True Stories
Page 7 of 42
Tayana Vancouver 42 - Sailing Millennial Falcon
“Our crew member who never sleeps, never complains, is always on time for his watch”
Our crew member who never sleeps, never complains, is always on time for his watch and lets us not have to run our engine on passage to keep up with draining batteries… we affectionately dubbed him ‘Happy’ and after a fair few miles watching our back he is officially our third mate! @hydrovane
Countess 37 Cutter Rigged Ketch
“Island Drifter lay on her side for what felt like an age (but was probably only 20 seconds), righted herself and continued sailing steered by the Hydrovane on the intended course.”
From: Mike Norris
Sent: January 27, 2022
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: RE: PAYMENT FOR 3 PINS
Hello, Richard
Our boat, Island Drifter, is a 37ft Countess cutter-rigged ketch. We’ve owned her since 1999, have done two Atlantic Circuits (1999-2000 and 2009-2010), one circumnavigation of Great Britain and Ireland (2011), two summers (2012 and 2013) cruising in Sweden and Norway (as far north as Trömso), three winters cruising in the Canary Islands and since June 2017 we have been based in the Aegean, cruising for 3 months in spring and again in the autumn.
The previous owner/builder of the boat called the Hydrovane SID (Steering Island Drifter). We re-named it Vera, because it always steers so true!
During our Atlantic Crossing in 2010, we were knocked flat in a F9. Island Drifter lay on her side for what felt like an age (but was probably only 20 seconds), righted herself and continued sailing steered by the Hydrovane on the intended course. It really is an invaluable member of crew!
Kind regards
Mike
Contact
Morgan 382
“I am very impressed and absolutely convinced that the Hydrovane is the best product on the market.”
From: Jan Kamenz
Sent: January 04, 2022
To: Will Curry
Subject: New Boat, new bracket
Good morning Will,
I hope you had great Christmas holidays and a fantastic nye.
As planned I get back to you because I purchased a new boat. It’s the Sun Odyssey 43 from 2003 I was writing about when we were in contact the first time in 2021. And it’s seems as she is the same model as Kaiquest is. Which is a nice coincidence.
I’m getting ready to prepare the installation of my Hydrovane to the new boat. Therefore I will need the A-bracket as I purchased the E-bracket last time for mostly financial reasons.
How long does shipping take at the moment. It would be great, when I can get started with installing by the beginning of March. I also will need three metal backing plates and three wooden mounting pads. Can you send me an cost estimate for these items including the A-bracket.
We also talked about the possibilities of selling my E-bracket back. It is in very good condition. We only used it for one atlantic crossing and uninstalled it right afterwards. What’s the best way to sell this item? Do you have experience with that? Do buy those parts back or can you connect me to someone?
I also want to let you know that your Hydrovane played a big role for us successfully crossing the Atlantic. Without it we would not have been able to make it. This device did 95% of the steering work, no matter what kind of conditions we were in. I am very impressed and absolutely convinced that the Hydrovane is the best product on the market. Thank you!
All the best
Jan Kamenz
From: Richard Minielly
Sent: January 05, 2022
To: Jan Kamenz
Subject: New Boat, new bracket
Hi Jan,
Happy New Year to yourself as well! Thank you so much for the glowing review of your Hydrovane on the transatlantic crossing! We love to hear of Hydrovanes performing well, and we are especially pleased when customers such as yourself move their Hydrovanes to a new boat.
Would it be all right if we posted your email on our testimonials page? I am sure other Morgan owners would be thrilled to see your positive experience.
I’ve quoted the A bracket and pads below. We can ship A brackets within a few days of full payment, so should have no issue getting the bracket to you before March. Where is the new boat located?
We do buy back some parts, but with the shipping costs and discounted prices involved to return them to us, it is usually more profitable to sell the bracket on Ebay or another similar site. There is quite a strong market for used Hydrovanes online.
Orders typically ship from our facility in England within 1-2 days of receiving full payment and confirmation of shipping address.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Cheers,
Richard Minielly
Hydrovane International Marine Inc.
