The Hydrovane is simple to operate, yet sophisticated in capability.

There are two tools for adjusting sensitivity and power for the conditions. All the other major brands have either no such tuning capability, or at best can make only minor adjustments.

This is not to say that the Hydrovane is finicky… Many owners leave their vane and ratio knob at the same setting for most conditions. The degree of tuning is personal taste… enthusiasm to trim!

Ratio Control – Rudder Settings for Power and Angle Applied

There are three settings for the ratio control knob:

• Far right position – Vane disengaged (Emergency Steering – tiller controls the rudder)
• Far left position – 15° rudder deflection – 1:3 power – most power for light air/normal
• Middle position – 25° rudder deflection – 1:2 power – heavier conditions
• Right position – 35° rudder deflection – 1:1 power – least power (no over steering), most rudder deflection – storm conditions

Variable Vane Axis – Adjusts Sensitivity/Responsiveness

Decline the vane to desensitize it. No other system can do this: CHANGE ITS AXIS.

This is a technical issue that needs explaining: It is not so much the change of the angle of the vane – most systems can do that – but when inclining the Hydrovane vane, its axis is also changed. The axis is at the point of linkage that connects the vane to the steering mechanism. Changing the axis changes the physics of the impulse delivered to the rudder.

A major development in self steering occurred when systems adopted a compromise between the power and sensitivity of the horizontal axis and the tempered vertical axis. Most other systems have now chosen a fixed axis of about 20 degrees off the horizontal – a compromise. Only Hydrovane has a variable axis that can be adjusted between perfectly horizontal (when the vane is vertical) and up to 30 degrees off that.

• Normal setting – Vane is vertical – most power, most sensitive
• Partially inclined (0 to 30 degrees) – de-sensitizes the vane
• Fully inclined to 30 degrees – for heavy weather, least sensitive

“I was amazed how easy it was to experiment with different vane angles and ratio knob positions to find the groove, so to speak. We settled on the most sensitive ratio knob position with an almost vertical vane in these conditions. I found the gentle rocking motion of the vane to be almost hypnotic… what an amazing piece of engineering!”

– Elan 434

Normal Settings

Many sailors find that the normal settings with the vane standing tall and ratio knob in the left setting are all that they need – but you may want to fine tune to see just how well the Hydrovane can perform… How straight is your wake?