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Hydrovane Sea Trial and Sailing Solo to White Cove (June 2024)
July 1, 2024 · 24 min · 1K views
What this video covers
A solo sailor installs a new Hydrovane self-steering system on his boat to replace a 2006-era unit, citing the need for a larger rudder and a stronger super-duplex stainless steel shaft.3:59 The installation required removing the propane locker and working within a cramped lazarette to secure the bottom hex bolts with proper backing plates.2:00 After completing the install, the sailor conducts a sea trial while sailing solo from San Pedro, California, toward White Cove on Catalina Island. During the transit, the Hydrovane maintains a consistent apparent wind angle in 7 to 10 knots of true wind, though the system struggles to hold a steady course during light, fluky wind shifts.20:28 The sailor manages traffic from two cargo ships by aiming for the stern of the trailing vessel to ensure a safe crossing.17:33 The boat maintains speeds between 4 and 6 knots under sail alone.21:48 The project confirms the vessel’s readiness for potential offshore passages, with the Hydrovane serving as both a primary autopilot and an emergency rudder.11:37
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