The job that nearly BROKE us - Hydrovane Installation [EP 124]

This was one of those months where nothing came together.
The Christmas winds were in full swing in the Caribbean and we were stuck in the somewhat unsheltered outer anchorages of (not so) sunny St Martin.
After a month of relentless 30 knot winds, the accompanying swell and two failed attempts to install the Hydrovane, one of which resulted in destroying a pricy component, we finally caught a break and made a third attempt at the job that almost broke us.
The weather forecast told us we had two days break in the bad weather. We knew that we had to make the most of this break as we were doing this job at anchor. Trying to perfectly and symmetrically place the Hydrovane is a daunting task on dry land, let alone in 6 foot swell at anchor.
Fortunately for us, the forecast proved correct and we were determined to get the job done, NO MATTER WHAT.
After two long days and late nights of sanding, drilling, sealing, epoxying, measuring and remeasuring, we finally had completed our largest and arguable most challenging upgrade to date.
Music Credits
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Adam and Khiara are making sailing videos and adventures around the world on our 1981 Tayana Vancouver 42. We plan to sail around the world and make our way back to Australia.
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[@bernardlawson665]

Late arrival as viewer and fabulous journey thru the install ... All authentic and Credible and tutorial... Thumbs Up!!

[@jpdj2715]

Back from the future. The algorithm wanted me to watch EP161 again ("the essential piece of kit"). In my book, the most essential piece of kit for blue water sail-sailors is the Hydrovane (a brand name - probably the best, most reliable, most revered). And that opinion got me back here again. What strikes me this time is that many people can explain in detail how their Hydrovane works, from a simple mechanical engineering perspective if you like. That says nothing about its essence - that is clear to experienced sailors and cognoscenti, though, and consequently, in explaining, they forget the most important perspective. While an autopilot is set to a compass direction and through electronics and electrical and/or hydraulic tech maintains the compass course, this has problems. On most boats such a system is loud and it drains the boat's batteries, so you need to run the engine frequently to charge the battery even when sailing under sail. The problem, when under sail, then is that changes in wind direction can be dangerous to the boat's stability. Increases in wind and changes in direction require adjustment of sails (like reefing - or reducing sail area - and sail to boat angle). More sophisticated autopilot systems will exist now that have sensors for a.o. wind direction and force changes that feed into the autopilot, but these are rare and have even more fault points. Plus, on boats with such systems - larger and much more expensive - you likely have crew to mind the boat's sailing. So on a smaller boat under sail, an autopilot is noisy, drains the battery, and is a liability that is likely to break sooner or later. If you have no redundancy, then you are forced to manually navigate the boat at all times. In scenarios where you need to be able to single-handedly sail a sailboat long distance, a broken autopilot and no backup mean that you could never sleep. You'll be mentally broken in a couple days. Enter Hydrovane. It's an auxiliary rudder (backup 1). It's an autopilot (backup 2) that keeps the boat on course relative to wind (feeling safe when you need to sleep). So it throws you off course when the wind direction changes? Yes, but as this generally does not happen dramatically, you may reach your destination faster if your sails are set up to benefit most from the wind. A small detour at much higher speed with a correction later on is often much faster, when under sail, in reaching your destination. And by the time the person in the captain role wakes up again to check safety and boat set up and course correctness, there are no great losses in distance over ground travelled but actual net gains relative to an autopilot. So it needs wind to work. Yes, if only a tiny bit, but it does. Do you need an autopilot after all for longer stretches of motoring? In a way, yes. I would source a simple electronic tiller that can be mounted between boat and Hydrovane at one point. And there's your "real" autopilot's redundancy when motoring (these backups require much less electric power than the autopilot driving the main rudder). The Hydrovane is wind-powered, silent and passive. It will move your autopilot to second or third place, thus silencing it and making it the last resort backup system.

[@outdoorzfam]

Just another day in paradise 💚💙

[@RHJalving]

So happy seeing chewie installed 🤙🏼

[@billknudson6620]

YAAAAY! Congratulations on the new install! Now you can enjoy your time at sea a little better! Smooth sailing to you!

[@hemeoncn]

Since you put stocking on the hydrovane while installing you could call it Pippi for Pippi Longstocking. Pippi had numerous adventures and travels. The last book of the travels was called Pippi in the South Seas. Also Pippi had red hair.