C-Yacht 1250
“Best piece and most valued equipment on board!”
From: Hans de Man
Sent: December 25, 2021
To: John Curry
Subject: Re: Question about shifted tiller.
Hi John,
In one or another way the tiller of our hydrovane has shifted. Where it always was exactly in the middle it has now shifted to starboard. Strange as it is still firmly attached to the shaft and cannot be moved without loosening the bolt.
I will reallign the tiller by loosening the bolt but was wondering what torque should be applied.
Can you see a reason why it shifted and can you advice on the torque to fasten the bolt again?
Kind regards,
Hans
From: John Curry
Sent: December 25, 2021
To: Hans de Man
Subject: Re: Question about shifted tiller.
Hi Hans
Something probably hit the rudder – maybe an errant dinghy. Torque setting is 30 lbs/ft. Or I would say using a 6 inch wrench about as hard as a 75 year old can crank it without over exerting.
You can find the settings in the INSTRUCTION section on our website.
Having a Merry one?
Cheers
John
From: Hans de Man
Sent: December 25, 2021
To: John Curry
Subject: Re: Question about shifted tiller.
By the way, very very happy with the Hydrovane. It steered us all the way over the Atlantic. Didn’t handsteer nor autopilot all the way from Capeverds until Suriname! Best piece and most valued equipment on board!
Kind regards,
Hans de Man
Trintella V 44
We have made a very good crossing of the Atlantic ocean in December and this is also thanks to our new ‘iron crewmember’ !
From: Tim De Backer
Sent: January 06, 2022
To: Gloria Anderson
Subject: RE: Installation Hydrovane on Beta Leonis
Hi Gloria,
My best wishes for 2022 and good health for you and the whole Hydrovane Team !
We have made a very good crossing of the Atlantic ocean in December and this is also thanks to our new ‘iron crewmember’ !
The Hydrovane has been steering the whole passage, only in a few heavy sees and strong wind gusts we had to help a little by hand.
The promised functioning of the Hydrovane came true.
Concerning the parts we have to send back: is 2424 Haywood Ave | West Vancouver, BC | V7V 1Y1 | Canada the correct address if we send it to Canada ?
Best regards,
Met vriendelijke groeten,
Bien à vous,
Tim De Backer
ContactCabo Rico 34
“I think it really is made for the Cabo Rico 34”
From: Nico Walsh
Sent: November 11, 2021
To: Will Curry
Subject: Question, loose transom nuts
I just completed a 300 mile run in 35 knots, the wind right astern most of the time. Pretty good seas. The vane was outstanding. I think it really is made for the Cabo Rico 34, which tracks so well in any case.
The nuts on the transom bolts had loosened when I checked after the sail. I re-torqued them (hard), and used Loc-Tite red. Any suggestions beyond that?
Nicholas
On Nov 12, 2021, Richard Minielly wrote:
Hi Nico,
Thank you so much for the feedback. We love to hear honest feedback, as it provides us with crucial information on Hydrovane performance. Do you mind if we add your email to our Testimonials page?
Regarding the nuts, it sounds like you’ve done everything right to re-torque the nuts after your first large sail. On top of re-torquing and potentially adding Loctite (we don’t recommend it, but there is no harm in adding it and great peace of mind), the only other solution would be to add an additional lock nut onto the bolt, further preventing any loosening.
As a side note, now that the Nyloc nut has been sealed with Loctite, you will need to replace the nut should you ever remove it. Loctite will damage the nylon inside the nut if it is adjusted once dried.
Thanks again for reaching out and don’t hesitate to reach out again with any questions at all.
Cheers,
Richard Minielly
From: Nico Walsh
Sent: November 12, 2021
To: Richard Minielly
Subject: Re: Question, loose transom nuts
I didn’t use Nylocs. I should have, certainly.
Go ahead and use the testimonial.
