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Old 21-09-2012, 11:33   #1
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Another hydrovane question

I didn't want to hijack the other hydrovane thread...

I am also looking at the hydrovane, but for a different reason. Our boat has hydraulic steering, and I was under the impression that self steering systems that rely on a connection to the ships wheel would not work well. The hydrovane, having a separate rudder, would circumvent this issue.

On a side note, our previous boat had a Monitor, and I really liked it. Her name was Wendy.

Thoughts from the rest of you? Is Hydrovane the only choice for a boat with hydraulic steering?
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Old 21-09-2012, 13:17   #2
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Re: Another hydrovane question

G'Day Steve,

Many hydraulic steering systems suffer from "creep"... that is the wheel position that results in the rudder being straight ahead slowly changes. This confounds the typical wind vane. I have been told that well designed hydraulic systems do not suffer from this problem, but I have no personal experience of this.

Any auxiliary rudder vane system will circumvent that problem, and there are others besides Hydrovane, including AutoHelm (from Scanmar) and Wind Pilot. Likely are others as well. Further, the very simple Sayes Rig (also sold by Scanmar IIRC) which is a servo that drives the rudder directly would work, but they only are applicable to rudders that are very close to or hung from the transom.

Cheers and good luck with your choice... a good vane is priceless!

Cheers,

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Old 21-09-2012, 13:50   #3
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Re: Another hydrovane question

Thanks! I was not aware that Scanmar and Wind Pilot made auxiliary rudder units. I'll read more on those two before making a decision.

The Wind Pilot website was more interesting than most, if you have not visited it lately. They have a picture of a very attractive unit that the admiral said would not be welcome on our boat. Click on "Photos"...
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Old 21-09-2012, 15:24   #4
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Re: Another hydrovane question

Quote:
Originally Posted by steve77 View Post
Thanks! I was not aware that Scanmar and Wind Pilot made auxiliary rudder units. I'll read more on those two before making a decision.

The Wind Pilot website was more interesting than most, if you have not visited it lately. They have a picture of a very attractive unit that the admiral said would not be welcome on our boat. Click on "Photos"...
Cape Horn has an external rudder version I believe as well.
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