[@DirkJacobsz]

Beautiful bit of kit.... Hydrovane all the way

[@edwardfinn4141]

Millennium Falcon... my boat has been on the hard in St Martin for 15 months, while we are waiting out Covid here at home in Canada When I see you guys right next door to her,, It makes me jealous.. Moving on, have fun , enjoy life. That Hydrovane is a great upgrade, “ya done good”

[@bigoceansmallboat]

I've marked the gear wheel that the worm drives with Tipex in two places, port and starboard tack, hard on the wind. It makes it so much easier when tacking as you can see how much to pull the continuous line and turn the vane.

[@SailingMillennialFalcon]

Great tip, we’re still practising with it but this would be very helpful

[@bigoceansmallboat]

@@SailingMillennialFalcon I've just marked one tooth for each tack and tippex seems to last at least a year. Oh and the starboard end of the shaft that drives the gear has two flats where it sticks out, we pull the continuous line one flat at a time to fine tune adjusting course. That way you know how much you've turned the vane and can wind it back the same amount if necessary. I hope I'm not being too boring here!!!! It's just stuff I had to find out the hard way and I hope it helps a little.

[@davidlevitz3119]

HELL OF A GOOD JOB !

[@seethelittlethings]

Insanely complicated install conditions. Congratulations!

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

What are you two doing here? I just posted a link to YOUR installation. 😆

[@seethelittlethings]

@@PuntBamaPunt1972 😆 we sometimes use our mobile data on very good sailing channels

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

@@seethelittlethings Good, I am happy to hear that. You will no doubt frequent mine when I start it later in the year then. Oh wait....You did say "good" didn't you? 😜

[@SailingMillennialFalcon]

Haha, yep 1m waves not recommended. Thanks for taking the time to watch and the precious data... we know how valuable it is! 🙂

[@marleneb.455]

Looks great. I also love the colour.

[@garyshatraw5586]

Seemed to be such a complex system, and then you showed how it works. Really very simple and doesn't run the battery bank low. I liked my autopilot, but it is a drain. Install is quite a task but you both showed us it can be done well. Thanks for showing us.

[@larrymacaluso9051]

What a great team you two are, good job showing patience and skill installing the Hydrovane unit, l hope it provides years of service. Khiara you continue to amaze me with all your skills, abilities and determination and that beautiful smile, all the best to you both, fair winds and safe travels.

[@bigoceansmallboat]

While on a trip to the States and helping Don Backe with the Chesapeak disabled sailing stand at the Annapolis boat show I bought my Hydrovane and fitted it for the trip back across the pond to the UK. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been fitting it at anchor, but I'm sure, like me you will love it forever. It's the best boat purchase I've ever made.

[@ionizah5956]

Wow, Good job!!! Hopefully we'll get to see it in action soon. Hope it fulfills your expectations!

[@Redkneck_Granola]

"Downward Dingy!" New sailing exercise channel? Lol. You guys crack me up each episode! Great team! Thanks for sharing the journey and all the lessons.

[@michaellau5645]

Yay! Great job with the installation, very pro!

[@CAOHnutrition]

Cool contraption - well done!

[@vproven]

You guys are the best. Awesome vlog, as usual.

[@gregorysprimont550]

Fantastic Job you both are troopers, love the channel.

[@caromarco6315]

Love watching you guys!

[@SirCharles12357]

Awesome job! Now I want to see put your new helmsman through their paces!

[@Plantandpeoplecarer]

Famous last words on the hydrovane install

[@alofns]

Great video and wonderful job on the install. Thanks.

[@tartansailor]

Nice job, professionaly done. Cheers

[@ericdenengelsman8959]

Great job, your wind vane looks pro installed.

[@davidandvarley]

Pro install, life has just got that little bit easier. You worked through many issues to fit this and have a quality result. 10/10!!

[@WaldoKitty]

reminds me of land lubber road work... a road is laid out and a beautiful asphalt surface is placed... then a week later, someone comes through and digs a huge trench across the new road so they can place utilities... i mean... but yeah, i know what you are having to deal with... i suspect many of us have run into similar steps of taking apart things we've just finished so we can work on another updated to the project... GG and keep it up!! 😹

[@joecucch8261]

You now have the best helmsman ever !!!

[@ernie7065]

great vlog.... good explanation of a complex item, and good explanation in comments as to why you added it. My concern yet is that shiny new donated motor with the new bright cover... a great temptation for someone.

[@G0KAD]

So great to see how far you've three have come. Millie looks great. Now for a retractable carbon bowsprit and a matching red asymmetric kite.

[@karllewis735]

Very exciting. Now "Millie" looks all set to carry you 'round the world... if the world ever opens again.

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

Things are pretty open here in the States, except for some tinpot dictatorates like New York and California.

