what now of how to get an installation arranged vis a vis design of the fittings (Hydrovane to Boat) etc and ultimately the actual fitting/installation of the Hydrovane – indeed do you have anyone in Falmouth UK who you feel confident about and could take this on as a turnkey project? I’m not proposing to use the hull fitting as steps as John does if only hopefully to reduce the weight of his construction. Indeed, I’d much prefer the typical Hydrovane tubular fittings.

Last but not least if I were to give you my order and to make a wire transfer early next week when I return to the UK when is the soonest I can have your piece by? The boat is currently on the hard at Falmouth but supposedly scheduled to go back in on the 17th March.

Again thank you for your quick responses it gives a good deal of comfort to work with obvious professionals.

Best wishes - Paul

From: Steve Offshore [mailto:target_tao@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 3:55 PM
To: r.hiemann@comcast.net
Subject: Hydrovane

Hi Ronald,

Apologies for not replying sooner. Very busy and then thought I'd wait till I had some experience with it to report.

CHENG FENG arrived safely on 3rd March 2009 in Scarborough, Tobago after a 24 day passage from Gomera, Canary Islands . Single handed. The newly installed VXA 2D Hydrovane did the steering. I didn't even bother to seatrial it before departure, knowing from your good self that it works on a NC40 ketch. I thought I'd work it out on the way. That took about 45 seconds.

It wasn't the easy tradewind passage it's supposed to be, we were beset by an almost continuous stream of showers and squalls, day and night. The wind varied in direction over the full NE quadrant and this created a cross sea most of the time. We sailed countless miles with seas on one quarter and the wind on the other, making for very difficult steering conditions. It was quite amazing to watch the Hydrovane deal with such conditions with only the apparent wind on the vane to control to.

I would recommend the VXA 2D Hydrovane to any NC40 ketch owner. As you say it gives you a nice peaceful ride, especially with no other crew on board.

I tried replying with this on the Nauticat group to something from you on Hydrovanes but it didn't get through.


Best Regards,
Steve Burrows
NC40-054
CHENG FENG
Scarborough, Tobago

Saturday, February 28, 2009 2:17 PM

From: "sigmund Baardsen" <symaryt@yahoo.com>

To: "john curry" <john@hydrovane.com>

Dear John

WINDVANES

Most important how will you use the boat? Will the usage justify the extra expense? Every boat is used differently.

Our boats have balanced ends and fairly long keels and well balanced sailplans so they tend to sail themselves. On one occasion I was broad reaching for 4 hours before I discovered the previous watch had disengaged the wind vane. Few boats will do this. Damn near any wind vane will steer these boats. The question is which one you want when it gets really nasty.

True, the servo pendulums increase their power with boat speed.

It means that they often, like an inexperienced helmsman, over-steer, causing oscillation, that results in an uncomfortable ride and ultimately loss of control and round-down and gybe or round-up and knockdown. Mind you this is in extremis, but that is just when you need precise reliable steering. We have never experienced that with the hydrovane.

The independent rudder (Hydrovane's) is so far aft that it is in clear, (non-turbulent) water and is very effective for its size. Being so far aft it exerts much power than the main rudder with a smaller angle of attack for less drag. I have stalled and ventilated the main rudder but not the Hydrovane.

In the Queens Birthday storm (6 yacht lost) the Hydrovane saved us days of exhausting steering and allowed us to pump, prepare food, rest, and make needed repairs. While in the big following seas, averaging over 10 knots under bare poles, the Hydrovane steered, most of the time, while a crewmember simply sat behind the wheel, “riding shotgun”. Under such circumstances fatigue is a serious and insidious problem, leading to pasivity and impared judgement and potentially deadly mistakes. When we attempted deploy a sea-anchor we, fell backward off a wave and busted our main rudder’s steering system, the Hydrovane carried on. I don’t know of any other unit that could stand up to that kind of punishment. With the boat’s main rudder inoperable the Hydrovane, alone, steered us 500 miles to Fiji .

In very light air, with less wind-speed and less boat-speed than the instruments can measure, I simply install a taller blade in the wind vane and adjust the counterweight.

I like that the cockpit is not cluttered with extra lines (safety issue) that; stretch, chafe, break and have to be fussed with. Be assured, I find no fault with Monitor or Flemming. They are fine products. It is just that hydrovane has proven itself and I feel is better for my boat and my purposes.

It took a little while to learn to use the device most effectively. It will be ready to go, right out of the box without any fussing or fine tuning. It taught me to balance the boat better and I am a better sailor for it. I am sure that is true of any wind vane. Not so with electric autopilots. When powering, I steer with an inexpensive Simrad T-10 tiller pilot actuating the hydrovane. When you compare the cost of an under-deck autopilot to the cost of combined the Simrad T-10 and Hydrovane the decision becomes quite obvious.

Electric autopilots have been improved enormously in the last few years, yet they are dependant upon the 12 Volt system, the most vulnerable and least reliable system in the boat. Reliability of 12 volts systems and solar panels have also improved enormously. I consider self-steering too important to be reliant upon the 12 volt system, particularly for singlehanders and couples. For the same reason I have a manual anchor windlass. I have never seen an electric windlass with satisfactory manual override. It is true that the single-handed around the world racers use powerful electric autopilots, most of us do not enjoy neither their budget nor their technical support nor short duration of voyage.

The secret to using this unique wind vane when reaching or running in light-air/big-sea conditions it to dial in a little weather helm into the main rudder and a little lee helm into the wind vane. That way if the boat falls off and the apparent wind is consequently reduced, the boat will naturally head back up again. When a puff comes she will drive off, just as a talented helmsman would do, which is just what you want. I don't know of another system that will do that, again it is a safety issue, as well as better VMG.

I urge you to get together with the other owners, no matter what brand you buy, to order together and get a better price. It is an important investment, so do get it right. In terms of cost per mile the price difference becomes negligible.

Almost any boat is OK on the bay, but we bought MARY T because she would look after us, outside where things can get ugly. It is just the same with wind vanes. Almost any wind vane will do, on the bay, outside it is a different story. If you have a family, think on it.

Your timing is auspicious. The U.S. dollar is strong against the Pound, for the moment.

I have been in contact with John Curry of Hydrovane. He is willing to work with you on price, as much as he can, because of the number of boats involved. I urge you to contact John, (Google; Hydrovane) for the full story. He is very pleasant and approachable. He is a modest, no bull-shit kind of guy, rare in the industry.

Sigmund

Mary T (Cheoy Lee Offshore-40 yawl)

Sig

From: Mike Eastman [mailto:mike@eastmanfarmconsulting.eclipse.co.uk]
Sent: February-05-09 3:09 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Hydrovane parts

Hi Will

Thanks for reply. Of course, do use our recommendation - will look out a photo or two as well.

Re parts - we've done 28000 miles, suspect the vane gear has not been serviced since at least one Atlantic circuit before that - or possibly not since fitted (6 Atlantic crossings + several thousand more in the Pacific and the Med now under her keel)! So, well overdue for some new bits.

1. OD of shaft is 1 1/8in.
2. Delivery address as below
3. Age of unit - believe 1984. There is no model no. on unit, but the original literature which I have refers to VXA I (Series 1200). I spoke to Geoff soon after we got the boat and he recalled (and I think had records of) fitting the unit to our boat 1984. Certainly a number of changes on the current model - can send copy of the diagram/photo I have if necessary (please come back to me if so) but I expect the above gives you sufficient information to correctly identify the parts we require.

Many thanks and kind regards

Mike

From: bruce [mailto:bruce.greaves@bigpond.com]
Sent: February-12-09 2:57 AM
To: 'Will Curry'
Subject: RE: Bruce Greaves - Hydrovane Order

Hey Will - what a beautiful gadget - got it on and working this arvo (Australian slang for 'afternoon') - fabulous - some pics attached for your pleasure - Bruce

Bruce's dog and 33' crusier in his home waters - Tasmania

From: denny flannigan [mailto:kokomodenny@yahoo.com]
Sent: February-13-09 11:13 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: vane

Will, thanks for taking the time to introduce me to your Dad at the show. You guys seem like a great team. Attached are a few photos of the modifications we did to make the hydrovane work on my boat.

Will, as you know I bought a used Hydrovane last year and then modified it to fit my boat. I am lucky as the unit I bought was only a few years old and was a good match for my boat, otherwise a new one might have made more sense. Over the past year you have treated me like I bought the unit from you. That is a testament to your customer service.

Last summer my wife and I set off on a summer sail to San Fraqncisco, Hawaii and back to Tacoma. We raced to Hawaii then brought the boat back. When we left Hawaii to come home to Tacoma we engaged the Hydrovane for its 1st real test. Over the next 19 days we saw winds from 5 kts to 45 knots. The hydrovane was great other than an adjustment here or there to account for the different wind speeds it drove the whole way. We debated long and hard about which vane to buy for our future cruising and am glad we made the choice we did. Great vane and great service, what more could we ask for.

There is a few things I need to complete the upgrade of our vane:

1) the auto adjust system so I can adjust the vane without climbing out of the boat.

2) a new vane cover as mine has been in the sun too much.

3) the white cover that has Hydrovane written on it. (broke and fell off)

DennyFlannigan

S/V Kokomo

Denny's Sabre 42

From: Peter Baggenstos [mailto:peterb@postmail.ch]
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2008 2:05 PM
To: Cynthia Yates
Subject: Hydrovane Parts

Dear Cynthia

After my steering broke the Hydrovane was indispensable for me more then ever. Having the emergency tiller lashed I sailed over 3000 miles from Trinidad to Brazil/Recife using the Hydrovane. Unfortunately one day I noticed that the ratio knob cover was broken and the bolt was bent I don't know for which reason (see fotos attached). So I had to do ad hoc-fixing of this problem.

Now I am staying in Salvador for about 2 weeks and would be very happy if you could send these parts very urgently to:

Bahia Marina Peter Baggenstos, Iate en transito Lady Lay

Salvador, BA Brazil

Moody 425 - Main steering broken - main rudder set with emergency tiller - see control lines - Hydrovane easily steered 3,000 miles to Brazil

From: wdeXXXX@sailmail.com
Sent: December-04-08 4:42 AM
To: john
Subject: ebbtide 33

Hi John,

Mike Brown here from NC. A quick note from the middle of the Atlantic. On my way to the Caribbean,

8 days out of NC with some very sloppy weather. I had no chance to try the Hydrovane out until I actually got underway and I must say was not disappointed when I finally was able to engage the unit. I had made a mount for my autohelm which worked great and after a few days got some wind.

Right now we're about 250 miles south of Bermuda, force 6-7 NE wind and running hard. The boat is way over powered, but in hand, the vane handling it magnificently. I'm trying to outrun another strong norther two days behind..... I'll send you some installation pictures when I get a chance from a land based computer. Thanks for your support and I am working on another sale for you back in Beaufort. The Hydrovane is one of the few pieces of gear I have bought in the last ten years and not been disappointed with. It's a quality product that does everything promised, and more.

Take care,

Mike

Ebbtide 33  - 'H' brackets with custom supports

From: Mike and Kathy [mailto:cgullseeker@msn.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 11:30 AM
To: linda@hydrovane.com
Subject: new Hydrovane for Cgull Seeker

Sir

                We live on our boat and wander on the east coast of the USA and down to Mexico. It seems you have moved from England since I last looked. We previously owned a Dickerson 35 built in 1965 which had a 1972 Hydrovane. It worked in all the conditions we sailed in from 40 knots in the gulf stream to flat calm loss of steerage. Mike single handed from 89 to 93 before Kathy came along and it was great. We sold the Procyon in 2000 with the Hydrovane. She sank in 2005 and a friend of ours bought the Hydrovane which sails on a 27 foot sloop now and Mark loves it.

                Cgull Seeker our current home had a number 18 Monitor on her when we bought her. It worked but failed to steer below about 3 knots and wouldn’t tack. Now it may be a Hydrovane won’t tack Cgull Seeker but we want to see. We do have to back the staysail to get around usually. We do wear around if we have the sea room.

                Cgull Seeker is steel and I propose to weld the brackets to the stern and I believe the HA mount seems to be what we may want. We will have to haul out to do this and we are planning to haul next year in September. We are currently headed for the Bahamas for the winter but we wanted to open communications and ask for any advice or instructions to plan our installation.

