pabloberrusailsvideo

Day 37: Installing @hydrovane, a windvane self-steering system!

9 August 2024 · 1 min · 3K views

What this video covers

Pablo Berrus spends a full day installing a Hydrovane wind-powered autopilot on his sailboat in preparation for a round-the-world passage.0:01 The Hydrovane is chosen specifically because it operates without electricity, a critical advantage for offshore sailing.0:04 Installation begins with fitting the lower shaft and support bracket, which requires Berrus to crawl into a confined space to mount the rear backing plate.0:29 The support tubes are cut to length on-site.0:33 By 8:30 p.m., after an entire day's work, the shaft is in its final position — six bolts placed over the course of a full day.0:43 His father assists with the work.0:52 The gearbox and wind vane remain to be fitted the following day.0:48 Once the gearbox and vane are mounted, the unit is fully installed and ready for sea trials.0:59 Tight access to the transom area is the main installation challenge; cutting support tubes to exact length on-site is necessary.0:29

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