[@Mr-MH227]

For a none sailor who’s loves watching your videos I find your detailed explanations very helpful and now I have learnt what he term apparent wind means so thank you and please keep the detailed videos flowing.

[@peterward8349]

Never doubted you

[@bill-gray]

well done guys, amazing :) Your brains are massive. It would have tanken me for ever to work out how to make that work.

[@gidge34]

Solid work gang🤙

[@duncan.5228]

Well done. Some jobs are not easy, I know from experience. You just put it down, walk away, and ignore it for a while. Then something you never thought of pops into your head, a eureka moment. Love the way you two gel together, great to watch, and Khiara puts most of the sailing wives to shame. And that gorgeous red hair when the sun lights it up.

[@joshtvg]

Fyi....dark and red... Darth Vane-der for sure!

[@tallbikercat]

Great videos by the way. You are a fun couple with level headed thinking, and it's a joy to watch your videos. Keep at it and you will go far! Fair winds!

[@roberttraylor1856]

Hey guys! Great job! Really great job on that. Thanks for making my Monday.

[@SailingMillennialFalcon]

Thanks Robert 😁

[@RogerMannett]

Great outcome to finally have the new "crew-member" ready to serve!. Also congrats on making the KZbin Sailing Channel Top 40 sites! Awesome work. Cheers from Melbourne

[@lPaulSaltzman]

Well Done.

[@walterhiegel3020]

So happy to see a project get done! You are a little closer to home!

[@Ed-uj4bc]

Really hi def camera. Nice!

[@tonywinston8229]

Really nice video maybe one day I can sail

[@rfunk727]

Khiara is really handy with tools, I would have never trusted my wife to drill holes with an electric drill, especially on a boat!

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

She has come a looooooooong way. 👍

[@hymanocohann2698]

You partner should be able to repair as much as you, otherwise when you fall and bust your back or have a heart attack you both die. Not trying to be mean, but it happens.

[@SailingMillennialFalcon]

From almost losing a finger while using an electric grinder... yes I have come far! 😁

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

@@hymanocohann2698 I have been watching these two for a while. I have full confidence in both Kiara and Ben in making it to shore if something were to happen.

[@wildscotsman1]

@@PuntBamaPunt1972 "Adam" ?

[@tomkiefer2386]

I can feel your excitement!

[@raymartin8644]

no matter what, always a smile. love you guys. the old guy

[@gutsanglory1]

Very cool install. You both look extremely happy that that task is done. Cant wait to see how it performs in open water! Cheerz!

[@MikeLoveBuns]

Enjoy each weekly sailboat ⛵️ sailing ⛵️ video’s! 😀⛵️😘 Mike from Missouri

[@marcostreet3169]

Love the way you two work together. Beautiful couple - awesome work!

[@MartialLoreNZ]

This is quite possibly the most perfect episode ever! You've got a great narrative pace, clear sense of place and time, and just gorgeous visuals and production values. All that's lacking is the MF drum beat track at the highlight.

[@scott1brayden2]

The simplest things make life much easier great video

[@dougwatson821]

So awesome to now have a wind powered auto pilot to keep Millie on course! Enjoy!

[@paulquigley1855]

Khiara it's hard to believe how far you both have come from those early days both as sailors and repair people. Good job.👍😃

[@crdorado1195]

Excellent!!! As with all other channels, when a new piece is added to the boat, it aptly gets a name. So, my I suggest, Sir Henry - the hydro Vane. Henry for short..

[@ondi37]