                Cgull Seeker is a Holland 40 built in 1955 in Holland designed by Henk Tingen

Mike and Kathy Moore

From: Stan & Lynn [mailto:sjhomer@nucleus.com]
Sent: November-29-08 4:31 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Homers' Odyssey

Hola John;

Back afloat in Ecuador after some land travels in Ecuador & Peru. Off towards Panama in a few days. Attached should be a few pics of our Hydrovane after 24 years since launching & 33, 000 miles. Please use them for your advertising as you see fit. Hope to stop in again next summer if we are in Vancouver.

Best regards, Stan & Lynn Homer

Lynn showing us her old smaller vane - says she doesn't need a bigger one

From: Wickman Bill [mailto:b.jwickman@suddenlink.net]
Sent: November-15-08 3:06 PM
To: John Curry
Cc: Wickman Bill
Subject: hydrovane performance

Hi John,

We're home after two fairly long passages and several shorter runs traversing islands as part of the great coconut milk run. If you remember, you sent some of the new bearings to a friend of ours and he brought them to Tonga where we installed them. We really didn't get much chance to evaluate the system until we departed Tonga from 

Nuku'Alofa on the 10th of October heading for Opua in the Northland of New Zealand.

Cut to the chase...I believe the new bearings and the mid-bearing had a positive impact on Hydrovane performance. I believe overall operation is smoother and that our boat, a Wauquiez Centurion 42, steers better with the vane than it did before we installed the new bearings. We were pleased with performance before and rather than reiterate our previous experience let me just outline where I believe the improvements were most obvious.

With the vane set in the full left  setting (least rudder movement) we got good steering performance in less relative wind than we had previously. We were also able to get smooth performance with the vane set in the middle position in less relative wind than previously. We therefore used the middle position more often and got better steering performance from the increased rudder deflections, when needed, than previously. The tendency to get thrown off course by a combination of  ave and wind shift and not have enough power to regain course relative to the wind was almost completely eliminated. During the trip from Tonga to NZL this happened once that I can remember. The Hydrovane steered the entire trip except when we were motoring and during one squall where I thought there might be some severe conditions (which never occurred) and I hand steered for about an hour. We still have never encountered conditions where the far right (greatest rudder deflection) setting works best for our boat.  We very seldom encountered winds over 30 knts and in those winds the center position still worked more smoothly than the far right position. Perhaps if we had consistent relative winds above the 25-30 knots the far right position would be better for us but that's still speculation on my part.

So, I'll say again, I think the new bearings are good. We were happy with performance before but we're more happy now. I really don't think I could ask for more from a wind oriented self steering device. I'll also say that the construction has proven to be just as bullet prove as it looks. We put 8283 NM under the keel in seven months this trip and did nothing to maintain the unit except take the rudder and wind vane off when we weren't going to be using them for a while and hose down with fresh water if it hadn't rained recently. I sprayed the unit with WD-40 when we took the boat out of the water in NZL.

We plan on being back in NZL in March or April to start another trip up into the tropics. With a little luck we'll see you somewhere on the boat show circuit before then.

Thanks John,

Bill & Janet Wickman

SV Airstream

WAUQUIEZ 42

From: WDBxxxx@sailmail.com [supplied on request]
Sent: November-08-08 8:06 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Cc: 'Will Curry'
Subject: Re: Popping noise

John,

Thanks for your reply.  Not so much alarm as concern.  I'm now certain after close attention and detail inspection inside and outside that noise is from slight slipping movement of timber pads especially the new lower teak pads placed with the installation of the "A" bracket.  There is no indication of progressive deterioration and actually on some points of sail the noise has diminished.  No leaks or stress indications and the pads are on the strong thick-cored transom section not in the middle where there is no core - just thick fiberglass.  Masons need "A" brackets always- I can detail the construction to you later.

I am pleased with the Hydrovane performance especially since we have a gale working off Pt. Arguellas, California and the autopilot flux gate compass appears to have crashed deactivating the autopilot.  This is why I bought the Hydrovane and it took no time at all to prove my decision correct.  I have done so in the past and would hate to find myself be hand-steering in these conditions again.

The installation does look good and I will be sending some hi-resolution photos later.  You should not recommend xxxxxxxx in Alameda for your installations.  The work looks good but it seems to me they would have used 5200 along with the bolts to secure the pads in place and the "E" bracket was thoughtlessly put on obviously thinner transom material without a second thought.

Best Regards,

Mike Pitts

s/y Silverthorne

From: Jerome Satterthwaite [mailto:J.Satterthwaite@plymouth.ac.uk]
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 5:43 AM
To: info@hydrovane.com
Subject: Vane

Hi

I was surprised to see that Hydrovane has gone international. Over the years I've bought three - all from a man in the Midlands of the UK who seemed to be making them in his garage. Clearly the Vane has moved on since then and I congratulate you.

I am buying a Contessa 32 and I'd like to fit a Hydrovane - I can't picture myself going to sea without one. So, please can you tell me:

• how much will it cost?
• will it fit the Contessa 32
• do you have a UK agent

To my mind the Hydrovane is brilliant. It has just one defect: fitting the auxilliary rudder is difficult at sea. Has the design moved on since I last bought one to get round this problem?

All best wishes

Jerome Satterthwaite

Hydrovane #3 - Kingfisher 30

From: Kyle Case [mailto:kylecase@me.com]
Sent: November-06-08 10:24 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Re: Pictures of your Hydrovane installation on Black Coral

John,

            Glad I could help, No we are at a port doing the final upgrades on the ship. I have done several test runs this last summer, every thing is working nicely. I believe any serious cruiser who is looking at world travel by yacht should have a product like yours, as a single handed sailer it was a must for me.

Kyle Case mobile       206-484-0828 http://kylecase.com http://casecomics.com

Westsail 32

From: thomas clarke [mailto:searoad_t@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 4:24 PM
To: Linda Suter
Subject: RE: CACHALOT 28' Steel Sloop - Hydrovane model VXA2D S/H/H

Hi Linda, John et al,
Finally took some pics of your wonderful machine working on the back of my boat. Meant to send some earlier but just didn't get to it, then there was winter etc etc. I truely love it and it has transformed my singlehanded sailing experience. I only have one questions and one suggestions. How do I get the control line to operate in a continuous loop? Do people splice the line so it goes over the pulleys and through the eyelets or what, am I missing a fundamental thing?? How do others deal with this? [Editor - answer found on TIPS section of website]

I would also like to suggest a possible small modification if I may. It would be great if there was a small hole with a plastic grommet where one could stow the pins when they are not in use (ie during operation of the unit) somewhere on the casting so they don't just dangle about. I am mulling over the possiblities for doing something but have not concluded on anything yet. It might require just an extra hole somewhere with one of those plastic grommets in it or even a small addition to the casting somewhere (which would obviously be a more expensive option).

Anyhoo, just wanted to tell you that I love it and as with anything of exceptional design and function, the cost is quickly forgotten.

BTW, a friend of mine is looking at the purchase of a boat and I have already advised him that having a hydrovane is an absolute must as he intends to do short handed sailing/cruising. How was life possible on boats before the Hydrovane I'd like to know.

many thanks again, cheers,
Thomas Clarke

___

Cachalot 28 - offset beside external rudder

-----Original Message-----
From: Rory Edwards [mailto:edwards_rory@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 3:14 AM
To: info@hydrovane.com
Subject:

Hello,

We bought a Hydrovane unit from you in 2006 and fitted to our OVNI 435 Nella. The unit performs very well and steered 95% of the way from Spain to Trinidad last year. It seems very reliable and a must for short-handed sailing. The only difficult bit was having the bracket made for the OVNI. The unit was expensive but well worth the investment.

Unfortunately, due to an altercation with a plank in Trinidad, the plastic cover was broken off. We need to replace the two plastic screws to reattach the cover. Could you please send me a pair to:

Thank you very much. Attached are some pictures of typical Hydrovane sailing.

Rory

___

Ovni 435 at sea ..... skipper on watch

From: Carl Barnarp [mailto:carl.barnarp@telia.com]
Sent: July-28-08 1:43 AM
To: Will@hydrovane.com
Subject: E-post: 2008_LYRA + diverse 071, 2008_LYRA + diverse 095, Kopia av 2008_LYRA + diverse 093, Kopia av 2008_LYRA + diverse 078, 2008_LYRA + diverse 077

Hi Will,

Sending you some mounting pictures for our Hydrovane fitted to a Bavaria 42 Cruiser.
Your advertising of a fantastic gear is 100% true. It just works.

Best Regards Carl Barnarp

___

BAVARIA 42 & Happy Skipper

From: I&G Strathcarron [mailto:vascodagama@mailasail.com]
Sent: July-04-08 3:11 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hydrovane Photos

Hi Will, fine about the testimonial. Use anything so far or:

The Hydrovane is a wonderful companion who only has one disadvantage: leads to martial strife about the name. I want to give it a man's name as it is solid and reliable and does not talk back or let one down, but my wife wants to give it a woman's name as it is slim and elegant, longsuffering and just gets on with its work without making a big hoo-ha every five seconds. We have compromised and now call it/him/her the rather unmacho Francis/Frances or now just Franny. However I got caught out the other day saying "Think I'll set up the Fran-man." Her on deck not amused at my amendment, but Fran-girl sounds too woofy even for her.

Yours off the rocks

Ian S.

Lord Strathcarron
s/v Vasco da Gama
Cascais, Portugal.

___

Freedom 40 - big offset - in a squall

follow Lord Strathcarron's voyage at www.strathcarrons-ahoy.com or his blogs at http://blog.mailasail.com/vascodagama

From: Chris Burns [mailto:burnssail@hotmail.com] - Sailmail address provided on request
Sent: April-26-08 10:27 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane Sails Pacific

Will, John and the Hydrovane Crew:

I wanted to let you know that the Hydrovane installed on Wind Dancer, a Catalina 36, has steered us every sailing mile from Alaska to where we are today -- about halfway between the Marquesas Islands and the Tuamotus Archipelago in the South Pacific. That's about 7,000 sea miles without a hitch. We love our Hydrovane and wouldn't trade it for any other piece of gear on the boat. It is so easy to use that the entire crew, including our 12-year-old son who does his own watches, can command the boat with confidence. With 'Hydie' at the helm, we never have to worry.

Along the voyage we've met myriad other cruisers with the old fashioned Monitors and other servo windvanes, all of them griping about chafed lines, broken blocks, wobbly courses and exactly which points of sail are worth using them on. I just have to silently laugh knowing that I have none of those worries. 'Hydie" has driven us through 45-knot gales never losing her way. On the other end of the spectrum, in the Doldrums recently, floating under bare poles in about 2 knots of wind, the Hydrovane actually held a course through the night. A boat traveling with us (using a Monitor or similar windvane) had drifted 5 miles in the wrong direction by morning.

Fair winds,

Chris Burns s/v Wind Dancer

From: Chris Burns [mailto:burnssail@hotmail.com]
Sent: August-06-07 9:31 AM
To: 'Will Curry'
Subject: RE: Hydrovane

Will:

I'm the guy from Juneau, Alaska, who purchased a Hydrovane from you in June. I thought you might like to know how the unit has been performing during our first thousand miles. We're currently in Newport, Oregon, with plans to continue on down to San Diego and across the Hawaii before year's end. Believe me, the Hydrovane will be in use for most of the time. Below is a piece I wrote about the unit for our website and online blog (www.burnssail.com).

Thanks, again, for your guidance and assistance.

Captain Chris Burns
s/v Wind Dancer

>From our blog:

"A couple of equipment notes about the voyage so far. First and foremost, the best investment we made (albeit a late decision in the fitting-out process) was the Hydrovane wind vane self-steering system. This unit has performed flawlessly from the beginning, steering us hundreds of miles under sail. For the first time in our sailing lives we've been able to concentrate on navigation and other aspects of running the boat without being locked to the helm. After a four-hour watch, we're not completely beat as we would be steering by hand. Plus, the Hydrovane -- or "Hydie" as she's been dubbed is much better at keeping a downwind course that we are. Even in rough seas and 30 knots of breeze, Hydie kept the sails full and drawing all the time, something we couldn't have done ourselves. We are both amazed and delighted."

