FreedomYachts.org

Any one have any experience with ence with the newer sailomat windvane design 700 or 760?
Or the hydrovane. I know they're very different. Wondering if anyone has actual performance experience with these.
Thanks

Alan,
Fyne Spirit is fitted with a Hydrovane with which I have had limited experience. Because the auxlliary rudder is so small it gives the impression that it's not particularly positive in its course keeping abilities. It relies fairly heavily on using the main rudder as a trim tab and the po made the comment that it was best to get the sails balanced with minimum weather helm to get the best from the Hydrovane. This neccessarily meant a loss in sailing performance while under the wind vane. The servo blade type steering gears are certainly much more powerful than the Hydrovane and I think I would be more optimistic about their ability to steer the boat in, for example, a heavy quartering sea. The Hydrovane on the other hand can be used as an emergency rudder and can also be hooked up to a small tiller pilot to steer the boat under motor. I wonder though whether it would have enough "grip" to steer under motor without using the main rudder as a trim tab. Cheers,

I should add that the Hydrovane is very simple and robust in its design and construction, both desirable qualities.

Hydrovane now has a larger rudder, also available for later fitting to older Hydrovanes.

Thanks for that info Michel. I will look up the site and see how the dimensions have changed from what I have. I would think a larger rudder would be a significant improvement. Of course, now you mention it, building a larger rudder wouldn't be all that difficult. As it is a balanced spade, scaling up ought to produce a workable blade. I once built a scaled down version of a Schilling rudder. The design was for a retro fit unit to a fisheries research vessel. The scaled down version made a wonderful launch rudder, far superior to a conventional NACA or flap rudder. It was originally intended for an old launch I was restoring but proved too powerful for the steering gear. I eventually gave it to the owner of a classic 40' launch and he now delights in the improved course keeping and can turn on a sixpence.
On the Hydrovane a reservation about a larger blade would be the strength of the shaft as regards the increased bending moment it would be subject to.

A new larger Hydrovane rudder is priced at EUR 456. They explain why they use nylon for the rudder: it bends when hit by an object or touching the ground, thus saving the expensive shaft.

Here's a copy of the rudder description on the Hydrovane site (NB I have no interest whatsoever in Hydrovane - wish I had).

TWO RUDDERS

TWO RUDDERS - The combined effect of two rudders working together is perhaps the most significant advantage of a separate auxiliary rudder system. For downwind sailing in particular, the main rudder can provide the greatest yaw resistance only if it is fixed. To this natural stability the nimble HYDROVANE rudder is tempered to the conditions resulting in yet further yaw damping - which means a more comfortable ride, a straighter course and less potential to lose control in bad seas and risk: broaches, crash gibes and knock-downs.

NEARLY INDESTRUCTIBLE - The rudder is manufactured in solid cast nylon – perhaps the largest single piece of nylon that one may see in a lifetime. With over 20 years of history these rudders have proven to be nearly indestructible. We have yet to see one of our rudders damaged from hitting a submerged obstacle. We believe that on such impact the rudder flexes, bends to absorb the blow then merely fends off the intruder - often unbekownst to watchkeepers and leaving little trace - maybe a scratch but never a gouge - the nylon is so tough ... and flexible.

Avoids Snagging Commercial Fishing Gear - Neither do we hear of the rudder being fouled by commercial fish nets or lines - because:

* Tapered shape - helps line slip off
* Flexibility - rudder bends under load helping such gear to slip free
* Not very vulnerable with hull and keel in front acting as protective barrier

Easy Removal - The rudder is designed for easy removal with a quick release pin that is easily ‘popped out’ with a boat hook. A tether must be kept on the rudder at all times.



RUDDERS - all solid poured/cast nylon

1. Original (short - 950 mm./37.5") - 1980 to 2005 - 8 kg. (17.6 lbs.)
2. First longer version - 1105 mm./43.5" - 2006 to 2009 - 8.5 kg. (18.7 lbs.)
3. Latest July 2009 onward - 10.5 kg. (23.1 lbs.) - 25% heavier ... maybe 50% more power

OUR RUDDER – For nearly 30 years the rudder has been made of solid nylon poured into a mould. Other than a few manufacturer’s defects the rudder has proven to be unbreakable – an enormous virtue. Over the years various improvements have been made – lately getting larger and thicker. Customers/owners are typically so happy with their rudders - having little interest in upgrading to the newer and larger versions. In 2006 the length was increased by 5.5 inches/14 cm. In June 2009 it got thicker by adding 5 lbs./2.3 kgs. – now weighs 23 lbs./10.5 kgs. The improvements are designed for bigger and faster boats producing more power with less force required to control it. For smaller boats and big high speed boats we shorten the rudders - not needing the extra power or optimizing performance.

The latest version has been named the ‘TH’ – a tribute to our ‘in house engineer’, Ted Hargreaves. Ted inspired the upgrade based on his aeronautical experience with foils. After the first test Ted reported that it is 'scary' as it was so much more powerful but so light to the touch - easy to control - couldn't believe that it could be that good without stability issues. Now we know that it is not 'scary' at all - but very stable. It is a vast improvement. We strongly recommend the upgrade for any owners with older versions of the rudder who would like the extra power.

Thanks Michel, your blood's worth bottling! ( a local saying)
Very interesting information and I will have a close look at my setup this weekend. I have two blades on board but I suspect they are both the small version. The improved performance of the TH blade sounds very attractive. Now I have another item on the wish list!

I've got a Hydrovane on my wish list too, my mouth waters when I look at the nifty mechanism. But when I look in my wallet, my mouth gets dry again.

I have a Hydrovane on my Freedom 40 cat ketch with standard barn door rudder and it works well, and even better with mizzen down. The company is also very supportive. I tend to sail with just the (admittedly enlarged) main in over 12 or so knots of wind anyway once the wind is through the beam.

s/y Vasco da Gama
Kemer, Turkey
www.strathcarrons-ahoy.com

How does the wind vane operate properly with an overhanging mizzen boom, like the cat ketches have?
Tom