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JazzyO · 16-09-2014, 04:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triumphant

BUT it probably is very dependent on the type of vessel as well as sail trim

I would agree with that. The boat needs to be well balanced.

Onno

salamander · 21-09-2014, 18:17

Nice boat JazzyO.

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Livia · 23-09-2014, 00:51

We love ours and it has steered from Canada to Tonga over the last 4 years. Light air performance is very good. It fails when it gets so bad that hand steering is hard (really light air, lumpy seas) and it doesnt like to be overpowered (like all vanes as I understand it).

We have ours installed offset as you can see here:
Hydrovane Personalization ~ SV Estrellita 5.10b

Rustic Charm · 23-09-2014, 01:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livia

We love ours and it has steered from Canada to Tonga over the last 4 years. Light air performance is very good. It fails when it gets so bad that hand steering is hard (really light air, lumpy seas) and it doesnt like to be overpowered (like all vanes as I understand it).

We have ours installed offset as you can see here:
Hydrovane Personalization ~ SV Estrellita 5.10b

I'm new to windvanes etc, and don't have one yet. I'm a little curious with your comments that they perform well in light air but don't like to be 'over powered'.

I thought windvanes operate best in heavy winds and that was the point if them?

Cherp · 23-09-2014, 04:22

Haven't experience with the Hydrovane but crossed the Tasman Sea once on a boat which had a Fleming. Fantastic piece of kit and I would not go long distance offshore without a vane of some sort in combination with an electronic autopilot.

Livia · 23-09-2014, 11:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustic Charm

I'm new to windvanes etc, and don't have one yet. I'm a little curious with your comments that they perform well in light air but don't like to be 'over powered'.

I thought windvanes operate best in heavy winds and that was the point if them?

The sail of the vane likes lots of wind. However you have to keep the boat balanced to avoid too much weather helm. Weather helm makes it difficult for the vane to keep course (or a person to hand steer as well). If you have the right amount of canvas for the average wind but get some weather helm on the gusts you might find the vane fighting the weather helm. The amount of helm you will get depends a lot on your boat shape and the point of sail and wether it is gusty.