....and more:

From: Chris Burns [mailto:burnssail@hotmail.com]
Sent: August-09-07 11:30 AM
To: 'Will Curry'
Subject: RE: Hydrovane

Will:

You certainly may add our comments to your website. We are so jazzed about the Hydrovane we hope others will make the same decision we did. Almost every day other cruisers come by to look at it and ask questions.

Fair winds,

Chris

The Burns Family from Juneau , Alaska - Chris and crew & WIND DANCER a Catalina 36

 From: Wendell Nicholson [mailto:quluda41@msn.com]
Sent: April-28-08 11:29 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: a missing piece

Hello John

It has been a few years since I have talked with you so you probably don't remember me. I have a Peterson 44 which came with an old Hydrovane when I bought it 10 years ago. You helped me update it to the current model (VXA2D I believe). I sailed to Hawaii and back three years ago and can't say enough good things about your windvane. I had 2 crew members on board, who had sailed with the monitor before and liked the Hydrovane much more. One big advantage, is that in the middle of the night on the ocean, when a large container ship appears out of nowhere, it is very easy to quickly take over control of the wheel and then just as easy to set up the Hydrovane again. I actually use it quite a bit when I'm sailing by myself in the summertime (I live in Port Townsend, WA) around here.

Well I need a part from you. Last summer I accidently lost the knob for the axis control over board. Can you send me one?

Thanks, Wendell

…and response to my request to put this on the website:

Hey John

I have no problem with you putting my email on your website. And use me for a reference; although I might talk someone's ear off about the Hydrovane.

Sorry I don't have any pictures on the computer. I still use old fashion photo equipment. I could send you one in the mail if you like.

Locking pin wins hands down over a t-shirt; never wear the suckers.

All the best, Wendell

P.S. Yes Cynthia has already contacted me.

Peterson 44

From: bud carney [mailto:forinvictus@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 6:05 PM
To: cynthia@hydrovane.com
Subject: hydrovane cover

Hello:  We are on a circumnavigation, having sailed from the U.S. to and thru the Med,  then back to the Caribbean, across the Pacific and now we are in Thailand. Our hydrovane , occasionally with the aid of a tillerpilot has exclusively steered our 37’ steel Amazon sailboat.  In 15 years we have had no repairs or maintenance other than occasional washing and spraying wd40 or anti-corrosion fluid. We now need a new cover. How do we order one?     Leo Carney   forinvictus@hotmail.com

From: bud carney [
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 10:17 AM
To: hydrovane@mailasail.com
Subject: RE: Merlin

Dear John: We have an Amazon 37 foot steel sailboat built 18 years ago in Vancouver in that time we have sail the west coast of US and made the curcuit of the Caribbean and central America , several trips to Bermuda, crossed to Europe thru to Turkey and now back in the Caribbean and presently on our way to Panama - all with our Hydrovane and only very, vey rarely using an electric autopilot. We simply coudn't imagine setting off with out. "Merlin". Bud and Kathy Carney - Invictus IV

From: "John Curry"
To:
Subject: Merlin
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 08:40:34 -0700
Hi Bud and Kathy

I could not help but to notice your enthusiasm for 'Merlin'. Surprisingly, the Hydrovane is so often christened with a new name - and hardly ever the same one - I do like 'Merlin the Magician'. What kind of boat do you have? I would like to add you to our reference book. Best regards John

>Hi Sherry - we are in need of a vane cover for our hydrovane (which we >dearly love and it's name is "Merlin" because he is magical) - we would >like a blue one if possible.

From: Simon Wainman [mailto:simon@wainman.net]
Sent: June-14-08 6:04 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Cc: Adrian Jones
Subject: Hydrovane on Rustler 36

John.

Just a note to say we are absolutely delighted with the Hydrovane that Rustler fitted recently.

As you say in the instructions you simply set it up and go.

We did just that, and although the winds were quite light, the unit worked to perfection and the wake was as straight as a die.

It will be a marvellous addition to our cruising plans.  And I'm so glad you persuaded us to have the remote course setting model.

My only concern is that when motoring at slow speeds it makes the wheel very heavy, but that is something we can live with, and we may well detach the rudder blade when not in use.

So thank you from the Wainmans.

Best wishes Simon

3 Rustler 36s with Hydrovanes- 2 offcentre, 1 amidships

From: windsaloft@rmisp.com [mailto:windsaloft@rmisp.com]
Sent: April-24-08 7:40 PM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: two photos

Will

Thanks for the reminder email --- these have been in the drafts folder for a few days.

While I always thought the Hydrovane was for relief in bigger weather, there was this one day about 5 miles off Point Loma when we were bedevilled by 3-7 knot winds, light and variable in direction.  As is wont to happen on those days, wind direction changes of 60-70 degrees.  Our heavy boat is hard to get going, and once going, slows quickly if you get off your trim.

After a few hours of frustratingly slow progress, we said "let's play with the Hydrovane".

To our disgust, "Heidi" helms in fluky light winds like a champ, following every shift with unerring accuracy.  So, we let her.  I vacationed back in the dinghy enjoying the beautiful weather while my boat partner Kimi wondered if I wanted lemon in my tea or not..........

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." (and pulls out the Hydrovane) William Arthur Ward

Kimi and Terri

___

Mason 33 - in light fluky winds

From: jonathan.d.harrison@uk.pwc.com [mailto:jonathan.d.harrison@uk.pwc.com]
Sent: April-21-08 7:00 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Replacement shaft

Will,

I assume your Nottingham workshop got the L shaft back ok??

We've had 10 days away on the boat and can report the Hydrovane is absolutely superb!

I attach a picture of it on the boat when afloat and some pictures of it in use.

The first day out we had light winds and were close hauled - we set the boat up, pulled the retaining pins out, and it just worked - absolutely magic!! That day it sailed us for 8 hours without a hand on it. It performed equally well with a 30 knots of wind on the beam and 10 knots of wind from astern. Infact we couldn't believe how well it worked - brilliant!

The boat (which has always been a handful in reverse) is actually a little more stable - we leave the Hydrovane locked fore-aft and this seems to help her track a little better and we did the impossible aft we launched - reversed 200 yards in a perfectly straight line out of the marina - never done that before!

As you can see from the pics - the handle of the rudder sits above the water when stationary, but when underway the stern wave causes it to be just below the water level - I assume this is therefore correctly placed? (The shaft sits around 3 inches above the water with no rudder on when stationary, and I would suggest the tip of the shaft is around 2 inches below the water when sailing).

I do have a couple of little points to raise:

1) The gold coloured metal on the tiller arm has started to get little rust spots on it already - should this happen? It happened when the boat was out of the water after we had fitted the unit - so it wasn't even salt water that caused it (it subsequently got a little worse when launched and used). Is this normal or should we do something to prevent it?

Editor's Comment - As explained in the TIPS section this is a bit of residue iron from the 'shot blasting' process. It will oxidize away soon enough.

2) When motoring we remove the vane, but the head of the unit still vibrates - obviously due to the prop wash on the rudder. I have checked the alignment of the drive unit and it has skewed off to one side very slightly since fitting (I will re-align and tighten the bolts up as much as possible next time we go down to the boat). Provided I re-align the rudder and lock it fore-aft when motoring, will this slight vibration damage the unit? (Obviously I will remove the rudder if doing lots of motoring.)

Editor's comment: On some boats vibration from the engine transmits through the hull and can cause either or both the rudder and drive unit to chatter. Best to minimize it by securing with strong bungee chords.

Thanks

Jonny

Colvic Countess 37

From: linandy@freenetname.co.uk [mailto:linandy@freenetname.co.uk]
Sent: June-27-08 8:02 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: RE: Replacement Brackets for Hydrovane

Hi Will

Would it be possible to pick the parts up from Nottingham? You may recall
that I visited Geoff a couple of years ago to see if you still made parts
for the old Hydrovane we had at the time.

The reason I thought of "enjoy" rather than "survive" is that a Hydrovane
makes any passage - even a short coastal one - more enjoyable. Survival
doesn´t really come into it for everyday sailing, and the Hydrovane is about
everyday sailing, not just those times when you don´t want to go out on deck
because it's blowing a hoolie.

Cheers

Linda

From: libera-2008@web.de [mailto:libera-2008@web.de]
Sent: April-24-08 12:21 PM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane

Hi Will,

How are you? You remember me?

At the beginning of 2007 we got our "Hydrovane" from you. Now it's time to give you a response.

We thank you very, very much for our third hand on board.

After installing the vane we tested it the very next day with good winds about 5 Bft.

I pulled both lockpins, adjusted the vane, and - nothing. A few seconds later I remembered the ratio knob and put it in position.

And what now? the vane was steering our boat, better then I ever have done it.

I just couldn't believe it, could it really be so easy?

Never I would change this perfect vane against an electric steering system.

We use it for long and for short trips, vane mounted, adjusted and forget it.

Going astern under motor is better then before, going forward in a circle is a little bit bigger then before.

We just love it!

Have a good time,

Manfred Zimmermann, Schwäbisch Hall, Germany

Bavaria 34

From: JAMES FABRICK [mailto:jnf1@cox.net]
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2008 1:29 PM
To: info@hydrovane.com
Subject: Freedom

Will and John,  After an unremarkable installation (meaning it was not difficult) we took GECKO out for sea trials with the new HYDROVANE. It was fabulous.  Worked in all points of sail, in 12-16 knots of wind. Recognized the need to have a balanced boat.  I'm now looking forward to the Passage from Mexico to French Polynesia. Thanks for getting the unit to me post haste and your support, will keep you posted of our travels.  Jim Fabrick s/v GECKO

Tartan 4100

From: Paul and Harriet [mailto:anahi@mailasail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 5:56 PM
To: sherry@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane

Hi Sherry just to say our hydrovane is fantastic – thank you! We have sailed 7000 miles so far and now mid Pacific. Without our ‘happy wanderer’ we would be bereft!!! Kind regards Paul and Harriet Hayes of Anahi

….and a latter response:

No problem with the website, we are a Kaufman 47 centre cockpit nearly 25 years old now.  We call the vane 'Happy Wanderer'…..  If you care to look at my blogs on www.mailasail.com click on web diary and then Anahi you get lots of mentions especially on the Atlantic passage I think and some photos too. I can’t send photos from sea but if you can’t find any let me know and I will send when we get to Marquesas.   Try Portabelo to Panama Canal blog where we had to use the rudder of the vane when our steering broke down in the middle of the busiest shipping lane! Feel free to quote..... thanks again its an amazing piece of wizardry!  Regards, Harriet 

From: Alan Taylor [mailto:ajt@bellamanda.co.uk]
Sent: February-03-08 9:13 AM
To: jcurry@telus.net
Subject: Spares

Hi team hope all is well with you. Just back home for a month having sailed Bellamanda from Portugal to the Bahamas 99.5% under Hydrovane…much impressed the crew!

I think my Hydrovane must have done about 40,000 miles now and not a part replaced, not much else on the boat does that!

Can you supply me with a spare blade cover please? (Red with or without the advert!) I need it this month here in the UK, thanks. Let us know cost etc.

Regards Alan

editor - Alan is the Past Commodore of OCC (Ocean Cruising Club)

Bowman 40 - Note arch & davits installed to accommodate the Hydrovane

From: Abdul Alkhulaifi [mailto:hamoor@talk21.com]
Sent: January-20-08 11:44 AM
To: Will Curry
Subject: RE: Hydrovane Cleaning

Hi Will

I attach 4 photographs of the Hydrovane on my Hallberg-Rassy 342. The boat is called 'Aagool' which is the Arabic name for "Camelthorn" which is a small desert bush ( 2 - 3 foot in Ht) with lots of thorns (surprise, surprise). It has a beautiful pink flower when the going is good, that is when it rains for more than one day a year (that is the desert for you). 

The boat is moored at the Ritz Carlton Marina, Doha, Qatar.

The hydrovane performs superbly and is very easy to put into action. The literature that came with it says that most people are surprised by how easy it is to operate once they get their hands on it. It is true, it is alot easier than one actually imagines. It is also an effective way to impress new crews. I usually wait for their eyes to widen, and the jaws to drop and then tell them to go and make the tea "while I watch my little gadget here".

