From: Mark Linney
Sent: May 03, 2022
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Mark – Jeanneau SO 379 – Hydrovane model VXA2D L(shaft length)/A/H

Dear all at Hydrovane.

I’ve now fitted the Hydrovane to my Jeanneau 379.

The bottom bracket was a great test of my agility as access was severely limited. I also had to use lots of resin filler and an additional marine ply backing plate as the inside surface was not level. That bottom bracket is also fully submerged when on a starboard tack or motoring, but so far it’s not letting in water. I used lots of marine sealant on the bolt holes; it’ll be interesting to see how long it lasts. Perhaps there is a solution to a submerged mounting plate that you can suggest?? In my experience water usually finds a way in over time.

My test sail went really well and it works perfectly on both tacks, and on upwind, abeam and downwind points of sail. There is no vibration whatsoever under sail or engine.

I’m very impressed with the quality of the gear and the ease (bottom bracket excepted!) of assembly. Although my advice would be to measure twice, cut once! The welding of the remote line took a few attempts and is on a short run from the port helm.

Overall very pleased with the equipment, the service from you and the result.

Best wishes

Mark

 

On 26 May 2022, Will Curry wrote:

Hi Mark,

Great to hear the test sail went well!  Also nice to read that there was no vibration, this means the shaft should be nicely aligned in a vertical plane.

For bedding the brackets if you used Sikalfex 291, 3M 5200 or something similar they shouldn’t leak.  It’s not a problem if the bracket is submerged when underway.  Those adhesives are used to bed keels and underwater thru hulls which are permanently submerged so I suspect you will be okay.

Thanks again for taking the time to send this report.  Can we post your email and photos to our website?

Kind Regards,

Will Curry, BBA

 

On 26 May 2022, Mark Linney wrote:

Thanks Will

Still not leaking, but renewing the sealant from time to time (if it does start weeping) would not be a difficult job.

Happy for you to use my images and text on the website.

You could also add…

“When describing the Hydrovane to other boat owners, I sum it up as follows; it doesn’t complain about being cold, or hungry, or tired, and best of all it actually steers the course you ask it to!”

Regards

Mark

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