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#1 2018-02-16 19:06:19
- Charles_Grossie
- Committee Member
- Registered: 2017-08-10
- Posts: 159
Self-Steering gear - Victoria 34 - Hydrovane versus Servo Pendulum?
Hi folks,
I am considering fitting self-steering gear to my V34. I have previous experience of the Aries 'lift-up' (fitted to my Rival 34) and early Hydrovane VXA11 self-steering gear (fitted to my Biscay 36 ketch).
Both designs are very good, but each has their pro's and con's of course.
I am swaying towards a Monitor being honest and note that several Victoria and Francis 34s have been fitted with Monitor. On the same note, I also see that many Hydrovane's have also been fitted (details on each of the vendor's web sites).
I would be interested in any feedback members have based on their experiences of either designs.
Many thanks.
Charlie.
Victoria 34 Cutter - 'Anitra'.
Victoria 34 Cutter - 'Anitra'
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#2 2018-04-08 21:10:30
- John_Willis
- Resigned
- From: Guernsey
- Registered: 2017-04-07
- Posts: 64
- Website
Re: Self-Steering gear - Victoria 34 - Hydrovane versus Servo Pendulum?
Hi Charlie,
You may already have made a decision, but if not here goes. I am the happy skipper of Pippin, a 1997 Frances 34 Pilothouse, which came with a brand new Hydrovane.
To be honest I was scared stiff of it until I tried it for the first time and since then I have been delighted with it, particularly as I had considerable autopilot issues on my trip from Guernsey to Baltimore. So, though no expert in such matters, here is my list of Pros and Cons;
Pros (though some of these will apply to other types too);
1. Bullet proof (will handle a considerable impact from astern without damage, as I have discovered).
2. Simple to use.
3. Can even be used gently motor sailing.
4. OK with wind well aft of the beam.
5. Makes me a better sailor as you have to get the balance right.
6. It can be used as an emergency rudder.
Cons;
1. Expensive.
2. Blade can really only be shipped at the dockside, or from a dinghy in calm water (can be unshipped easily at sea with a retaining rope).
3. Does affect handling under engine in close quarters, but not unduly so.
I hope that helps. Do contact me if I can help further - either on this means or email jmwillis290@gmail.com
John Willis
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#3 2018-06-27 12:19:00
- Charles_Grossie
- Committee Member
- Registered: 2017-08-10
- Posts: 159
Re: Self-Steering gear - Victoria 34 - Hydrovane versus Servo Pendulum?
Hi folks,
I ended up buying a 1999 manufactured Monitor (316L) version a few weeks back off a very nice gentleman in Gorey, Wexford (ROI). He hadn't been able to install the Monitor on his yacht due to ill health and I believe that this unit hasn't been used for quite some time. This came with mounting hardware from a Bowman 48 including the wheel steering hub, blocks etc. New upper mounting tubes will be needed for the V34 mounting I am guessing (assuming that I actually fit it to the V34 this winter).
I have obtained a drawing from Scanmar International (who manufacture the Monitor) which shows the upper mounting tubes reaching up and over the transom suggesting that the fittings are bolted through the aft deck between the cockpit coaming and the transom toe rail.
I have seen a few 'gallery' photos of 'Pipparo' and another V34 on Scanmar's web site, but the photos are a little distant.
Does anyone have a Monitor fitted and if so, would you be able to share a few close up photos of the installation?
Many thanks.
Charlie.
Victoria 34 Cutter - 'Anitra'
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#4 2018-11-09 10:56:01
- Charles_Grossie
- Committee Member
- Registered: 2017-08-10
- Posts: 159
Re: Self-Steering gear - Victoria 34 - Hydrovane versus Servo Pendulum?
I placed this info in the Q&Q section, but probably should have continued with my original thread.
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Hi folks,
Not only do I have an Monitor wind vane servo pendulum self-steering gear (not fitted yet), I now also have a very nice Danish built version of the trusty Aries version.
I am weighing up the pros and cons of both (both great items of equipment), but will decide which to fit to my V34 within the next month or so and sell the remaining one.
I haven't been able to find any photos of a V34 with an Aries fitted, but have plenty of detail on the Monitor being fitted (including engineering drawings to from Scanmar showing the exact dimensions and tubes/fittings).
Would anyone have any photos or reference material which shows the Aries mounted to a V34?
Thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Charlie.
Victoria 34 Cutter - 'Anitra'
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