Cheers,

Abdulaziz

Hallberg Rassy 342

Subject: Pictures
From: "Marion Faber" <marion@marionfaber.com>
Date: Tue, January 15, 2008 1:59 pm
To: will@hydrovane.com

Hi Will,

Good to meet you at the London Boatshow. As promised I attach a picture of Luna Quest, a Rival 38, sailing off Dominica. I bought the Hydrovane in 2005, had it shipped to Rhodes (a Greek island off the Turkish coast) and had it fitted in Turkey. It has steered the boat from Turkey to France, to Gibraltar and the Canary Islands, across to St Lucia up to Antigua then back via Bermuuda to the Azores and Falmouth in England. The Hydrovane has never protested, it has kept the boat on course in light and strong winds dead aft running under parasail and in several severe gales on the way back to England. The Rival 38 is a semi-long/semi fin keel sloop designed by Peter Brett in 1970. She is strongly built with a displacement of 7.8 tons and superbly balanced. On the wind she will sail by herself.

I am extremely pleased with my investment. Your father may remember that I came to see him about changing the shaft from a long length to a medium length, which he recommended to me in the first place.

If there is anything that I can do to help promote Hydrovane, please let me know.

Kind regards,

W. Eric Faber

Rival 38 off Dominica

From: Jock Walker [mailto:jockwalker@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2007 11:02 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Compliments & a Question

John,

I'm impressed! The quality of the Hydrovane was immediately apparent when I opened the crates. After installing it on my Swan 41, my first sail with it proved its worth. Very elegant design and quality construction. I'm thrilled.

Jock Walker

Scotch Bonnet

Swan 41 '77

BACKGROUND - We recently sent one of our new rudders to long-time cruising friends who at the time were in Equador. We want reliable feedback to gauge the difference between the old and new rudders. That kind of comparison can only come from a bigger boat that has experienced long passages with the old rudder. We first met John and Linda Hurlburt in New Zealand in 1973. He, like us, has had long absences from the sea but is now back fulfilling another dream. The Hurlburt's boat, MADHATTER, is a Bruce Roberts 44 rated at 13 tons but now certainly 15 tons or so. John explains his findings -...........

__

Roberts 44 in San Francisco and Morro Bay, California

John, I have waited to write you back in order to accumulate more experience with the new rudder. There were two changes I made to the Hydrovane in Ecuador:

1. the new rudder, and
2. I made up a 1.25 inch thick teak spacer for the lower vane mounting. This brought the unit into true vertical, whereas before it was "leaning" forward at the bottom.

In my view, the new rudder is a real winner. We are now 6 days and 800 miles out of the Galapagos en route to Fatu Hiva. As well, we used the vane on the 500 mile sail from Ecuador to the Galapagos.

To back up a little, since we left Vancouver, the vane has performed generally well. There were two situations where the boat would occasionally "get away" from the vane: light air downwind sailing, and broad reaching in boisterous conditions. Usually, a little attention to sail balancing would solve the problem. The new rudder seems much more forgiving of boat imbalance. It seems more powerful. It has handled everything to date with aplomb, including the above two problem situations. In fact, Ernie the vane has developed a new self confidence that is quite amazing! It's as if he's saying "OK guys, I've got new muscle now, just click my knob, and leave the rest to me...". We know when we turn things over to him, we no longer have to worry about boat control.

To answer your questions:
1. Downwind, light apparent wind: there is not enough power to turn the rudder with the knob on middle setting even with the vane vertical. However, with the knob far left and the vane vertical there is plenty of power- a benefit I think of the new bigger, better balanced rudder.
2. Heavy weather- no problem controlling the boat now. It's best with the knob in middle setting, and vane inclined about 70%. For example, right now we are broad reaching in 15-18 knots on the port quarter, confused sea, and Ernie is handling it beautifully.

Anyway, it's a glorious Tradewind day here at 4 43 S, 103 13 W. The sun is out, the SE wind is blowing 15-18, and Madhatter is romping west under genoa & mizzen. Flying fish everywhere. Yesterday we were becalmed and we all went for a swim. Water 27C (remember Pendrell Sound?- same temp). It was eerie, floating there looking down into the deep blue of the abyss. What a neat experience.

We have used our light air gennaker more than we ever thought we would. What a great sail. Many times we would have gone nowhere without it. A last minute purchase by Linda- thank the wind gods she did. Tell everyone at Bluewater to have one on board.

The Galapagos was incredible. Hope to see you guys and tell about it.

Love to all the Currys, John & Linda

MADHATTER - Bruce Roberts 44 - 15 tons - in Morro Bay, California

Ahoy all,

At 0900hrs this morning the main steering quadrant failed--it sheared in two places and is need of a good welder. We rigged up the emergency tiller which we centred, and are steering using the Hydrovane. This works very well considering--we are using the manual bilge pump handle as a tiller and we're steering from the "hen bench". It's much the same as steering a small outboard motor in a dinghy. Before the incident,we were having a fine sail straight downwind before a 25 kt following breeze,
but have reverted to motoring for ease of handling.

So we are now proceeding directly to Atuona for repairs, and expect to arrive tomorrow in the late afternoon. Fatu Hiva will have to wait for another time.

There are a numerous things that are on our side. Firstly, the Hydrovane makes steering much more manageable, instead of trying to steer from the bowels of the vessel. Secondly, we are only 145nm from a safe harbour, and most probably a good welder/mechanic. Thirdly, and most importantly, the failure occurred well away from land where we could sort things out in an orderly fashion, trying different steering techniques until we found the best combination. And lastly, after a wicked night of strong squalls, the skies cleared this morning in fine tradewind fashion. Landfall tomorrow morning.

The Crew of the Goodship MADHATTER

From: VE7JFH@Winlink.org [mailto:VE7JFH@Winlink.org]
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 5:38 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane saved our Bacon!

Just a quick note. We are in unbelievably lush Hiva Oa, 22 days from the Galapagos. WOW! Anyway, the last day, our steering quadrant broke. We don't know why. We were able to fit the emergency tiller, and lock the main rudder. We then steered Madhatter from the after deck using the Hydrovane for the last 30 hours into Hiva Oa. Another success story for your product!

I am however worried about flexing of the transom at the attachment point of the lower Hydrovane mount, which was quite notible hand steering. I think the solution will be an A-bracket.

Another plus- our bilge pump handle fit perfectly into the Hydrovane tiller, allowing us to extend the tiller, which was critical to successful hand steering. Was this planned?
We will write in more detail later.

John

John's brother Pat on Hydrovane's emergency tiller - saved them from untold misery when main rudder quadrant broke 145 miles from the Marquesas - doesn't look very tropical - must be near a squall

- see his complete Hydrovane installation project: http://www.bremerspeck.com/windvane.htm

Seen here installing a 'dummy' plastic shaft

From: Ronald Hiemann [mailto:r.hiemann@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 5:01 PM
To: 'Steve Offshore'
Subject: RE: Hydrovane

Hello Steve,

I still believe purchasing the Hydrovane is still one of the best decisions I have made. It is an expensive piece of kit, for sure, but worth it!

There is nothing much new to add to what I have stated on the web page. I have continued to use the vane as often as possible and it works as advertised. I use it whenever possible. I prefer the silence of the vane as opposed to the humming and buzzing of the autopilot. I do have both vanes. The original and the stubby. Last year, I used the stubby most of the time. It is easier to clear the mizzen boom with it. Performance wise, I see no difference.

Cheers,

Ronald

s/v Bremer Speck

"The Hydrovane was very easy to adjust and was running superb from the first moment without any problems." "Die Hydrovane war sehr einfach zu montieren und einzustellen, vom ertsen Moment an lief die Anlage ausgezeichnet und ohne Probleme."

Moody 35

It was pretty breezy and Mike wasn’t sure he would be able to set up the Hydrovane properly at first but it was amazing! Pat certainly couldn’t have handled the tiller in the very rough seas and even Mike would have struggled, but the wind vane (or Henry - the Navigator - as we have named him) just kept putting us back on course every time the waves knocked us off. We are sure now that the investment has been worth it. Everyone we have spoken to has said it’s like having another crew member on board.

39 ft Samson C-Bird Ferro cement junk-rigged schooner built in 1971. She has already been to the Caribbean and the Med and Baltic with her previous owner.

From: nicola & terry [mailto:terryflinn@onetel.com]
Sent: Thursday, August16, 2007 9:25 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane replacement vane cover

Hi John

I purchased a Hydrovane for Flinesse, our Malo 39, in the summer of 2004, with the ARC 2006 in mind. We're now back in the Solent after a trip of 16000 miles which spanned the UK to Greece, the Atlantic ARC crossing, Caribbean cruising from Grenada to the Bahamas, followed by a return to the UK through Bermuda and the Azores on ARC Europe . The return Atlantic legs were particularly tough because of the recent, continuous unsettled conditions. In the Atlantic we rated our Hydrovane as probably the most important bit of kit on board, especially when having to deal with winds that were above Force 5, often gusting to F8; on the last leg from the Azores to Falmouth we had these conditions the entire time and it would have been nice to have had even one day when the wind was less than 20 kts!

Without the Hydrovane, we would have been forced to steer by hand, because the autopilot on its own was simply overwhelmed. The crew were grateful from ever being forced to leave cover and sit at the wheel exposed to the strong wind and occasional torrential rain, not forgetting the spray, waves and rogue breakers. I was very pleased with the equipment. I found it could even cope on a dead-run in gusty winds, with a quartering, destabilizing swell, if I used it alongside the electric autopilot. With this configuration, even in these conditions, our fears about an involuntary gybe disappeared. As our voyage was 15 months long, the vane cover suffered from exposure to UV; the bright scarlet faded to pink and the top of the cover split as it is under tension; out in the Atlantic, where the winds were so strong, the vane occasionally flopped onto the ensign jackstaff and eventually it suffered a tear; repair was simple using duck tape! I now need to replace the cover and to match the boat colour scheme, navy would be my preference.

Best wishes Terry

MALO 39 - at sea & finishing the ARC

From: Joe Aston [mailto:joeaston05@eircom.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2007 2:36 AM

Subject: RE: Emailing: Mattsfish2, The Tuna Kings

Hi John, yes, the global village is fun. 4 businesses a bit too much right now, .. The sailing trips are the main thing for me this time of the year, also the B&B, trying to make enough money to enjoy the winter and maybe start the next book, hopefully in the Balearics this time.

I attach a couple of photos of 'Anna M' setting out on that big cruise. The Hydrovane at a guess has done 20,000 miles now, and still going strong. Close to the land or in tricky conditions it of course requires supervision, but out in a trade wind might not need to be touched for days. The boat is about 15 tons and maybe it is slightly light for her, especially when the wind is light, but it is invaluable nonetheless. Of course John Illingworth saw to it that she is very well balanced in the first place. The vane works better when the wind is strong. I like the term a Frenchman used for it: 'un régulateur d'allure'. I only sail alone when I have to, but have done for example Trinidad/Barbados/ Granada and Isle of Man to here singlehanded. When I have novice guests out, it gives them the chance to get the hang of steering, while in fact myself and the Hydrovane have most of the work in hand!

So good health to yourself and Hydrovane!

Best regards,
Joe Aston
Horseshoe Cottage, Sherkin Island, Co.Cork, Ireland.
Tel. +353 28 20598
mobile, +353 87 7972366
email,

EDITOR'S NOTE: For whale watching from his 44 foot staysail schooner (picture below) or approved B&B accommodation in Horseshoe Bay on Sherkin Island, West Cork, Ireland contact Joe at joe@gannetsway.com or see his website at www.gannetsway.com

John Illingworth 44 foot Staysail Schooner

From: Miles Ashley [mailto:miles@bpogroup.com]
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 8:49 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Stormruner- need new pin!

John,
By the way - I am SO pleased I bought this thing - particularly since nobody can seem to get my ST4000 to settle down. It feels like a set of extra wide tyres and the harder it blows it just grips.astounding. I've done one 600 mile single handed trip round Fastnet and just last week a 500 mile double handed trip in very heavy conditions and I have no idea how I'd have coped without it- lots of discussions with interested fellow boaters and I have recommended it without hesitation. I'm off to the Azores (www.stormrunner.co.uk ) in June in the AZAB (fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign), and "Noddy" as it's become known, is undoubtedly my most valued piece of kit.

