True Stories

From: John Andrews
Sent: July 17, 2017
To: Will Curry
Subject: HYDROVANE PROBLEM ON WIZARD

Hi Will

I bought my Hydrovane in early 2015 when you shipped it to St Lucia, and where it was installed. After getting used to the Hydrovane it has been marvelous. I am now in Menorca. On the sail from Mallorca, the vane and the circular wheel lifted up and the vane swung around 180degrees. Photo of the start of a lift off follows by separate mail. It seemed to happen each time the wind increased in a gust, after having been doing its normal job for say one hour. Any idea what is going on?
Thanks
John
Boat.WIZARD

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From: Will Curry
Date: July 19 2017
To: John ANdrews
Subject: RE: HYDROVANE worm gear ON WIZARD

Hi John,

Good to hear from you and nice to see the Hydrovane has served you well….until recently.  Fortunately your fix is fairly simple.  I’ve marked with an arrow on the attached photo what you need to adjust.  That bolt (part 89) needs to be loosened – you need to loosen the nut first as the bolt is threaded into the casting.  You can then re set the worm gear mechanism so there is a small gap above and below the black plastic spacer that sits above the bolt.  You should be able to see the stainless tube behind it both above and below.  You can then re-tighten the bolt set ans wise to put some loctite on the threads.  You can view photos of how it should all look on our parts page – See https://hydrovane.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Part-Schematic-and-List.pdf

On a separate note, can we add your email to the website?  I don’t believe we ever received any photos of your installation?  It would be great to have some for other Elan owners.

Happy to answer further questions.

Kind Regards,

Will Curry

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From: John Andrews
Sent: July 19, 2017
To: Will Curry
Subject: RE: HYDROVANE worm gear ON WIZARD

Thank you Will. Ok yr answer was clear… will try it out in a few days when i set off again. I will be delighted to send a few photos and i stand as a reference. The Hydrovane has been fantastic. Sailing from the Caribbean to Europe i was caught in a 60knot plus storm for three days.The hydrovane never faltered and allowed me to concentrate on surviving.

Thks, john

Hallo Herr Logisch,

Wir haben die Windfahne jetzt ein wenig ausprobiert und selbst uns Novizen ist es problemlos gelungen die Fahne so einzustellen, dass die das tut was sie soll. Gestern dann auch unter Parasailor (Thomas Wibberenz war zur Einführung hier) ohne Probleme.

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English translation:

Hello Mr. Logisch,

We have tried the wind vane a bit now, and even for us novices it is easily managed to adjust the vane so that it does what it should.

Yesterday also under Parasailor (Thomas Wibberenz was here) without any problems. Thanks again for the excellent service.

Michael Broemmel

From: Håkan Åström
Sent:  July 5, 2017
To: John Curry

It has passed by a couple of years. I have saved our mail conversation. On Azores now on my way home from Florida. The boat has been there one year over the hurricane season.

When I arrived to the boat two months ago the Hydrovane rudder had been on the deck for one year and was a little bent from the heat. I was afraid that i would not work properly because of that, I had no choice but starting my sailing towards Bermuda. It worked perfect despite the rudder is not being straight! Fantastic. A forgiving windvane.

The bend is approximately five centimeters.

[Editor’s Note: store the rudder out of the sun; it can warp. That being said, a minor warp should not affect performance]

I have some minor adjustment now but it is my problem. Only wanted to tell you that I think this has to been the best windvane ever constructed.

Kind regards,
Håkan

From: Jean Baillargeon
Date: Jun 28, 2017
Subject: feedback on Hydrovane
To: Will Curry

Hi Will

Nice seeing you and Sarah last night. Glad to hear you are heading out again and who knows we might bump into one another in SF.

As you suggested I also wanted to offer some feedback on my hydrovane’s performance so far.

Helen and I were sailing from Nanaimo up to French Creek a few weeks ago in a very light breeze from the east up the Strait. Maybe 6-8 knots. We set our asymetrical spinaker on a starboard tack with the wind well aft the beam (150-160 degrees) It took a few minutes for the boat to get some way (we’re a heavy 41,000 lbs) But soon we’re ghosting along at about 3.0 – 3.5 kts. I set the hydrovane at its most sensitive setting, we had about 1.5 – 2.0 kts of apparent wind, and it just came alive, tilting this way and that and steering a gently meandering course. I tweaked it a few times to get just the right heading and we just enjoyed a nice quiet ride for the next few hours. This thing is magical.