Nicholas
On Nov 12, 2021, Richard Minielly wrote:
Ah – that likely explains the loosening. Loctite and/or a second nut on there should stop any loosening. The vibration, primarily from motoring, can loosen regular bolts over a passage. We use Nyloc nuts on the entire unit to prevent nuts vibrating loose over time.
Thanks for reaching out. Please let us know if anything else comes up.
Cheers,
Richard Minielly
Maxi 120
“We got to know each other on some long legs between Sweden and Denmark.”
I somras fick vår extra besättningsmedlem äntligen komma ombord. Vi bekantade oss på några långa ben mellan Sverige och Danmark. Ni kan läsa mer om installationen på vår hemsida (www.syayla.se) @hydrovane #hydrovane #vindroder #windvane #namedgreta
Translation: This summer, our extra crew member finally got on board. We got to know each other on some long legs between Sweden and Denmark. You can read more about the installation on our website (www.syayla.se) @hydrovane #hydrovane #vindroder #windvane #namedgreta
Tayana 58 - 28 Tons
“Also, pleased yo see that our @hydrovane is performing well.”
Westerly Oceanlord - autopilot failure
“Once again it was @hydrovane to the rescue…”
Posted by: yachting_otters,
Date: October 12, 2021
Cascais to Canaries Passage – on day 1 our electric autopilot that had been fixed in Lisbon jammed, even when we turned it off we couldn’t hand steer. We had to uncouple the arm from the steering quadrant.
Once again it was @hydrovane to the rescue for 4 days and nights keeping us on track on our downwind passage, in fairly sizeable waves (built to approx. 3m)
#instasailing #westerlyyachts #oceancruisingclub #cruisingassociation #sailingcouple #sabbatical
Moody 476
“We haven’t touched the helm all week long even in rough conditions over 40kn wind and 3.5m waves.”
From: Miroslaw Kratochwil
Sent: October 07, 2021
To: Will Curry
Subject: S/V Rogata Dusza
Hi Will,
We have finally began our great adventure and started using the Hydrovane unit. After short periods of time required for familiarity we made first leg from Portugal to Canary Islands. It has been awesome experience. We haven’t touched the helm all week long even in rough conditions over 40kn wind and 3.5m waves. Hydrovane made it nicely. It is really worth the money.
Miroslaw and Krzysztof
Hughes 40
“On long and short passages it does 99% of the work needed to keep the boat going in the direction we choose.”
Date:18 September 2021
Johnny Coco is its name. Otherwise known as a @hydrovane.
This little red sail and the contraption it sits on is what steers Sunpiper when we are at sea. On long and short passages it does 99% of the work needed to keep the boat going in the direction we choose.
On our last 29 days sail it came a time we’re we wanted to swim, but didn’t want to slow down the boat. So Johnny Coco steered the ship, a line and fender was tossed to trail behind and we held on as to not be lost in the deep blue!
The moto at @hydrovane is “Surviving your dream”. I think it matches Sunpipers crews wishes quite well!
Turns out @ondinepontier can keep up with a boat going 3.5 knots.
For all you panicking sailors out there. We always have an able crew member chatting with Johnny Coco when we swim at sea!
#velellavoyages #saillife #sunpiper #swimmingatsea #swimmingdeepblue
Westerly Oceanlord
“The Hydrovane did a fantastic job despite the waves and point of sail. Best boat decision to get one!”
Date: 28 September 2021
Passage from La Rochelle to Cascais: Approx. 4m waves, double what was forecast. Luckily they were behind us.
On the penultimate night we had 4m waves, 20-30kts wind. We had the sails goose winged and despite putting in a reef before nightfall, we reached speeds over ground we have never seen before on Caris. For context she typically sails at 5-6kts, surfing the waves we were averaging 9-11kts, reaching 15kts at one point!
We decided to both stay in the cockpit that night and micronap. MVP was @Hydrovane as our electric autopilot packed in the previous evening. Hand steering for two days and night would not have been fun! The Hydrovane did a fantastic job despite the waves and point of sail. Best boat decision to get one!
