From: Scott R
Sent: June-14-09 2:59 PM
To: Will Curry
Cc: John Curry
Subject: Fantastic!!

Well Will, it was hard to wait for the 5200 to cure but I did. Next day sailed the Loon for 6 1/2 hours with about 15 minutes at the helm. When I pulled the vane pin I at first didn’t think anything was happening because the rudder movements/corrections were sooo small. I absolutely LOVE my Hydrovane!! My lady friend who races calls it “cheating”, but after a couple hours she was so impressed that she gave it a name, “Heidi”.

The Hydrovane performed absolutely flawlessly. It has surpassed my expectations. I would be sailing with it again today except that I’m fabricating my tiller handle and tiller-pilot installation to fit the Hydrovane.

Here are a few shots of my installation. As you can see I have kept the functionality of my swim step while also creating easy access to ship and unship the rudder. No reaching under. A little tip; Put a loops in your rudder tether line and hook a bungee inline so that you have to push down slightly to get the rudder under the shaft then let go and the bungee lifts it up into position. It’s very easy to pin the rudder if you don’t have to hold it up too.

Also is a photo of my new 3nm stern light mounted properly with the Hydrovane logo in full view. You guys ought to sell this fantastic little light. [Editor’s note – we now do!]

And finally, I’ve talked up the Hydrovane on E-dock at Shilshole for a year now. I really emphasize the emergency rudder and tiller steer capabilities of the Hydrovane and that it’s a clean install that doesn’t interface/interfere with your helm.

Cheers – Scott Ritchie
s/v Loon~Asea, Folkes 39

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