Regards, Miles Ashley

Westerly Storm 33 - Photo courtesy BEKEN of Cowes

Most recent:

From: Eje Sandberg [mailto:ejesandberg@tele2.se]
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 8:19 AM
To: sherry@hydrovane.com
Subject: Your homepage

Dear Sherry,


I tried to forward the link of your homepage to a sailing friend of mine but I failed to find it. Have you changed the address? Anyway I would be glad to get it from you. I hope all is well with you and John, Will and the firm.


My Hydrovane is still working fantastico. Last year it steared our Chelonia more than 3000 NM . round the Orkneys.Scotland, Ireland ,down to Bretagne and home. Absolutely without problems.


Therefore I try to recommend it to everyone who looks on it.


Best regards to all of you.
fom Eje
 

In 2006:

 

From: Eje Sandberg [mailto:ejesandberg@tele2.se]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 3:38 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Hydrovane on Najad 373

Ulricehamn Oct. 6.. 2006

Hi John,

In June this year we installed your Hydrovane on our CHELONIA, a Najad 373, and we like to give you a brief report. The only difficulty was - as you surely remember- that I had to stop the mounting-work because one of the brackets was missing and you had to make preparations for an emergency delivery, The alarm could however be called off, when the bracket was found in the trunk of my car!!

Again, many,many excuses.

Besides that episode, the installation gave no problem thanks to the clear instructions of the manual. Because of the sloping transom of our boat you recommended use of an H-bracket plus an upper A-bracket, for which I am very glad. The equipment is thereby very stable and sturdy and a fine piece of engineering work. It was offset from the centreline in order not to interfere with the ladder.

There was no time for practical tests in our home-water so the Hydrovane had to start working in real when we set off on our trip from the Swedish West coast across the North Sea to Scotland , the Outer Hebrides and the Orkneys and back. Like many other of your customers we were amazed how simple it was to get the new crew-member to work; (once the sail-setting was in balance). We did appreciated the silence when it was in function and how well it steered; much better than we can. Also with "wing to wing" setting with the wind straight from astern the steering was perfect without any unexpected gybes

We have not yet had the opportunity to use the new rudder in real nasty weather, but we are confident that it will manage that as well.

We are happy and very satisfied.
both Eje and his son Staffan

Enclosed you will find a photo, which you are free to use as you like.

Najad 373

From: Gavin Blem [mailto:xxx@xxx.com]
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 2:31 AM
To: John Curry Subject: Hydrovane Mounting Position

John

If you ever need support for your recommendation, to mount the vane off centre to preserve fitted boarding ladders, then you are welcome to refer to this.

I've noticed no performance difference on either port or starboard tacks, even at exceptional angles of heel, despite the vane being 30cm to starboard. Yesterday in a club race on the Medway river in SSW 5 to 6, we had a man overboard at the gybe mark. He fortunately kept hold of the mainsheet as he went over, so he stayed with us and was able to climb aboard as soon as we'd hove to and let go the boarding ladder from its slip knot.

If we'd followed conventional wisdom or other vane designs, the boarding ladder would not have been there and we'd have had a great deal of difficulty getting him on board. We'd also certainly not have retained our position of 2nd out of 19!

Thanks again for your original advice and keep giving it!

Best regards
Gavin Blem

Westerly Reggata 330

From: Yvonne Kelly [mailto:yvonnekelly47@tiscali.co.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 4:18 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Prout Snowgoose 37

Hello John,

Further to your recent mail, I am sending you 7 separate photos showing your VXA2 mounted on my Prout Snowgoose Elite catamaran. The stainless steel support frame was made by a local fabricator to guidance drawings supplied by Derek Daniels and incorporates our stern boarding ladder. It is mounted on the centre line and the shaft length was calculated by Derek to ensure that the depth of the rudder did not extend beyond our skegs and the top of the vane did not clash with the end of our boom.

I am very impressed with its performance and providing our sails are balanced so that the boat is not overpressed, the Hydrovane works very well. Our hydraulic wheel steering allows us to "feel" the load on the helm and yet also allows us to set the helm at midships and engage the Hydrovane without the need to lash the wheel. As you would expect, the Hydrovane does struggle when running in light winds and I am thinking about connecting a small rod-type autopilot to the hydrovane for use in those conditions. We also have a Furuno Navpilot but I much prefer to use the Hydrovane whenever I can.

Following my comments about our unexpected grounding last season, I have checked the shaft below the bottom bearing and, as far as I can tell, it is running true. I also checked the shaft diameter (28.6mm) and the diameter of the hole in the top of the rudder (29.2mm) and they seem about right, although I still have about 20 mm of fore and aft movement measured at the bottom of the rudder - what are the acceptable limits for this measurement?

Finally, as I mentioned in my previous e-mail, I would like to improve our stowage of the vane which we dismount when we are at anchor or in port. To this end, will you please give me a price for the following parts:-

Item 4 - Vane slot collar
Item 6 - Vane slot sleeve
Item 32 - Vane knob

Basically I want to be able to clamp the vane on the back of one of our cabin doors when it is not in use.

Regards Brian Kelly

Prout Snowgoose 37 - Note custom brackets on underside and unique ladder

From: keith Meakin [mailto:keithandpam.twoeasy@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 8:06 AM
To: jcurry@telus.net
Subject: RE: Pictures

Hi John,

Glad you got the pictures okay, the cat is a Harm Veneema. Not a well known model at all, I think there were only 4 constructed. It was launched in 1989, we took ownership in July 2005.

We left England in July 2006 after fitting the Hydrovane when we were beached in Ilfracombe. We have played with the Hydrovane quite a few times when sailing in Brittany, letting it take over the boat during some quite hairy moments. It kept us on track in 20kn winds with no problems.

Also when going through the Raz de Seine, so it has been tried and proven. We haven't as yet let it take over for long periods mainly because we've had very light winds when going down the west coast of Portugal where we still are.

We have no doubts of the Hydrovane's ability to handle to cat and also it is a comfort to know we can use it as an emergency tiller. Sometimes we have used it to just assist when tacking, it just gives us a bit more umph!

We have some pictures of us in the water, that friends took however they are on a CD on the boat and we are in an internet bar at the moment. You may be able to see some of the pictures on our website www.meakintwoeasy.org.uk

I'll jpeg them and send them to you within the next few days.

Also we'll let you know a postal address and thanks for the gift.

Kind regards

Keith and Pam Meakin

HAM VENEEMA 9.9

From: svcubanacan@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 11:11 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: re-build time

Good day John and family.

After leaving West Vancouver in January 1980 I have cruised for many thousands of miles. I have owned a number of boats along the way many with different types of self steering, and by far the Hydrovane is my favorite.

I maintain my lifestyle by doing all types of repair on other cruisers boats and over the years have yet to undertake a Hydrovane repair. This brings me to my point of this e-mail. My own unit, after much use, finally needs bearing and bushing replacements. My question to you is ...can I use heat on the casting in order to remove some of the frozen grub screws and maybe the more stubborn bushings?
Thank you for your time Brian

Brian's Ted Brewer Pilothouse 40

From: Mark Owen [mailto:mp_owen@surfanytime.co.uk]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 20063:25 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane

John

Just thought I would drop you a quick line as we have just returned from our first proper shakedown trip with our new Hydrovane. The kit done exactly what it said on the box and steered us accurately for over 800 miles. Even when the boat was obviously unbalanced, when running under main alone we were able to maintain our course. However, the Hydrovane soon taught us how to get the best out of our boat, and we learnt a great deal on the ideal sail trim during our trip. We experienced one minor problem which I will come and see you about at Southampton. We appear to have some vertical movement on the top yoke type casting which tends to rise and fall as the vane is loaded and unloaded, this caused the worm and the gear to jam together and make remote adjustment difficult if not timed properly.

Anyway apart from this small teething problem we are very pleased with our new crew member and look forward to further adventures together.

Ps. As promised I have attached a couple of photos of the installation for your archive, although not evident from the pictures, the spacing teak pads were cross laminated from two pieces of 15mm teak glued at 90 degrees to each other to ensure that they will never crack. This was on the advise of the excellent boat builders at Northney Marine Services who made and shaped the blocks for us.

Best regards Mark Owen

BOWMAN 42

From: Mike Eastman [mailto:mikeeastman@eclipse.co.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 6:11 AM
To: sherry@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane part enquiry

Hello Please can you quote for supply of a new HEADING KNOB for our VXA1 model? To include postage to address below. After many years of needing nothing apart from the odd pin, we dropped this in the water in the Azores this summer. Hydrovane still gets our vote as one of our best bits of kit on the boat (Warrior 35 Mk 3, now on her 4th Atlantic crossing, all with H'vane, plus many miles in the Caribbean, Pacific and Mediterranean). Thanks Mike Eastman, Devon

-----Original Message-----
From: bamboo [mailto:bamboo.jordan@btinternet.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 20061:30 PM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Hydrovane Installation

Hi Will,

You will be pleased to hear that the hydrovane has been installed successfully on to my Beneteau 411. My cousin and I fitted it yesterday. I decided to place the hydrovane in the central position with the "A" brackets spaced either side of the stern access to the bathing platform. It doesn't obstruct access too much and it gives a nice secure feeling when standing on the platform between the "A" bracket arms. Even when healed and doing 8kts in force 6! It means that I can attend to the hydrovane whilst underway without the risk of falling off the stern.

My cousin used to own and run a boat yard in Tortola, British Virgin Isles, so his experience and help in fitting the hydrovane was invaluable. I thought it would be difficult but it only took a day to install the three brackets and "A" frames. I have used teak blocks on the outdside bedded down with sealant adhesive and thick ply inside also bedded down with sealant adhesive. The assembly is now very rigid. All the critical dimensions have been satisfied.

Today we took the yacht out for sea trials. The wind was north westerly force 6 up the Bristol Channel. We had the third reef in the genoa and the first reef in the mainsail and the sea was moderately rough. Even so we were doing between 7 - 8kts close hauled and on a reach. The hydrovane worked perfectly first time even when the wind came round on the stern quarter.

What I need to do now is to refine the settings on the vane axis and the ratio control and with a little bit of practice I should be able to achieve a nice straight wake in all conditions. Although I think I will wait for a less windy day to play around with the hydrovane and build confidence in manipulating the settings.

I can only say that I have been very impressed with the quality of the equipment and the integrity of the design.

Many thanks for a superb piece of equipment will which greatly improve my enjoyment while sailing and give a much greater degree of redundancy and safety.

I look forward to seeing you all again at the Southampton Boat Show this year.

Best Wishes to all at Hydrovane

Malcolm Jordan

Beneteau 411

From: tom ehmann [mailto:tomehmann@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 8:49 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: well done

Hi John

Just a note to say that the hydrovane worked great on our trip. Over 11,000 miles and it worked well in all conditions on our Niagara 35. Steered better than we could in a gale that saw gusts of 50 knots. We knew lots of other cruisers turning on their engines since their steering vanes couldn't handle less than 5 knots but we just drifted along using the hydrovane - e.g. all the way through the ITCZ. It belongs in the Smithsonian!

Tom Ehmann, S/V Aurora B

NIAGARA 35

From: nige.al@virgin.net [mailto:nige.al@virgin.net]
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2006 7:13 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Thanks.

Dear John,

I thought you might like to know that we have now fitted the new Hydrovane to our Moody 376 - "Strummer". I fitted it off-centre to avoid moving the bathing ladder and had a hole made through the bathing platform to accomodate the shaft as per one of the fitting options that you sent. I had the hole made professionally but did the remainder of the work myself - no problems encountered and I think the end result looks very neat. (Pictures attached - please feel free to use these as you wish).

We set off from Syracusa in Sicily heading for Dubrovnik in Croatia and engaged the Hydrovane for the first time as soon as we left port. It performed faultlessly right from the start just as your literature said it would! We are really impressed with it.

Thanks to you and your team for a great product.

Nigel Battarbee and Alison Timms "Yacht Strummer"

MOODY 376

From: Roy Gee [mailto:roygee@ntlworld.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 12:01 PM
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hydrovane Pins

Will.

Thanks for prompt reply.4 pins, please and I will do a bank transfer. I have a Beneteau First 38 which is in Puerto Calero,Lanzarote,Canary Islands. I will try to take some photos next time I have my Hydrovane on. I call it 'Miles' after my hero Miles Davis. He did an album 'Miles Ahead'.Mine is Miles Astern. I used to be on Derek's (previous owner of Hydrovane) publicity as I said Miles had steered me across the Atlantic perfectly 5 times. It is also one of the few things on the boat which appreciates in value.

