From: Andrew Herwig
Sent: June 30, 2013
To: John Curry
Subject: Sea trial of new rudder and larger windvane

Hi John,
It has been awhile since we communicated and also since i last sailed my boat. I layed up the vessel in Bundaberg Queensland in 2011 with the intention of sailing again in 2012 but work and other committments got in the way. Anyway I have just finished a passage from Australia to Fiji (about 1800nm) with the new rudder and the larger windvane I made up using the new bracket you supplied so I thought I would drop a line and let you know how it went.

The passage saw quite varying conditions from light following winds to 25 knot close reaching in seas that were generally moderate, although the close reaching saw quite lumpy seas particularly between the Fijian islands largely due to current against wind etc. In short the performance of the Hydrovane was exemplary. The larger windvane allowed course keeping that was much more tolerant of imperfect trim as I had the power to use all 3 settings although I used position 2 about 95% of the time as this allowed enough rudder to keep a very good course. The light downwind angle was also much improved as 4 knots apparent wind allowed a good course with the vessel doing about 4-5 knots. I haven’t increased the lead counterweight and didn’t find this an issue but I imagine balancing the larger windvane would help in even lighter conditions. The self steering was really a non issue as it simply worked faultlessly as long as I had enough apparent wind which was 95% on the voyage. I hardly had to think about sail trim and balancing as the extra power made all the difference. Certainly a contrast to my older Hydrovane on a S&S 39 and my dramas earlier with the overbalanced rudder and smaller standard windvane.

The dimensions of the larger windvane are 1.9m overall length including the bracket (to fit on a bunk) with a width of 0.39m near the bracket tapering to 0.35m at the top. I have attached a couple of photos that demonstrates the comparative size of the standard and larger windvane. I also attach a photo of the installation which I have been meaning to send for awhile. I was very pleased with the outcome as I think it looks quite neat and allows utilization of most of the stern steps and platform. This and the fact it is an emergency rudder was my main reason for choosing Hydrovane again.

As I have elluded to previously, I really think you should consider offering a larger windvane by simply enlarging the standard windvane construction. This would make the unit much more suitable to bigger and faster yachts and you could do it tomorrow. It would also be much more forgiving of handling than a moulded type of foil. My 2c worth.

[Editor’s note: Since 2015, out XT ‘Extendable’ Vane does just that – allows for more surface area up higher. A great choice for larger, faster boats] 

BTW. I am amazed how many Hydrovanes I am seeing of sterns of yachts lately. I think it is the most common windvane I am seeing in this anchorage (Savu Savu) Fiji and Bundaberg Queensland.

Regards

Andrew Herwig
S/V Spice
Fremantle Australia

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