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Post by On y va on Feb 28, 2014 17:40:09 GMT
Hello!
Has any of you fitted a hydrovane self steering unit by any chance?? And if so, what are your experiences with this unit?
Thanks
Marco
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2014 15:36:21 GMT
Regret no experience with the Hydrovane on a Jeanneau (our new 'drop transom' 379 hardly suitable!), but have had excellent performance with the vane on a 10t Hallberg Rassy (in 20000+nm of ocean sailing).
With sails well balanced (not too much weather helm), the vane will hold a very steady wind angle. Unusually for a vane gear, the Hydrovane held course even in light airs dead downwind; while watching the vane work hard to hold course in big 40kt seas was a joy to behold.
So if you are going ocean sailing and you can find a way to attach the Hydrovane to a Jeanneau transom (there are many mounting options and the vane can be offset), then go for it - a beautifully simple, reliable, economical crew member to have on board!
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Post by On y va on Mar 2, 2014 16:38:28 GMT
Thanks for your comments. I have now found a dutch guy who actually fitted a Hydrovane to the same boat as me!!! (SO40). So perfect. He has it off centre, so he can still use the bathing platform an access into his cockpit.
As I will be sailing alone and do not want to rely on the ST6000 all the time (also for power consumption), I am contemplating a Hydrovane. Hence my question.
Marco
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Post by debenbar on Mar 2, 2014 17:50:06 GMT
Hi, I have a hydrovane installed off centre on a Jeanneau 39DS, the vane performs very well off centre but I think at least on my boat central installation would actually have been no less convenient as regards access to the stern and would seem more correct. It is very difficult to attach the rudder to the shaft on the vane if not at rest in a marina and the vane's rudder will naturally reduce the boats manoeverability in close quarters unless you have a crew member available to manually operate the vane. I would recommend a vane if you are going to do passages longer than perhaps 24 hours in open water, otherwise use an electronic autopilot. The Hydrovane website has lots of very useful info on installation and use of the hydrovane and the Hydrovane management are very helpful. Overall a very good piece of kit, and a spare rudder in an emergency. Hope this helps............
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Post by Tafika II on Mar 2, 2014 19:01:35 GMT
Any possibility we can get some photos of the off center & center installations?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2014 22:09:49 GMT
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Post by On y va on Mar 3, 2014 18:49:18 GMT
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chrisj
Junior Member
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Post by chrisj on Mar 19, 2014 17:52:22 GMT
I wonder if anyone has fitted one of these to a SO 43 DS ?
Any photos would be appreciated.
I have checked the Hydrovane website but nothing there.
Thanks
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Post by On y va on Mar 19, 2014 22:05:51 GMT
I wonder if anyone has fitted one of these to a SO 43 DS ? Any photos would be appreciated. I have checked the Hydrovane website but nothing there. Thanks Yes, a dutch 43DS "Sailing Dulce": www.sailing-dulce.nl/home/2 |
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chrisj
Junior Member
Posts: 20
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Post by chrisj on Mar 19, 2014 22:23:09 GMT
I wonder if anyone has fitted one of these to a SO 43 DS ? Any photos would be appreciated. I have checked the Hydrovane website but nothing there. Thanks Yes, a dutch 43DS "Sailing Dulce": www.sailing-dulce.nl/home/2Many thanks |
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chrisj
Junior Member
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Post by chrisj on Mar 26, 2014 15:30:37 GMT
Any more guys n gals ?
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Post by Tafika II on Mar 26, 2014 16:14:19 GMT
I had some back & forth dialog with Hydrovane last week. Great folks, but a little out of my budget right now. I liked the idea that it was an independent system and not tied into the boat's steering. A good backup if you were to loose your steering, but at close to US$7000, there is a price to pay. We have an arch, so it would mean mounting the RIB on the foredeck for the long runs in order to use the Hydrovane. If you are mechanically inclined, a DYI installation should be a low challenge project. They sent many photos, including one exactly for the SO42DS in an off center position. With removal of a few bolts, the unit can be removed and stored when not in use. I asked about a hinged swing to the side version, but they did not recommend it...another joint to wear, etc.
This product is still on my radar. I'm going to visit Hydrovane & some other wind vane vendors at Strictly Sail in Oakland next month.
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Post by On y va on Mar 26, 2014 17:40:12 GMT
I have ordered a VXA2D unit, with the A-bracket (so also a side ways going support) with a stubby vane (because of the radarpole, Solar panel frame and windgenerator pole). Plus the offshore spares kit.....5.148 euros ex VAT, but incl. shipping to Mallorca, Spain. Not cheap, but u have to have one if you goe on long journeys, esp single-handed. Should be here early april. Will be some hours fitting it all, but looking fwd to it!  |
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Post by MalcolmP on Mar 26, 2014 19:01:06 GMT
I have ordered a VXA2D unit, with the A-bracket (so also a side ways going support) with a stubby vane (because of the radarpole, Solar panel frame and windgenerator pole). Plus the offshore spares kit.....5.148 euros ex VAT, but incl. shipping to Mallorca, Spain. Not cheap, but u have to have one if you goe on long journeys, esp single-handed. Should be here early april. Will be some hours fitting it all, but looking fwd to it! Sounds like a mega Hints and Tips project ;-) |
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chrisj
Junior Member
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Post by chrisj on Mar 26, 2014 19:33:15 GMT
I got a couple of pictures from Hydrovane earlier Hopefully they can be seen ok   |
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Post by On y va on Jul 16, 2014 14:30:14 GMT
Well, all installed succesfully and I have used the unit a couple of times. It´s amazingly smooth and easy to use. Very happy with it. See some photos and a little video: HERE |
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