Regards,Roy Gee.

From: Skardu (Mark & Quintin) [mailto:available on request]
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 2:25 PM
To: 'John Curry'; sherry@hydrovane.com
Subject: RE: Free locking pin

Hi John & Sherry,

Thanks for your generous offer. Order details for the vane cover are below, but in the meantime....

Our hydrovane (a.k.a. "Scarlet") has been a complete star the last 18 months. We've covered over 18,000nm, with her steering for most of them. Our autopilot died on us about half way through our adventure, but we found that Scarlet filled in quite nicely even while we were motoring, as long as there was even the lightest of winds. I must admit, that she took a little getting used to (the tips on your website are very useful, but we discovered them 12 months too late!), but now that we have the hang of her, I can't imagine why any yacht would a) be without one, and b) want to use any another system.

At one point, crossing the Bay of Biscay at the start of our trip, we lost our wheel steering in the middle of the night. Fortunately the main rudder still worked, but it was very reassuring to know that if that went too, we'd still have scarlet to steer us on. At another point, we got knocked down sailing to Colombia, and the force of the wave that hit us twisted the top half of Scarlet through 90 degrees. Sadly that put her out of commission until we made landfall a few days later, but despite our worst fears, all we needed to do was release a couple of bolts, and gently crow-bar her back into place..... she was good as new again, with not even a hint of damage to the vane. I bet the plywood vanes of other manufacturers wouldn't have stood up as well.

I'm not sure how old Scarlet is, but if the previous owners of Skardu put her on before they started their circumnavigation, I have to guess that she has at least 70,000nm under her rudder, and she's still going strong!!!

On that note, I'd still very much like to order a new RED vane cover. Ours is currently wearing through and looking a little faded, and we don't really want to change Scarlet's name to Rose!

It might be a bit tight to have the package reach us in NZ before we set off again, so if could, could you be so kind as to send it to the following address instead. It may also make shipping cheaper/easier: .........................

Many thanks again,
Best, Mark

Westerly Overlord 41 - 'Skardu' see: www.skardu.net

From: brian case [mailto:briancase_6@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 1:59 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: ocean sunrise pics

Hi John.

It took long enough, but here are the pics I promised. 316 shows the North Somerset coast, and shows the tiller lashed midships; 318 shows the strong tides we get in the Bristol Channel, hydrovane coping well; 326 shows the vanes rope and pulley whipped to the wind generators tripod; 335 is my baby alongside in Swansea, our first real trip with the new self steering kit.

I have sailed the hydrovane in winds from F3 to F9. It really does 'just work'. It took me a few attempts to fine tune the windvane to sail a specific course, the trick was to trim the sails properly (just like it says in the handbook!!). The unit works equally well on all points of sail, but has yet to be tested in large quartering seas. This will be an important test as Ocean Sunrise hates these conditions, and is a right bugger to steer! If the unit copes with this, I will be very pleased, but based on its performance so far, I have no real doubts. For the hell of it, I took her out in a force nine, just to see if the unit would cope. The strong wind made the windvane move through its full range, and the rudder over-steered badly. This caused the boat to alternately luff up, and bear away dramatically, and made life awful. I simply 'changed down' on the 'gearbox', and the problem solved itself. Life returned to normal, and the subsequent cup of coffee was enjoyed particularly well! I hope to take a couple of weeks off in June, intending to visit Lundy Island, Padstow, the Scilly Isles, and the Gower coast. It will all be single-handed, so should be the last 'test' my new hydrovane will have. By the way, I have called the unit 'Megan', after a friends daughter who, on her very first time at the helm ( 12 years old at the time) steered a straighter course than any adult with years of experience (including yours truly!). Hope the enclosed are useful, and that all is well in Canada.

Best wishes, Brian Case

Rival 32

From: brian case [mailto:xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 11:34 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com; David Sloggit
Subject: its fitted

Hi John. Well, my dear old Rival now sports a nice new Hydrovane, to the envy of my nearest neighbour!! The actual assembly of the unit was just as straight forward as you told me at Southampton (have to confess, I didn't really believe you!!). Actually, it was a piece of cake! Making the wooden pads to compensate for the angle of the transom was another matter. What a pain in the a**! I tried to get too clever, I think, using templates and a protractor to measure the angle, and then trying to translate that to the pad. Failed miserably!! In the end I just did it by eye, taking the old view that if it looks right, it is right. Worked perfectly. Don't know why I didn't do it that way in the first place. Would have saved me a few hours of work. All that is left now is to go out to play!!

By the way. You guys certainly now how to package your product. The first (in truth, the only) difficulty I encountered was getting the parts out of the boxes! The 'fragile' stickers are definitely a euphemism. Now I have seen the Hydrovane up close and personal, I can see it is about as fragile as my Landrover!

I'll let you know how I get on with the new 'crew' when I get a chance to take 'Ocean Sunrise' out to sea, but that may be a few months yet. I don't think I will have any problems though. The product just looks right. Looks good on the boat too. The only drawback with my new 'crew' that I can foresee is that it wont stand its round in the pub!!!!!! Hey Ho, its an imperfect world!

Cheers, and all the best to all.

Brian.

From: John Shugar [mailto:windswept11@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2006 5:49 PM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Vane specs/parts sheet

Hi Will,

The vane worked great! AS I knew it would given my past experience with the RVG unit. On Feb. 10th we finally relaunched Windsweptt II. My step-son flew in from Pensylvannia (after a day's delay for the 18" snow they got) and we sailed the boat back south to our area. We motored throughout the night but by morning we had 18-20 knots of apparent wind. First time we sailed the boat, new mailsail and everything to shake out. But the vane steered the course as steady as it could in 5-6 foot of slop, variable wind directions and strength. My stepson couldn't believe how well it steered the boat. We had motored all night utilizing the auto pilot and that didn't really hold the course at all......yawing 15-20 degrees around the course. The vane held to a degree or two!

Thanks.John Shugar

From: windswept11@comcast.net [mailto:windswept11@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 7:40 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Endorsement

Hi John,

Of course you can use my quote on the vane. I have waited years to get my hands on the Hydrovane and have had quite a bit of discussion with others about it already. .........................

Thanks for all your help and wish you continued success on sales. Incidentally, the first time I coveted the Hydrovane was 25 + years ago when I built a boat from a bare hull. That was a tight budget project and I couldn't afford to buy the Hydrovane so I used a competitor's unit that simply was not rugged enough for the boat and the way I sailed it. It failed three different times, the last on a 13 day trip from Florida's west coast to Bermuda with my 66 year old mother as crew! We had to hand steer the last 10 days through absolutely the worst weather I have sailed in on the Atlantic!

But it has all worked out. I sold that boat with the vane and now I have an even grander boat, and although she is almost 4,000 lbs heavier, the Hydrovane handles her with ease! I look forward to many more sailings with no problems. It says something, I think, that 25 years later Hydrovane is still around and upgraded to an even better design than when I first discovered it. The other vane manufacturer is not.

John Shugar

From: Julian Mandiwall [mailto:julianmandiwall@waitrose.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 10:17 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Re: Copy email

Hi, yes of course, use my words.

I bought it at a boat show some years ago not knowing how good it would be. I chose it for only one reason, that it gave an auxiliary rudder facility, and that need was paramount in my book. I have since learnt through experience what a perfect helmsman my Hydrovane makes. Just fantastic, never argues, steers a better course than I can and needs no food.

It is fitted to a 10m Westerly Falcon.

Kind Regards
Julian Mandiwall

From: Mark Rogers [mailto:mark_w_rogers@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2006 10:33 AM
To: will@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane test report

Will & John & Paul

So far this thing is a beauty. Tracks very well even with an offset and underpower. Testing will continue, but so far you were right about how easy this is ...
1. pick and course and stabilze the boat
2. pull the pins and turn vane leading edge into the wind
3. and she tracks in a straight line

was able to make small course changes by rotating the vane - boat simply tracked around. more tests under sail on the next windy day

Island Packet 45

http://www.wheatstrong.com/hydrovane.htm

Wheatstrong has a Hydrovane windvane which steered for over 15,000nm during our Pacific voyages. The Hydrovane is an auxiliary rudder type windvane, rather than a servo-pendulum, so it has no lines to the wheel. The idea is that you trim the sails and adjust the boat's rudder so that the boat is on the point of sail that you want, then use the wheel-brake to lock the boat's rudder. Then you turn the leading edge of the vane into the wind and engage the mechanism and it steers using its own small rudder (about 36x10x2 inches, nylon).

I ordered a hydrovane with a longer shaft so that the gearbox and head are above my sternbox. The install was very easy. All you have to do is mount the Hydrovane vertically with the bottom of the shaft two inches above the water. It can be mounted off center if you need to. I drilled only four holes in the transom for the bolts for the two mounting brackets: two holes above the deck just below the caprail and two about a foot above the waterline. I made teak pads to fit between the mounting brackets and and the hull and had stainless steel backing plates fabricated to distribute the load on the inboard side of the hull. I faired the lower teak pad with epoxy to keep it from getting too thin on the upper edge.

The vane's angle of attack, and therefore the heading, are adjusted from the cockpit using a small (1/4") continuous line that turns the hydrovane head. I ran the line through a sheave with a bungee cord on the end of it; I attached the bungee to the port cleat on the cockpit coaming so you just reach back and to the left from the helm in order to adjust the vane. Course corrections essentially involve steering to the new point of sail, balancing and trimming the sailplan, setting the main rudder trim, and setting the windvane angle of attack. It takes a few iterations to settle down but then you're good until the wind changes or you need to change course.

The Hydrovane worked very well when sailing to windward, pretty well when broad reaching or running and not so well when beam reaching.

The KP44 sails easily to weather and can be balanced to maintain a beat even without a windvane. It was easy to get the boat balanced and the windvane steering on a close reach or close hauled.

The hydrovane steered well with the wind on the aft quarter or from astern. Even running DDW was no problem for it as long as the sail plan was balanced and the seas were not confused.

I found our KP44 difficult to balance well enough to sail consistently on a beam reach without some main rudder movement. The boat would end up heading up or falling off in gusts or lulls and over-power the hydrovane's smaller rudder. I think this probably would not have happened with a servo-pendulum type, since they can steer with much more force by moving the ship's rudder. Hydrovane has since come up with a six-inch longer rudder as an option.

The Hydrovane can be locked with its rudder amidships by inserting a pin in the shaft at the gearbox/head. This is easily done from the deck. Once locked down the Hydrovane rudder exerts no influence. You can motor all you want with the Hydrovane locked down like this but I think it must generate a little drag and is probably needless wear on the Hydrovane as it tends to vibrate from the prop turbulence.

For motoring long distances in calm seas we remove the vane, lock the main rudder 'midships, and use a Simrad TP30 tiller autopilot to drive the Hydrovane's tiller. I had a mount and tiller extension built for a tiller autopilot on the pushpit and used that to drive the hydrovane while motoring. This worked very well in fairly calm conditions. But it would get in a feedback loop and spiral off course if seas were big. But then you remove the TP30, fold up the bracket, and sail in those conditions.

In cases where we are not going to use the Hydrovane for extended periods of sailing or motoring we take the hydrovane rudder off. This involves pulling a pin from the base of the shaft where it goes through the top of the rudder. You have to be at water level to do this so being in a dinghy or stern-to at a dock or quay is helpful. But if you're agile you can climb over the transom and squat on the hydrovane support; hang on with one hand and use the other to pull the pin. The rudder is heavier than water so I have it secured with a length of line as a precaution at all times. Once the pin is pulled I just pull the rudder up using the line. Putting the rudder back on is the reverse process and is a little trickier when hanging on with one hand because you need to hold the rudder at the right orientation to line up the holes for the pin.

