Instructions

This video was produced for solo offshore racers, hence in the context of being at sea. Others will find it helpful during an installation or if there is a need to remove the Drive Unit for storage or maintenance.

The Hydrovane Rudder is held in place on the Shaft with a Locking Pin.

Boats with a swim step or platform will find it easier to put the Rudder on. Double enders or traditional transom style boats will need to do so from the dinghy or dock.

Removing the Rudder involves pulling the Locking Pin and hauling it onboard.

The ‘flick test’ should be performed after installation and periodically thereafter to ensure that there is no friction in the Shaft Assembly. The presence of friction will affect your Hydrovane’s performance.

Are you planning your Hydrovane installation? Richy talks through considerations for orienting the H Bracket with shaft clamp castings above or below the flange.

The Hydrovane’s Shaft Locking Pin, when inserted, secures the Hydrovane rudder fore and aft. Richy explains when to insert the pin, and when to be mindful that it is NOT inserted so the Hydrovane rudder can free trail.

Did you know your Hydrovane Drive Unit has eight small stainless steel axles? If you notice lateral movement in the Drive Unit and/or your Hydrovane is having a harder time holding course (the Vane and Rudder are not effectively ‘talking to each other’), you need to check those axles! Richy explains how the axles should appear, what a loose axle looks like, and how to re-set if necessary.

During initial installation you tightened the Fork Bolt (#58) to set the tiller assembly in position on the Hydrovane shaft. However, in rough conditions it is possible for the Hydrovane tiller to be knocked out of alignment. This will affect performance. Resetting the tiller is an easy fix that you can perform on land or at sea. Follow Richy’s steps!

This video was produced for solo offshore racers, hence in the context of being at sea. Others will find it helpful during an installation or if there is a need to remove the Drive Unit for storage or maintenance.

The Hydrovane Rudder is held in place on the Shaft with a Locking Pin.

Boats with a swim step or platform will find it easier to put the Rudder on. Double enders or traditional transom style boats will need to do so from the dinghy or dock.

Removing the Rudder involves pulling the Locking Pin and hauling it onboard.

The ‘flick test’ should be performed after installation and periodically thereafter to ensure that there is no friction in the Shaft Assembly. The presence of friction will affect your Hydrovane’s performance.

Are you planning your Hydrovane installation? Richy talks through considerations for orienting the H Bracket with shaft clamp castings above or below the flange.

The Hydrovane’s Shaft Locking Pin, when inserted, secures the Hydrovane rudder fore and aft. Richy explains when to insert the pin, and when to be mindful that it is NOT inserted so the Hydrovane rudder can free trail.

Did you know your Hydrovane Drive Unit has eight small stainless steel axles? If you notice lateral movement in the Drive Unit and/or your Hydrovane is having a harder time holding course (the Vane and Rudder are not effectively ‘talking to each other’), you need to check those axles! Richy explains how the axles should appear, what a loose axle looks like, and how to re-set if necessary.

During initial installation you tightened the Fork Bolt (#58) to set the tiller assembly in position on the Hydrovane shaft. However, in rough conditions it is possible for the Hydrovane tiller to be knocked out of alignment. This will affect performance. Resetting the tiller is an easy fix that you can perform on land or at sea. Follow Richy’s steps!