Khiara: What cha doing there buddy, just having some morning yoga? Adam: Yes, a bit of yoga and they call this the "DOWNWARD DINGY." 😅🤣🤣 Khiara and Adam: Both bust out laughing which, I have to give it to Adam for ending the video making me laugh so hard! They both can be so funny no matter what the take on. They take it on 50/50 with smiles and laughter...and there's not a more beautiful sight than seeing our delightful Khiara when she gives us those big beautiful smiles while watching them both oozing with genuine love for each other. They both warm my heart, no matter what they take on. Because they take it in stride and laugh as they journey onward.....as they slowly and cautiously (as they should) make their 1st LAP around the 🌎 laughing as they go and a big thank you to Adam for the groovy dance moves during the opening of each video. I love that..its my favorite part!!! He's pretty serious most of the time so when he does give us some silly action, it's ALWAYS perfect timing and hilarious 😆🤣😂 I cant wait to see you 2 set sail on your first BIG OCEAN CROSSING, 15 or so straight days and nights. Your boat is ready. There will always be a list if things to do but sometimes you just have to rip off that bandaid and go for it! Carry an extra part for everything you could possibly break. There's not gonna be a Machanic, plumber or electrician 1000 miles or more out at sea so learn to fix everything on your boat and teach Khiara everything you know. SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE IVE HEARD THE OLD SALTY DOG SAILORS GIVE TO YOUNGER SAILORS. Looks like she's already got a good head start! She seems to jump in no matter the task. Remember to spend a couple years around the lower Caribbean Island hopping. You 2 arw going to see the prettiest partnof the ocean so take it slow and shake it all down and start gathering all your tools and bigger extra parts you might need. Extra water maker, Even really big things like an extra alternator and other serious engine parts. You need to badly use 2 ipads when crossing the big seas. 1 set on Navionics and the other set on Satellite Imagery because the regular charts will sometimes show you sailing on land. But Satellite Imigery shows every detail...even the rocks. And it can also double as a movie screen...when nights are calm and all is lit up with the moon. You'll have all you need after cruising the Bahamas and those smaller islands then heading down to the BVI's for a long stretch of time because there is so much you'll wanna see. By then you'll be sailing your boat like old salty sailor's and have a pretty big area like a small bed full of every tool and extra parts and all the k owledge you'll need to head way down south. Keep sailing west always with the tradewinds at your back going down wind. Y'ALL AEE IN FOR SOME GORGEOUS SCENERY QHWN YOU GWT TO THE FRENCH POLYNESIA ISLANDS AND THE AZORES..OMG ITS A CINEMATOGRAPHERS DREAM! THOSE HUGE MOUNTAINS SHOOTING STRAIGHT UP FROM THE SEA SO TALL THEY LOOK AS IF THEY REACH HEAVEN. I COULD GO ON BUT ILL SAVE IT FOR THAT TIME. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE LAUGHS IN THIS VIDEO 😄🤣😂 GOD BLESS AND FAIRWINDS. I HAVEN'T MISSED A VIDEO YET AND AM CONSIDERING BWCOMING A PATREON SOON. IM IN A SITUATION TO HELP YOU LIVE YOUR DREAM ANS YOUR KEEPÌNG ME INTERTAINED IN MY RECLINER..LOL I'VE SAILED AND SEEN THE WORLD SO NOW IM LIVING VICARIOUSLY THROUGH WATCHING YOU AND NAHOA and few other fans. NAHOA SAILORS ARE AAN AND WOMAN WON THEIRLATE 30S AND HAVE SAILED OVER HALF WAY AROUND THE WORLD. SROPPING IN SOME OF THE MOST REMOTE REMOTE ISLANDS WHERE THE VILLAGE'S ARE STUNNING. THE FOOD IS ALL ORGANIC. THEY GROW WHAT THEY EAT. THEY LOVE THEIR COUNTRY AND WANNA SHOW YOU THE BEST PLACES TO HIKE AND THE BIG WATERFALLS...MANY NATURAL COLD AND HOT SPRINGS TO RELAX IN. SO MEET THE LOCAL VILLAGE PEOPLE. THE SMILES ON THE CHILDRENS FACES...YOU'LL NEVER FORGET... :) KEEP LAUGHING AS YOU JOURNEY THIS LAP. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT ALL!!! And if you have a windless please open and service it couple times a year. Ben talks about that on the NAHOA channel. Wish you 2 could watch their videos. He is full of knowledge. He knows every inch of their boat and there hasn't been much that hasn't broken and he learned as he went as to how to fix it all. Traveling to the marquesas islands in the were the tui motu islands are. The #2 most beautiful places you'll ever see...and they Philippines. They met and went on a klocktoc?

[@SirCharles12357]

I think you just won the "Longest Comment Award"! But, I can feel your passion and love for our young heroes, so good on ya!

[@peterfrebold]

..... love the excitement in your voice Adam when you were about to experiment, test the hydro vane .... Khiara .. Ouch! that burn below your shirt line .... looks mighty dashing there on the back of Milli .... thx for sharing and glad for your sake that you took a bit of a break .... as always .. never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .. have fun be safe, save our oceans .....

[@frankvanasten6403]

Now, for a name suggestion for this well dressed newest addition to the crew: Britney, as in Britney Steers......

[@philipmackin1025]

Good 'er

[@jaac7546]

Name for hydrovane. HDV3. ( 3rd attempt to install) a kinda CP3O or R2D2 vibe? Anyway I'm a dork... hahaha Great job! You are both so capable in doing these upgrades. She is an amazing lady! Adam your ok too!