Cheers,

Jean Baillargeon

From: David Southwood
Sent: June 25, 2017
To: John Curry; Sarah Curry
Subject: SUMMERBIRD

Dear John and Sarah,

As you know from previous correspondence I started the single-handed trans  Atlantic yacht race OSTAR from Plymouth, England to Newport, Rhode Island on 29th May. The 21 vessel fleet followed the great circle route along 50 degrees north for nearly two weeks. I was alternating the lead in my class. On 9th June we hit a massive storm of hurricane force winds 50-70 knots and again the next night. Four boats were abandoned with skippers picked up by ships. My good friend aboard Tamarind was lucky enough to be rescued by the Queen Mary 2. Only seven of the fleet were able to continue.

By the time of the storm I had lost the staysail and had reefed in the genoa. The reefing line parted so I dropped the sail leaving me with just a main with three reefs. You will be pleased to learn that the Hydrovane saved both Summerbird and me. It held the boat just off the wind during both these nights in extremely heavy seas with very large waves breaking over the boat. In effect the Hydrovane held Summerbird “hoved to” during those 36 hours. Without it I would have been in distress.

I sought refuge and sailed over 700 nm with three reefs in the main and a storm jib primarily employing the Hydrovane until the last 250 nm when I had enough fuel to motor. I am now in Horta in the Azores effecting repairs. Well done to Hydrovane!

Best regards,

David Southwood

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On 27 Jun 2017, at 01:01, John Curry wrote:

Hi David

It is very kind of you to share your story with us. Even in our distant location we had hourly reports of the rescues underway and boats lost.

I am often asked what to do with the Hydrovane in a storm. My answer always has been to make it part of the equation as each boat reacts differently – a handkerchief of a sail, preferably a staysail or stormsail, and the Hydrovane.

With your reefed main what did you do with the main rudder and the Hydrovane? I know what I would do with only a staysail but not when without it. Certainly, be trying this and that………………… and anxious to get in my bunk.

How long was the storm when winds were over 50 knots? I see that 50 to 70 knots produce seas of 30 to 50 feet. I have never experienced anything like that – only a 32 hour blow of 40+ knots and seas of 25 feet says the Beaufort scale. That was violent enough.

May we include your email on our website? You would be in good company.

Thanks again

John

John E. Curry, CA/CPA

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From: David Southwood
Sent:  June 27, 2017
To: John Curry
Cc: Sarah Curry; Will Curry
Subject: Re: SUMMERBIRD

Hi John and Sarah,

The storm lasted 36 hours but as Summerbird went through the eye there was a lull between the two nights of 60-70 knots. The vane was lowered to about 45 degrees and was set 90 degrees to the boat’s heading. The ratio control was on the extreme left setting. The Hydrovane rudder was not lashed but the boat’s rudder was lashed midships. 

Please use my information on your website.

With best regards,

David

From: Graham Marchand
Sent:  June 22, 2017
To: ‘Sarah Curry’
Subject: ALLEGRA

Hi Sarah,

…

At the end of our 10,000 nm Atlantic circuit, I have to say again that we are so very impressed by the Hydrovane which is better than an extra crew member – I would never set off on a long passage without one. As you can probably imagine, there’s plenty of “thinking” time during long nights on watch and we came up with the attached, which you might find amusing!

Best Regards – Graham Marchand – ALLEGRA

[Editor’s note: We love it!!]

Notre Hydrovane était à la barre près de 95% du temps lors d’une traversée de 2333 NM entre l’île de St-Martin, aux Petites Antilles, et l’île de Terceira, aux Açores. Nous avons fait ce trajet du 6 au 24 mai 2017 à une vitesse moyenne de 5,5 Kts, à bord de Marinade, notre Bénéteau Océanis 423. J’ai suivi votre conseil concernant l’indispensable équilibre du bateau : en règle générale, mais surtout lorsque le vent forcit, la quantité minimale de toile doit être envoyée. Les seuls moments où le Hydrovane ne contrôlait pas la barre étaient le manque de vent et lorsqu’un ajustement des voiles tardait à être fait, auquel cas j’utilisais le pilote automatique pour assister le régulateur.

