From: Patrick Fox
Sent: 18 June 2024
To: Richard Minielly, Will Curry, Sarah Curry
Subject: Hydrovane and Watt&Sea sea trials

Richard, Will, Sarah,

I sea trialed both the Hydrovane and Watt and Sea systems last week and found both systems to outperform my expectations.

We tested both systems close hauled, beam/broad reaching and downwind. First test was up wind on both port and stbd tacks in 10 to 15 kts true wind doing 6.5 to 7+ kts boat speed. The Hydrovane maintained our course perfectly from heeling angles of 10 to 30+ degrees. Saga 43’s  get into a groove at about 20 degrees of heel and will sail at over 40 degree heel without excessive weather helm or rounding up. As the unit was mounted off center to stbd I was initially concerned that heeling 20 to 30 degrees on a starboard tack would affect how well the Hydrovane would keep us on course, and it did so flawlessly. The same results on port tacks and down wind where we had apparent wind at 6 kts or less. 

We deployed the hydrogenerator and it operated beautifully on all points of sail and at various heel angles, although, because the hydrogenerator is mounted close to centerline heeling didn’t really impact the unit’s operating depth significantly. Monitoring the output on my phone it was obvious that the output met or exceeded the power curves with the 280 mm prop.

I noticed one issue due to my specific installation.  Because the Watt & Sea is mounted to the Hydrovane shaft and the design of the Saga’s transom the generator is quite far outboard aft of the cockpit. Deploying and lifting the unit, even when standing on the swim platform, it was very difficult to lift straight up and not possible to pull on the dropping and lifting lines at an angle. I’m thinking about how to rig a bracket above the W&S with a turning block to allow deploying and lifting the unit from the cockpit as trying to do either of these operations standing on the swim platform would be extremely dangerous in any conditions other than calm water at very low speeds.

One option I think could work uses a bracket similar to the W&S Hydrovane mounting bracket attached just below the Hydrovane control head with a turning block. Another option might be to use my outboard motor lift swung out over the W&S to allow vertical pulling of the lines.

I’m curious if you or other customers have experienced a similar situation in leading the lines and difficulties in lifting and deploying the unit.

All in all I’m thrilled with both the Hydrovane and Watt and Sea units and appreciate all the time you’ve spent helping me with my installation and great your fantastic customer service and technical expertise.

Patrick Fox

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From: Richard Minielly
Sent: 18 June 2024
To: Patrick Fox
Subject: RE: Hydrovane and Watt&Sea sea trials

Hi Patrick,

Thank you so much for the invaluable feedback! Do you mind if we post your email to our True Stories page? Potential customers find these sorts of reviews hugely helpful when looking for their own boats.

Regarding the Watt&Sea lifting lines… yes, what you are describing is probably the biggest recurring issue that our customers face. Finding a solid lifting point above the hydrogenerator can be tricky on many boats. The outboard motor lift is a perfect contraption for the job if it can get near to the Watt&Sea. You only need it rotated over when lifting and lowering. Outside that it could be stored again. Your option to look into using the Hydrovane is also a common and powerful solution. A bit of leverage from the A Bracket arm or the upper part of the shaft itself can give you a decent angle to the Watt&Sea. It varies depending on each installation, but usually there is a good solution on swimstep-style transoms like yours.

We’re thrilled that you now have reliable self-steering and speed-powered charging for your next adventure! We look forward to hearing all about where the Hydrovane steers you.

Best regards,

Richard Minielly