[@jondoh2226]

Call the hydrovane "the force"

[@0dysseus42]

That's great, then "The Force" will guide them. :)

[@jondoh2226]

@@0dysseus42 Exactly. They will have opportunities to say things like: "use the force", "we use the force to keep on course", "the force is taking the helm", etc.

[@simonlamy4511]

You should go to lagoonies. Nice happy hours ;) there’s a dighy dock. Its’ at lagoon marina. Near your anchorage I think. Enjoy!

[@Sallycycles71]

Thx for better mondays, we are having our first tornadoes of the spring, windy is an understatement, cheers from Kansas.

[@DrJamez]

What a cool bit of engineering. You must be happy with the outcome

[@outdoorzfam]

Can’t believe you guys pulled that off on the water. Fkn legends, most would have haul out. 💪✅✊😎

[@edkleinstuber2119]

nicely done

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Nice video

[@timvukman4734]

Looks beautiful. Well done. I was also taken with the downward dingy :) Love you guys. Very best.!

[@karenvanrensburg497]

Nice job "downward dinghy" 🤣🤣🤣

[@Gunnie1961]

Congratulations to both of you on a job well done! I'm sure it will make a huge difference on passages. Can't wait to see it in action.

[@akjhome]

Another great install video. You two are truly real. Currently I’m an island sailor, but If I ever invest in a blue water boat, wind vane is top on my list. I love products that are simple, brilliant and energy independent.

[@nonaparker564]

What a great job you two have done ! Can’t wait to see it when you have your next sail !

[@bryanbarwick5108]

Great job guys, love watching you two, much love from Bryan and Debbie all the way from Cape Town South Africa 🌻

[@svenlandshut5413]

one thing is for sure : Khiara is the most beautiful and most sympathic sailor of all youtube channels . But she deserves a better boat;-))) so Adam, your turn

[@michaelsamuel4159]

Nice work you two! Can't wait to see it work whilst sailing. Cheers!

[@MrBobVick]

Glad you sewed something, looks like a wrench roll to me, guess you all call them spanners. Glad you got the wind vane installed.

[@jamesrhodes6462]

Looks Great. Can’t wait to see if it works underway.

[@johnhall4146]

Such teamwork! Congratulations on the successful completion of a bugger of a job.

[@kennydow5441]

Great install guys! I would have probably only attempted that on the hard so to manage it on the water is a real skill!

[@thomasfondren4231]

I think this is a game changer for you guys... nice job

[@stan3497]

very cool

[@garywhite7077]

Well done. Really interesting stuff. Now time to sail!!

[@michaelsebastiane4454]

Congrats on completing the hydro-vane project and another well crafted episode. Cheers.

[@tvonzweck]

Monumental project to have achieved while on anchor, congrats on your perseverance! Gives me the motivation to tackle a few tough jobs I've got to get done (while in the slip).

[@judebug329]

WooHoo! Well done! Now if only we can get rid of lockdowns so you can use your new equipment. Good job on the install. That looked quite complicated even without rolling seas and doing the Downward Dinghy!

[@richardbobo6980]

A extremely Professional installation and it looks beautiful good luck with it

[@danieloliver20]

Very cool... two pizzas! Nice install on your new peice of kit!!

[@BeingClaudee]

Excellent job!

[@espowari]

I've always seen them in use, but never understood how they worked until now. Great job!!

[@annafraley5388]

W O W. ... That sunburn below the waistline is going to Hurt for Weeks 😱😧🥴

[@tonywinston8229]

THANKS

[@Ijustcantbelievethis]

Good GAWD!! How is it that sunburn on a ginger looks so much worse??? Yikes! I’m sure it will turn into a lovely tan! Hehe...

[@davehayes8812]

Woohoo! I feel like congrats are in order for the birth of your new crew member :)

[@stubluesjhb1]

Well done, good job. Glad you don't use marinas very often, your overall length just grew!

[@davidbamford4721]

Many thanks to Blondie Hasler, the ex-commando who invented the wind vane steering system.

[@MrCoolcal57]

beautiful install! Kudos to you both!

[@californiakayaker]

Really impressive. You guys work together really well. I've seen other boats with these and I'm really impressed with them. They have so much less than can break compared to an auto pilot. Passages must be in your future, and , at least a less rolly and windy anchorage maybe.

[@stevenvokey5]

You will love it too bits just don’t try to out do it best of luck from cold Canada

[@andresmit9810]

Adam..... Spigots and Pinions