#instasailing #westerlyyachts #oceancruisingclub #cruisingassociation #sailingcouple #sabbatical #hydrovane
Beneteau Oceanis 45
“A self steering windvane system plus an emergency rudder and insurers see it as a ‘third crew member’ for double handed sailing, it’s a no-brainier right?”
Posted By: walkabout_gonesailing
Date: 5 August 2021
Let’s talk @hydrovane for moment…
With our plans to sail off into the blue and explore our amazing oceans, Hydrovane was always part of the plan.
A self steering windvane system plus an emergency rudder and insurers see it as a ‘third crew member’ for double handed sailing, it’s a no-brainier right?
But, having purchased our home-on-the-water, it already came with a purpose built A-frame and solar panels, not leaving us much room on our stern for our Hydrovane?!!
We spoke to Will Curry and the team at Hydrovane who talked us through various options and reassured us that the vane would fit. So we purchased, took delivery and engaged James at G A Marine to assist us in the installation.
Firstly, a huge thank you 🙏 to Will, Richard and the team at Hydrovane for their support, reassurance, positivity and face-to-face engagement.
Also a huge thanks 🙏 to James and John at G A Marine for their skill, grit and determination to ensure our Hydrovane fitted around so many other bits of kit that are on Walkabout’s back end!
We are blown away by these guys in the marine industry who believe in support, aftercare and doing a job right the first time 👌
We still need to finalise the installation and will post some pictures when we finally get out on the water to test it all out!
Walkabout certainly won’t win any competitions for the ‘prettiest backend’ 🤔 but it all plays an important part in our soon to be realised adventures on the high seas ⛵️🙌😁👌🐬💨 🌊
Beneteau Oceanis 40
“So far Harry has done a great job across the Atlantic, Pacific and many shorter crossings in between!”
Our mate Harry Hydrovane, steering us dead downwind in perfect balance with his favourite sail configuration wing on wing.
In light downwind trades this is our most effective sail and steering setup for distance, comfort and of course reducing power consumption. On occasion we do use our onboard autopilot for certain wind angles but it’s consumption is between 4-6 amps continuous, so for us using the Hydrovane with absolutely no electronics is a much more effective choice for lengthy offshore passages.
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So far Harry has done a great job across the Atlantic, Pacific and many shorter crossings in between!
Hanse 370
“…the Hydrovane really has earned its place as the third crew member.”
From: Nicola Stamp
Sent: August 23, 2021
To: Will Curry
Subject: Re: Hanse 370 – Hydrovane model VXA2D S(shaft length)/E/H stubby vane
Hi Will,
Just to let you know that our Hydrovane has been worth every penny we spent, following what could have been a very difficult passage to the Canaries.
Our instruments failed with 2 days to go before landfall, which meant the Auto-helm couldn’t work, which at that point we’d been using. Within minutes the vane was put in place and course set and with a few minor course adjustments on route, took us the rest of the way.
As a two hander sailing boat, we would have struggled with 48 hours of manual steering, however, the Hydrovane really has earned its place as the third crew member.
One minor issue with rudder ‘groan’, which after two goes at flattening off the radius isn’t resolved – anything else we should try?
Many thanks, Nicola
From: Will Curry
Sent: August 23, 2021
To: Nicola Stamp
Subject: Re: Hanse 370 – Hydrovane model VXA2D S(shaft length)/E/H stubby vane
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for taking the time to send this update.
It’s great to hear that your third crew member saved the day and performed their duties admirably. Sometimes it takes an autopilot failure to get the vane in action. I suspect you will use it most of the way across the pond now that you are comfortable with it.
Regarding the rudder you should be able to eliminate the ‘groan’ by creating a point on the trailing edge. Can you send us a photo of what it looks like now? Did you see the bit about this in the operation manual starting on page 14? The drawing on pg.15 shows the various shapes – See https://hydrovane.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Operation-and-Troubleshooting-Guide-July-2021.pdf
Richard can advise further if you have questions.
Thanks again for the email.
Kind Regards,
Will Curry