Pros:

• No lines to steering wheel
• Can serve as emergency rudder
• Almost maintenance free, no rust or corrosion
• Simple install, unobtrusive

Cons:

• Requires a light touch to get everything balanced and staying on course, but extremely reliable once it's 'dialed in'.
• Cost $4500
• Finicky on a beam reach
• Cannot pull rudder up easily, have to pull a pin and remove it from the base of the shaft (unlike other types which can swing the rudder up out of the water)

We had to handsteer on only one passage, to the Va'vau Group, Tonga, when it was 35-40 knots from astern with 25 foot following seas. The boat would surf down the waves and spin out at the bottom in the windshadow of the wave if the helmsman didn't take corrective action. So we had probably 20 hours of hand steering over the course of a year. Not bad.

Our passage from Hawaii to San Francisco included a heavy gale in the last 600 nm with winds up to 50kts true (according to B&G). "Irene" stayed on the same point of sail, with a triple-reefed main and a storm stays'l, while we stayed below, only popping up every 15 minutes to scan the horizon and marvel at the size of the waves.

KP44s are well known for weather helm - in San Francisco bay we often sail with too much canvas up in 'the slot' and end up having to wrestle the wheel to leeward to maintain course. Reefing and trimming properly eliminates this problem, and saves the arm muscles. A servo-pendulum rig will turn the wheel against a large force in a strong wind so you may get away with an over-powered rig for longer than you will with the Hydrovane. In that same wind the Hydrovane will be overpowered by the weather helm. The vane will go all the way over and turn the Hydrovane rudder until it is stalled and the boat will head up anyways. Once you reef and trim, the Hydrovane does fine in pretty much any wind.

I think having the Hydrovane made me much more aware of helm trim and sailplan balance simply because it was essential to the proper operation of the device. In fact, we had a crew member on for our passage through Mexico to the Galapagos and he never did get the hang of adjusting the Hydrovane.

Hydrovane is now producing the bigger rudder (six inches longer with the same profile). If I start another refit to go cruising again the bigger rudder will be on my 'buy' list ($625 ugh). Also on my list would be the new 'stubby' vane (12 inches shorter and 8 inches wider) because the standard vane collides with my wind generator mast/outboard crane on certain points of sail.

One important thing that I really like about the Hydrovane is the simplicity of the system and its heavy-duty, bullet proof constuction. It's just really well built and not a lot can go wrong with it. It requires no maintenance other than to wash it with fresh water and detergent, let dry, and spray with WD40 - ONCE A YEAR. Nice.

Kelly Perterson 44 - Wheatstrong

Thanks John,

I'd be more than happy to endorse the hydrovane and I can lend some little authority to an endorsement. I sailed single handed from Southampton to the Indian Ocean in 1999 in a Contessa 32 but unfortunately had to beat back into Cape Town after breaking my hand. Believe me, single-handedly, single-handed in storms up to Force 12 was not fun and I would have betrothed myself to my "Harry" Hydrovane once I got back to land safely!

Regards Graham

From: denny flannigan [mailto:kokomodenny@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 11:22 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: self steering

John, I was recently racing a boat in the 2005 baja ha ha. We were under spinnaker in 20 to 25 kts of wind with mixed seas and I was hand steering a 47 ft boat. Next to us was a 44 ft boat that had a Hydrovane driving. The wind and seas were such that our auto pilot was of little use. I was impressed at how comfortable the crew on the other boat was. They knew their Hydrovane was up to the task. Soon I will be embarking on my own voyage and self steering is something I want on my boat. Will you be at the Seattle boat show this January? If not when is the next time you plan to do the Seattle show?

Impressed,

Denny Flannigan

From: Daniel Paull [mailto:Daniel.Paull@vmmc.org
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 4:00 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: My Hydrovane

I purchased a Hydrovane about one year ago. My boat, which is a Pearson 35 sloop has been out of the water in Raiatea, French Polynesia. I recently went there from Seattle, carrying the Hydrovane as airplane luggage and installed the unit. The components you provided were definitely the correct size and combination for my boat. As soon as the installation was complete, we sailed 1200 miles to American Samoa without any "trials". The moment we left the breakwater and had the sails up, I engaged the unit and it sailed a good course. There was no drama or learning curve. On that passage we hand steered for a total of about 3 hours, during which the boat was very unbalanced by an unfavorable sail combination. We mostly had light following winds. We did not jibe once! I guess I should be ashamed, but when we were well away from any land in the tradewind, we just slept all night. I am extremely pleased; if the unit had not functioned well my marriage would be on the rocks.

I did have one problem about which I would like your comments. On two occasions I either hove to briefly or backed the boat up to set an anchor without putting in the rudder lock pin and I discovered that the whole control unit had shifted in position on the rudder tube. I presume it was twised out of position by the tiller. This occurred even though the bolts were all quite tight. I guess the bottom line is that the system will not tolerate any backward movement of the boat at all without the rudder locked? Any comments or suggestions? (EDITOR'S NOTE - The answer is yes to locking the rudder when hoved to)

I had one observation which might be of value to other owners: We had about 12 hours of strong wind during which we sailed downwind with only a small "spitfire" jib. I started out with the jib trimmed far out but the boat kept rounding up and the unit could not hold a good course. I then sheeted the jib in tight, even though we were running, and that kept the bow from rounding up and allowed the Hydrovane to steer a good course with us travelling about 5 knots.

It is obvious that a great deal of thought has gone into the design and manufacture of this extraordinary device. The lack of lines running through the cockpit to the wheel is a big plus. Thanks very much. You may quote me however you see fit.

Dan Paull

From: Terry Wilson - yacht 'MOONSTONE'
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 12:58 PM
To: sherry@hydrovane.com
Subject: Thanks
Sherry,

Just a quick thank you for your super service. I collected the spares,vane cover & ball race & after overhauling the hydrovane, fitted it to my RORC 39. Having no previous experience (with self-steering) we set out to sea, balanced the sails, set the vane and watched in awe as the hydrovane steered the boat on all points of sail. The only problem was the total disgust from our best helmsman that Harriet, as we fondly now call her, can steer a better course than him!!

Many thanks
Terry Wilson
P.S. The ships chocolate supply lasts longer as well!

From: Robin Anderson [mailto:robertlanderson@btinternet.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 10:30 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Tradewind 35 report

Report herewith on my experience with the new Hydrovane which I recently fitted to my Tradewind 35, "Pleiades of Birdham".

The unit was very well packaged thanks, and fitting instructions excellent.

Fitting was easy - I fitted it with the boat in the water, assisted by a friend. It was a particular pleasure to dismantle all the blocks and lines from the previous ________ servo pendulum.

I did not get a chance to test the Hydrovane until I set out on my annual cruise. I have just returned after 540 miles cruising to the Isles of Scilly and return to Chichester. Rotten weather including several gales - a good trial.

As I left harbour I engaged the Hydrovane expecting to experiment and learn how to get it working properly. In fact no experimenting was required - I could not believe how it immediately went into action and has required no fiddling of any sort - first setting was the only setting required over 540 miles. It performed superbly in all conditions.

I have to say that the Hydrovane is the best piece of marine engineering that I have used in 35 years of owning boats. In retrospect there is no comparison with the________. The ________ is in my opinion a state of the art servo pendulum but the choice is a matter of whether one wishes to drag a plank through the water attached to your helm or have another rudder. The Hydrovane proved to be so far superior on all points of sailing that it was as if it had been made specifically for the Tradewind 35. It simply never lost the plot - the ________ would often not let me brew a cup of tea before going off course.

So, many thanks to all the Hydrovane people.

Please feel free to use my comments as a testimonial and I enclose herewith a photo which you may make use of as you wish.

Robin Anderson's Tradewind 35 - 'Pleiades of Birdham'

From: E & M Campbell [mailto:ratanui@xtra.co.nz]
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 10:27 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Look Ma No Hands

Hi John

The installation pics you asked for and a couple of others. Hope it didn't jam your computer for too long.

Installation a breeze with no problems at all. The pads were made at home and required only minor adjustments to the concave of the stern, with a sanding disc on an angle grinder for perfect fit. All in all it took 2 of us about 6 hours. The hardest part stretching the cover onto the vane. As a matter of interest I had no contact with any other owners of a Hydrovane prior to order but as we were taking the vane off the pier and back home for the cover fitting, we were stopped by a couple who recognised the vane. They had sailed out from England in a steel ketch 15 years ago. They sang the praises of Hydrovane having sailed 12,000 miles and only steering 200 miles. Of course they wanted a look at a brand new one straight out of the box. He asked if Derek Daniels had sold it to me.

Last weekend we had the delight of the test sail when 3 blokes had 3 days in Queen Charlotte Sound. The cross over Cook Strait was 10-12 kts on the nose so no problems there. The return trip 28kts reach with some slightly on the beam. Again no problems. With careful reefing and trimming we averaged 7.2kts for the 28 miles home.

We are absolutely delighted. It is now only a month to our departure for the circumnavigation of the South Island, Pacific islands next winter!!

A couple of small points. In the instructions perhaps you could include torque settings for the bolts. I made a guess and took them all down to an even 55 ftlbs.

John if I can be of help as a testimonial or even a demonstrator here in mid NZ I am only too willing.

Regards

Ed Campbell (owner of a Hartley 39 RORC Sloop in New Zealand)

From: ve0hxm@winlink.org [mailto:ve0hxm@winlink.org]
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 4:39 PM
To: cmclean@telus.net
Subject: progress report from the Huxhams...

"We are about 700 n miles off the coast of Mexico headed for the equator. The winds are fair from the East and we have the fishing gear out. The fleeces are being stowed. We know many of you are close to leaving and will give you our experience which may help. Best and most necessary piece of equipment we have found is the mechanical self steering. We were in a gale off Oregon. The 30-35 knot winds were not as much of a problem as the 8-14 foot seas. After heaving to for about five hours to wait for dawn, we shortened sail and ran at 6-7 knots under just staysail. We had the drogue ready to go but never deployed it. During all this our Hydrovane self-steering kept us on course and pointed correctly to the seas for 2 days without needing any adjustment. It has performed well in light conditions as well- well worth the money we spent. The crew was able to get needed rest. In my opinion very few electric driven pilots could have held us on course in that kind of sea. We have a solar panel but did not see the sun for about 2 weeks so don't count on it entirely. During the bad weather wind generator did well. Our water and fuel conservation is going well. Fortunately during the gale we were already 200 miles offshore so we did not need engine; don't think we could have motored in the heavy seas. We are certainly happy we took the offshore route. Freyja has performed well and apart from a shredded reefing block and line we have not had a major failure of equipment. For us the ham radio has become essential not only for email and weather but also for keeping in contact. Ron Kolody has been a great help and has organized phone patches with loved ones in Vancouver. We have also signed on to Pacific seafarers net."

Shearwater 39 enroute from Vancouver to Marquesas

Basil and Angela

Shearwater 39 - Custom extensions to upper 'H' bracket

From: Christopher Johnson
Reply-To: Christopher Johnson
To: Charles __________
Subject: Re: Hydrovane Self-steering
Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 14:52:46 -0700 (PDT)

Dear Charles,

In and of itself, the Hydrovane is a wonderful machine. It's a, fundamentally simple design that is well engineered and well built, with numerous mounting options. If you can inspect one up close, you'll see what I mean.

As for my experience with the Hydrovane - I'd have to say that it is one of the best pieces of equipment I have on the boat. I have an '84 Swan 46 that I have sailed perhaps 25k nm on, from the Carribean to the Chesapeake, and from California to NZ. In these past ten years the Hydrovane has required almost no maitenance, yet has provided countless hours of dependable service. I have often sailed short-handed because of my confidence in this "third crew member".

I believe that at 49' you are at the upper limit of the machine's capability. However, to really get optimal performance - no matter what size boat you are on - you have to be able to balance your boat out well. The Hydrovane merely tips the scale this way or that, so to speak. If the boat is over canvassed, or the sails not trimmed properly, then the Hydrovane will have a hard time compensating, especially in a larger boat. A key control factor seems to be the offset of the main rudder to steer the boat a bit leeward to compensate for the boat's tendancy to head up as it hits small bursts of speed.

IF THE BOAT IS WELL BALANCED, the Hydrovane will work in practically all points of sail, and all wind speeds. I have used it in light air with a spinnaker, and fully reefed in 40 kts of wind in the Southern Ocean. The conditions that challenge it occur when the wind velocity is changing frequently, or when there are signifigant and sudden wind shifts. But this is probably true with all wind vane steering units. Dead down wind in light air can be tricky as the apparent wind is so low, and provides little energy to turn the rudder.