Daniel Groulx, capitaine

Voilier Marinade

…

From: Daniel Groulx
Sent: June 7, 2017
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: S/Y Marinade: replacement parts for the Hydrovane

Hello Sarah,

It is my pleasure to inform you that I made the passage on Marinade with two crew between St-Martin island in the Caribbean and Terceira island in the Azores from May 6 to May 24.

Our Hydrovane was at the helm nearly 95% of the time on the 2333 NM passage! We made it dock to dock in 17 days, 15 hours and 40 minutes, for an average speed of 5.5 Kts. The only time the windvane wasn’t working was the engine time, when the wind wasn’t at the rendez-vous, or when my crew couldn’t adjust it while I was sleeping. It does require fine tuning when the wind gets strong. I sometimes used both the windvane and the autopilot and got interesting results.

I followed your advice concerning the amount of sail to hang out : as a general rule less sail was better and gave us both good speed and good control by the windvane. Giving much attention to the sail/wind situation was the winning condition.

…

Thank you and have a good day,

Daniel

Suzanne et Daniel

From: Patrick Verde
Sent: May 22, 2017
To: John Curry
Subject: Parts

Hi,

I bought and mounted a Hydrovane on my boat 2010. The installation is off center and functions perfect in most conditions. Now used for approx 5000NM. The biggest but also the best investment in equipment I made.

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Regards Patrick

From: Marcus Stevens Iridium Email
Sent: April 11, 2017
To: Will Curry
Subject: Hydrovane

Will,

Just wanted to give you a report halfway from the Galapagos. Our hydrovane, uniquely named Hydie, is performing spectacularly. What a pleasure! Better than the Raymarine on wind vane setting, definitely. I’ve been using it on the furthest left setting (as you face aft toward it). The middle didn’t seem responsive enough. Am I right in thinking that the middle setting is for more wind? We’re on a nice broad reach with 13-18 knots.

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Best,

Marcus

From: stewart hawley
Sent: May 16, 2017
To: Will Curry
Subject: RE: 43 ft Custom aluminum sloop

Well I’ve got about 1400 knots under the belt now not a lot I know but enough to do a reasonable check out of the hydrovane. Most of by myself all of with me at the helm.

The hydrovane worked as advised in all conditions, reefed in high winds down to 4 to 5 knots which is my minimum. High into the wind, a beam, aft quarter and 120 aft.

The quality of the hydrovane is more about the quality of the man’s skill. When I was right it was right. In all that time only once was it not in total control and even then I used it as an assist. I had a aft quarter wind and a following sea with 4 to 6 ft waves. The boat has a 7 knot hull speed & I was doing 8 to 9. The problem came as I slid down the waves which was about every 3 or 4th wave.

Other than that it works beautifully every time and any time I thought it was at fault I got tutored in correct sailing form.

Thanks for giving me the confidence to go ahead with the hydrovane.

Stewart Hawley on Geezer

From: Carol Hogan
Sent: May 2, 2017
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: Re: replacement gear

Hi Sarah,

Attached is a picture of our Hydrovane “Arthur” hard at work during the Atlantic crossing, along with the other crew members off duty!

Cheers,
Carol
PS Arthur was named after my dad – hardworking and reliable!

Hello all, could you tell me the price including postage for a new cover posted to Portugal please?

I think i bought my Hydrovane in 2011 and in a lifetime of sailing its the best piece of kit I’ve had on any boat ever.

All the best,

Paul Stevens.

Falcon 34 “Falcons Flight”.

From: Lad Burgin
Sent: April 13, 2017
To: Will Curry
Subject: Shadowside

Hi Will,

I saw you last at the most recent Seattle Boat Show. I purchased a Hydrovane for the Shadowside in 2012. In 2016, I sailed the Pacific Cup to Hawaii and then made a return voyage to Port Townsend, WA. Nearly 5000 Kn Mi.

The Crew selected the Hydrovane as the most valuable piece of equipment. We relied on it for a good part of the race and the majority of the return voyage. It worked superbly in winds up to 35 knots. I have attached a picture taken in Neah Bay Washington which was our first port after crossing from Hawaii.

Best wishes to you, John and your lovely ladies.

Lad Burgin
Shadowside
Allied Mistress MKIII

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On 4/19/2017 10:51 AM, Will Curry wrote:

Hi Lad,

Thanks for taking the time to send this report as well as the photo.  Can we add the email to our website?  It’s great to have some feedback from a Pacific Cup boat.  I’ve actually just included your email in a response to an Allied Seabreeze owner who was wondering about his mizzen.  Did you find the mizzen to be a problem?  Do you use it when going downwind?

