From: rya email
Sent: April-24-09 9:20 AM
To: John Curry
Subject: Hydrovane

Hi John

Yesterday we had our first sail in Kea with the new Hydrovane fitted. It was a perfect day for getting to know the gear, 15kts of wind and no sea. The gear performed as expected and we are very pleased. We are off on our summer cruise to Scotland soon and we are happy to have an extra crew signed on, especially one that does not need food and sleep!

I have one small comment about the fitting which was straightforward and that is that in your drawing of the Nicholson 32 stern the waterline shown is the designed waterline when in fact the boats float somewhat lower when fully loaded. I failed to spot this and as a result I fitted the gear is lower than I would have liked. With 2″ clearance between the bottom bracket and the bottom of the bearing tube the rudder shaft is immersed to the level of the hole for the locking pin and so the rudder is correspondingly lower in the water. This is not a major problem and if necessary I will raise the bottom bracket next winter.

[Editor’s note: As surmised, the height of the shaft is not important. Our only reason for the specified height is to keep the shaft out of the water – avoid growth. When raising it be sure to keep the bracket clamp well clear of the bottom bearing – not to pinch it. We suggest 2 inches of stainless tube showing – although it could be a bit less.]

Many thanks for a great piece of kit.

Best wishes

Chris