That said, the other features I like about the Hydrovane is that it can immediatly function as an emegency rudder, and it is also easy to add a small tiller autopilot for motoring in calms, and to have as a backup to another mechanical unit you may have.

If you have any more specific questions, let me know. I have no complaints whatsoever with this product. It is a great thing that John Curry and family have become involved making access to information and parts more easily available than ever.

All the best, and good luck with your planning - it's all well worth it.

Christopher Johnson
Owner of a Swan 46 (20 tons)
Sausilito, CA
(currently in New Zealand)

From: Dr. Will Cave [mailto:will.cave@onetel.net]
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:39 PM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Searching for a yacht

Dear Hydrovane,

I owned an old steel Van der Stadt in the early 90's and she took me round the world. Without the hydrovane welded onto the stern it would not have been possible. On my return I sold her to a Scot who was on the run from a spell at her majesty's pleasure and when he was nicked and banged up she was bought again, by another Scot. I think the boat now owned by David de Moray who has written on your testimonials page is the same Romalo. Do you have his e-mail? I would love to contact him. (editor's note - see David de Moray's email below)

If it is the same yacht the hydrovane gear must be over 25 years old and done countless thousands of miles. It's simplicity of design was nothing short of a miracle and it worked! It did exactly what it I wanted it to do, day after day, month after month with barely a glance as maintenance. Belated thanks for this. Sincerely,

Dr Will Cave, Stranded GP in Dorset, UK.

From: David Moray [mailto:romalo@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 4:05 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: Hydrovane Company

I am currently 'on leave' back in the UK having left my yacht (a van de Stadt 35) in Rota, Spain. I have completed three years of single-handed sailing in the Med and on the west coast of Africa with most of the work being done by an aged but still fully-functional Hydrovane unit. When I was about to embark I visited the famous "production unit" in Nottingham (to get a replacement rudder) and was a little concerned to find that the company's future was in some doubt.

Today I came across your web-site and the excellent news that you have bought the Hydrovane company, thus ensuring the continued supply of parts.

I cannot tell you how relieved I am ... not that I expect any serious trouble from 'the old lady at the stern' you understand, but more from the point of view that you have saved a premier product from the scrapyard. I would swear by my Hydrovane unit and have on many occasions been grateful for its simple robustness. It is quite fun to watch other blue water sailors pouring over their more flimsily-built units which have not survived the savage conditions of the atlantic! Of course, I don't laugh - no, not at all!!

As a Scotsman I have to confess that I am only a little disturbed by the company being acquired by a Canadian cousin - I'm sure that whisky must flow in your veins for otherwise I doubt if you would have been prompted to take the action you have!

This is just a wee note of thanks - simple as that. I applaud your actions, sir!

Slainte mhar,
David de Moray
SV "Romalo"

From: David Moray [mailto:romalo@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 4:03 AM
To: john@hydrovane.com
Subject: RE: Hydrovane Company

Firstly, "Slainte Mhar" means "good health to you". It is Gaelic, as you probably guessed, and is the sort of thing one would say when parting from a friend. It is also what you might say when "raising a glass" as a sort of toast.

I am sorry to hear of your 'disability' (preference for Irish beer) but I have many very good friends who are Irish and they hide the affliction well - in fact it does not seem to inhibit their abilities at all! I have spent many happy days sailing on the west coast of Eire and it is certainly here, in these somewhat rumbustuous waters, that the Hydrovane unit earned its spurs as far as I was concerned. When I first picked up my boat from Silvers Marine on the Clyde my maiden voyage with her was a fairly slow, single-handed, trip down to Valentia Island and Cahersiveen to work out all her 'blemishes'. I had never used a Hydrovane unit before and was thrilled by the ease with which it operated and how quickly I could put my absolute trust in it. Many people say that such units are like having an extra hand on-board .. I would put it more strongly since I am sure we have all had experiences of extra hands who were not much use! The Hydrovane unit is an utterly reliable extra hand ... I trust my life to it without fear and without hesitation.

My unit is old ... as is my boat ... and as am I, if the truth ever comes out! It does not have the fancy new multicoloured PVC (or whatever) wind-vane but a simply piece of carefully shaped marine-ply. This is eminently replacable wherever in the world I am, although I have only ever broken one, and I carry a spare as you might expect. Low tech is certainly best on African shores in my experience, plus you can happily paint it ridiculous colours at a whim!

I am glad to see you have 'modernized' the pin which secures the rudder onto the shaft - I also have a lanyard binding the handle of the rudder-blade to the hull just in case. My rudder-blade did once fall off - much to my embarassment and everyone else's hilarity - but my safety measure prevented its loss and my consequent bankruptcy!

Yes of course you may use any of the nonsense I have written. It is the least I can to re-pay you a) for saving the company and b) for continuing to produce such a wonderful product.

In lowland Scots dialect they sometimes say "lang may yer lum reek". Well, I don't know about that but I do wish you all the best and also your son when he joins in the venture. If ever you see a Hydrovane unit perched on the stern of a scruffy, vaguely white-hulled, Van de Stadt 35, unashamedly displaying the most gaudy and colourful of designs on the vane, give a shout .. aye, it'll be me, nae doot!!

Slainte mhar,
David de Moray BSc(Eng) MEd FSA(Scot)
Currently on shore-leave but soon to return to W Africa with "Romalo".

"I was so pleased with our HYDROVANE which had steered us halfway around the world, that I leaned over and kissed it - Sandra thought maybe I had been at sea too long."

Rory and Sandra Burke, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The Burkes live aboard their yacht 'Pacific Voyager' and have been cruising for the past ten years. They have written three cruising books - www.burkepublishing.com

Rory Burke

“We have sailed with mechanical self steering systems since 1987 and have accumulated in excess of 42,000 sea miles exclusively using vane steering. Prior to purchasing the Hydrovane we had been using a popular brand pendulum system with fine results. We did, however, tire of the cockpit being interfered with by the steering lines led from the pendulum system. As we had sailed many miles successfully with the pendulum system we were, initially, very hesitant to try an alternative mechanical steering product. After three years and 10,000 sea miles of Hydrovane steering, we are absolutely delighted. Particularly, the downwind light air performance is remarkable!. The vane has been totally maintenance free and is exceptionally easy to engage/disengage. Thank you for a very fine product. It is an absolute pleasure to sail with the Hydrovane!”

“During the entire cruise I think we had the wind from every conceivable direction and at every possible strength from flat calm to Force 6 …….I am pleased to report that in all conditions, in anything of a breeze and above, the Hydrovane worked perfectly. You may remember that my boat has a long straight keel and displaces about 16 tons so it had a fair amount of work to do.”

Owner of a Transworld 41
Southsea, England

“Since last seeing you I have sailed around the world…..Your Hydrovane worked splendidly throughout the entire voyage and when crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans I was able to go for many days without having to touch the helm…..With wind from a whisper to 45 knots (the strongest I experienced) she held to the course far better than if I had hand steered.”

Owner of a Transworld 41 (see above)
Southsea, England

“Congratulations on turning out a first class product. From an engineering and quality standpoint it has no equal right down to the lowliest pin. The quality of material used throughout is remarkable and the stainless steel comes pretty close to being ‘stainfree'…..However, the main reason for writing is to say that if there are any doubters out there, undecided whether or not to fit a Hydrovane because it would mean fitting it off-centre, let me reassure them. To preserve the swim platform and central boarding ladder on my 48' Westerly, I fitted mine 15” off-centre and found no detriment whatsoever, regardless of sea state and wind speed, including an Atlantic crossing. None that I can detect, anyway, even though 15” is a little more than you recommend!”

Owner of a Westerly 490
Green Cove Springs, Florida, U.S.A

“Over the past twenty years sailing and in the course of that time spent a personal fortune preparing my yacht for long term cruising I can say with absolute confidence that my choice in buying the VXA2 Hydrovane was one of my better decisions. When I first engaged the Hydrovane during a sail I thought it was a coincidence that it steered the boat on a steady course immediately. It wasn't. Since then I use Heidi whenever I can.”

Owner of an Ohlson 38
Stoke-on-Trent, England

"My Hydrovane has performed faultlessly for 20 years without a single failure or repair needed ….. Last week I suffered my first Hydrovane gear “failure”. The white nylon threaded thumbscrew…….”

Owner of a 37' sailboat
New York, New York

”Hydro” as we affectionately call her continues to function so well that my wife and I regard her with the same aura as we do a fax machine……. No more do we have to listen to the electric autopilot or watch the wheel forever rotating this way and that. The only thing that annoys me is that I did not have the equipment fitted years ago when I first heard of your system.”

Owner of a Swan 44
Wiltshire, England

“Just a note to thank you for my Hydrovane. I have been very impressed with him since I opened up the crates he arrived in. As you can see ‘Mr. Vane’ has his own personality already as well as a permanent place in the crew. I fitted him alone in a day, only required 5 minutes assistance to position him, and would have finished sooner if other sailors passing hadn’t stopped to compliment his solid good looks……….As for the performance of the unit, once set Mr. Vane steers the boat better than I do on every point of sail and in all the wind strengths I’ve encountered so far. If I sell my boat Mr. Vane will be coming to the new boat with me.”

Owner of a Moorings (First) 38
Glasgow, Scotland

“……Having previously owned a Hallberg Rassey 382 which had your vane system on her I would not consider anything else. My family and I sailed the HR382 across the Atlantic and through the West Indies up to Florida and even though the Hydrovane was off centered it didn’t miss a beat! For your interest in 1972 my wife and I sailed a 28 footer with a transom hung Hasler trim tab system out to New Zealand and some time after that I had a yacht with a local ------ pendulum servo system. The Hydrovane in my opinion is the ultimate!”

Owner of a Hallberg Rassey 42 ketch
Auckland, New Zealand

"…we are very happy with the performance of the Hydrovane especially downwind in light winds …… in strong, storm winds the Hydrovane has performed exceptionally …. our boat is quite big, a Bruce Roberts 44 ft. steel cutter and we never hand steered once in a whole month while coming across the Atlantic …"

Owner of a Roberts Norfolk 43 - 18T
Tortola, British Virgin Islands

"Fantastic piece of kit. Wouldn't even leave to get fuel without it. Out of 20,000 plus miles I doubt I've hand-steered 500 of them."

Owner of a Westerly Sealord 39
Bexhill On Sea, England

"I have been cruising non stop ever since December ’89. I am very pleased to say that my Hydrovane has performed excellently in all conditions. It is particularly good downwind and holds an excellent course, even with big following seas. Having exchanged views with many skippers it is obvious that many windvanes are fairly weak on that point of sail. Mechanically it has stood up very well and has required minimal maintenance."

Owner of Moody 39
Brisbane, Australia

Just to let you know I have steered them over the Atlantic and half the Pacific. They cannot manage without me, I am so clever.

Harriet the Hydrovane on Susquehanna
Fare-Huahine, Isles Sous Le Vent, French Polynesia
June 25, 2002

"During my fourteen month, 12,000 mile voyage around the Atlantic five yachts suffered broken rudders, two of which were abandoned and later sank. My rudder also broke mid-Atlantic, en route from Bermuda to the Azores, while riding out a strong gale. With the aid of a Hydrovane and jury rigged steering I survived a second gale and sailed 1,000 miles to safety. Hydrovane saved my life! Congratulations on a fine piece of equipment."

Dermot O'Neill, Author of 'Seascapes and Angels'
Owner of a Shipman 28
Arklow, Ireland

"We have sailed with mechanical self steering systems since 1987 and have accumulated in excess of 42,000 sea miles exclusively using vane steering. Prior to purchasing the Hydrovane we had been using a popular brand pendulum system with fine results. We did, however, tire of the cockpit being interfered with by the steering lines led from the pendulum system. As we had sailed many miles successfully with the pendulum system we were, initially, very hesitant to try an alternative mechanical steering product. After three years and 10,000 sea miles of Hydrovane steering, we are absolutely delighted. Particularly, the downwind light air performance is remarkable!. The vane has been totally maintenance free and is exceptionally easy to engage/disengage. Thank you for a very fine product. It is an absolute pleasure to sail with the Hydrovane!"
Owner of a Spencer 1330 (45')
Langley, B.C., Canada (currently in Malaysia)

Langley, B.C., Canada