Thanks again, and yes, my lovely ladies are doing well…..oh and John too 😉

Kind Regards,

Will Curry

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From: Lad Burgin
Sent: April 19, 2017
To: Will Curry
Cc: Sarah Curry, John Curry
Subject: Re: Shadowside

Hi Will,

Good to hear from you.  I would be pleased to have you add my email to your website! As to the mizzen. I had to make a modification to the mizzen sheet by moving the sheet from the center of the deck to the port and starboard corners.  I added padeyes just inboard of my mizzen running backstayes (see photo). This arrangement worked great as it makes room for the Hydrovane, gives much better control to the mizzen and servers as a preventer when going down wind.  One has to be careful when jibing or tacking to angle the vane back to clear the mizzen. On the Shadowside, we also angled the vane back when sailing close hauled to keep the vane clear of the mizzen boom.

We use the mizzen down wind until we reach the point where the Mizzen starts to blanket the Main. I found the performance of the Hydrovane to be very good on all points of sailing.  Also, it gets better with more wind.  We had sustained wind of 35 knots gusting to 40 for about two days as we approached Cape Flattery.  The Hydrovane drove all the way!

Best wishes,

Lad

From: John Harrington
Sent: April 11, 2017
To: Will Curry – Hydrovane
Subject: RE: Tayana 52 Install

Please do provide my email to the other Tayana owner. We sailed Sunday and yesterday, all worked as expected in light wind up to about 18 kts. Cool machine.

John E. Harrington

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On Tue, Apr 11, 2017, Will Curry wrote:

Hi John,

That’s great, I’ll pass on your email. Nice to hear the first test sails went well. If you get any photos of your install we would love to add them to our website.

Kind Regards,

Will Curry
Hydrovane International Marine Inc.

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From: John Harrington
Sent: April 11, 2017
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Tayana 52 Install

Gordon and I have traded emails. I love the idea of comparing notes on a great boat. Our install has a bit of “goopy” 5200 before I calmly and quietly told my helper to not try and wipe it. I’ll fix it later (Marine Formula by Debond Corp – it really does work! I believe I told you about removing a portlight… impossible before I tried this stuff. Chemical Magic!)

The install instructions were very helpful. Preparing the teak timber boards and creating fiberglass reinforced areas for stainless steel backing was probably the hardest part. I struggled with mounting the A-mount a bit but using the PVC pipe let me figure out the right lengths. Go slow, measure and be sure you know where things go was important.

I dry fitted everything, then removed everything and started building the system including 5200. As soon as I tightened things up the structure really showed what great engineering was put into everything. Tight, rigid, awesome and DONE. This took 1 full day 8AM to 9PM. The next day was installing the top, easy job!

From: Bruce Stoehr
Sent: April 4, 2017
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: Re: Spring 2017: Atlantic Steering Failure, Pacific Boat Show & Video with Davits!

We just finished a round trip TransAtlantic in my 43 Hallberg Rassy. We had electronic auto-pilot problems almost from the start. We had three gales going over (East bound) and the new Hydrovane steered through them all. In addition, it work downwind on the “tradewinds” route on the return (West bound) trip. The Hydrovane is a very impressive product.

Thanks

Bruce

“Liberty Call”
Bruce Stoehr
Charleston, SC

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On Apr 4, 2017, Sarah Curry wrote:

Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your email and the feedback. It’s so appreciated. Wow – sounds like quite the adventure!

If you have any photos of your HV installation, we’d love to see them. We are launching a new website this month. Would you mind if we post your comments?

Cheers,
Sarah

Sarah Curry
Hydrovane International Marine Inc.

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From: Bruce Stoehr
Sent: April 4, 2017
To: Sarah Curry
Subject: Re: Spring 2017: Atlantic Steering Failure, Pacific Boat Show & Video with Davits!

No, post them by all means – you deserve all the praise that your excellent product earns. I think it steers better the worse the weather gets.

We were only three days into a trans-Atlantic, half way to Bermuda in a Force 8 blow and our autopilot went on the “fritz”. I engaged the new Hydrovane for the first time and our most experienced crew member said – “you don’t think that thing can handle this weather do you?”. Well, it did and we were able to get under shelter instead of sitting at the wheel 24 hours a day. From then on it was the primary helmsman.

I will send a picture.

Bruce