Windvane

[robbadgie]

Hi, we have a Cruiser 37. I’m planning to add a Windvane steering of some kind, which has to be offset due to the swim platform. Anyone have recommendations or suggestion for what I should look at?

Thanks!

[symphony2]

Hydrovane. you will see photos of one fitted to Bavarias, both 37 and 33 here hydrovane.com/galleries/dropdown/

[tiger79]

I think you'll need to add some serious reinforcement to the transom area to take the loads of a vane steering system.  The GRP there is fairly thin.

[symphony2]

It is not actually. I was surprised how thick it was when we bored holes to fit emergency steps on the port side where the Hydrovane is normally fitted. I have no doubt some reinforcing will be required but it is very accessible. No doubt Hydrovane will advise exactly what is required.

[Jeffatoms]

For what it's worth, we too have considered the options and hands down, Hydrovane wins.  They have what I would consider to be a superior product and they are a wonderful company to speak with.

There is a video on YouTube by the sailing Millenial Falcon people where they walk through the product and the complete installation of Hydrovane.  Check it out.

[tiger79]

It is not actually. I was surprised how thick it was when we bored holes to fit emergency steps on the port side where the Hydrovane is normally fitted.

I too drilled a big hole to fit emergency steps, and wasn't impressed by the thickness of the GRP.