Hydrovane

[henryk]

I'm shopping for windvane steering and narrow my search to Hydrovane.
The only thing I don't like about it is the price. I like the auxiliary ruder steering idea ,no lines in the cockpit and of course having an emergency rudder at the same time . I will also mount a tiller autopilot with it.
Any info will be highly appreciate.
Regards
Henryk

[limmer]

henryk did you have any luck with info on the hydrovane im looking into them myself cheers

[Alan H]

No windvane is cheap. If you desperately want an inexspensive windvane, then look up Walt Murrays web site.

http://www.mindspring.com/~waltmur/Self-Steering/

Adapt the whole thing from primarily abs/pvc pipe to aluminum or stainless and you've seriously got something. Personally, I've adapted Walts design and kept it in ABS pipe and built something that drove my 27-footer around San Francisco Bay just fine. However, I had the windvane part driving a trim tab on an auxiliary rudder, rather than a servo-pendulum. The Aux. rudder is a fair site easier to build than the servo pendulum foil.

[dana-tenacity]

I had one for 8 years and 40,000 miles, loved it.
Need to replace the nylon sock every couple of years, other than that zero maintenance. Steered through two hurricanes.

[CSY Man]

I had one for 8 years and 40,000 miles, loved it.
Need to replace the nylon sock every couple of years, other than that zero maintenance. Steered through two hurricanes.

On what boat..?

[dana-tenacity]

NZ built Cavalier 32

[limmer]

Dana-tenacity are you talking about the hydrovane or a windvane?

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by limmer

Dana-tenacity are you talking about the hydrovane or a windvane?

The hydrovane has a nylon sock covered vane, and it is this that needs to be replaced:



I think the comments from ARC reports are sufficient testimonial see Self Steering - Hydrovane Selfsteer

[ssullivan]

I've been thinking about these as well. They seem to make the most sense.

I was looking at one in place of an electric autopilot on my catamaran. The beauty is (or might be) they claim it works well on cats.

[Talbot]

I have looked at these in the flesh and been impressed by the engineering. It is certainly on my shopping list for next boat.

[limmer]

I have just talked to a rep up in vancouver bc (john curry) and am looking at getting the hydrovane shipped over. my boat being a center cockpit I believe the hydrovane is the way to go. the problem being is these things arent cheap $6665.00 cdn shipped with spare parts .

[henryk]

I don't know how did he quote you ,but from me , including the shipping he wants almost $8000 . That includes the top mount and two struts for the bottom. And this is with the boat show "discount" .

[henryk]

Originally Posted by Talbot

The hydrovane has a nylon sock covered vane, and it is this that needs to be replaced:



I think the comments from ARC reports are sufficient testimonial see Self Steering - Hydrovane Selfsteer

Talbot ! how high is the windvane from the deck to the top. I have a dinghy davit and wondering if the vane would fit just under the davits ,64 inches

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by henryk

Talbot ! how high is the windvane from the deck to the top. I have a dinghy davit and wondering if the vane would fit just under the davits ,64 inches

Sorry I dont have the exact dimensions. I suggest you ask them direct.

[George Raffa]

I just purchased a Island Packet with a Hydrovane syatem. I am using the boat for coastal cruising and currently do not have a use for it. The previous owner used it to sail to France and back through the islands,etc. If you have any interest I was thinking of selling it. I am not sure what price would be fair, but a lot less than a new one.