"and you and me - we're the same" lol!! I wish. Alex, I have known some very smart people but the skill to impart knowledge in a way that 'us ordinary folk' can understand is possessed by only a few - you are one. Had an inkling there was more to the package than what was on show when Blue was first saddled up. Well done.
Many thanks for that very detailed information. As a non sailor I have battled to try and work out the mechanics but never "got it" I am now fully enlightened and fully understand the mechanics thereof. Regards from South Africa
..... thx for explaining the workings Alex .... the simplicity is rather staggering for something so reliable .... also couldn't help noticing that there is nothing amateurish about your productions be it sailing & travel or informational ... well done ..... thx for sharing .... as always .. never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .. have fun be safe, save our oceans ....
What an exceptional description and demonstration! Congrats, well done. Tell Mandy that there really are people out here who enjoy and learn from your great ability to break down the intricacies of systems and explain them concisely in layman’s terms. I wish I’d had university professors as good as you!
My favourite part is the explanation that Alex might not know what he’s talking about, then he clearly knows what he’s talking about. The equipment is very nicely explained.
Thanks for this! Wow, what a piece of engineering! In another life - mid-1970s, in my twenties - I sailed down the west coast of Europe, Gibraltar, Canaries - in winter. Little 25-foot wooden sloop. Then across to Barbados. Our self-steering - we called him Rastus - had no water power whatsoever. Just a big 3/16-inch plywood wind vane blade, lines from that to either side of the tiller. Remarkably, it performed quite well, even downwind in the trades. We must have done a good job balancing the sails!
I suspect you have a a very decent grasp of the science related to this. Thought your graphics helped explain. Clearly one needs to understand the dynamics of sailing and coursing to obtain the benefits of this incredible addition. Great job on install and trying to get me to understand Best to you and Mandi
Thanks for that visual explanation. I’ve decided to add a wind vane to my Southerly 135, but as I am building the solar arch I thought I combine the wind vane support into the arch, and it occurred to me that I can build the lower rudder part permanently in to the sugar scoop step in such a way that the shaft between the top surface of the step and the solar arch can be removed when it is not in use, and would other wise be in the way. I had to make these choices before I lock in the solar arch design so that I have built in the ability to add the wind vane parts later on. I am a huge fan of slewing ring bearings which are just machined stainless steel parts with the balls added through a hole (think crane hooks). The upper part should be easy to rationalize, it is fitting the Hydrovane, the bit in the water that will require some thought on how to put the vane in place and remove it without getting wet. So thanks for that. I now have a bit to think about. I design on Shapr3D (runs of iPad Pro), a system that is perfect for boaters, for any one who is wanting to fill in their days at sea being productive.
@@seethelittlethings hopefully get to cross sails with guys in a couple months if you cross the pond to the Caribbean isles. I’m splashing in a few weeks headed south to tailgate Delos
Excellent segment or what can be a very challenging upgrade. Your up front planning, preparation and execution help to demystify the solar, controller and lithium battery topics. I appreciate the quality of your workmanship it really says "this was done right". Although most of the segment featured Alex, Mandy was close by for suggestions which were received openly and available to provide a helping hand when required. Very nicely done thanks.
Great content STLT well thought out and well presented, quality. Thank you for taking the time and investing the effort to educate us... Would enjoy buying you a beer or two.
Wow, fantastic explanation! I have read about how they work, but it never really clicked until you showed it with your great visuals and clear examples. Thank you!
Two very good videos with great graphics and explanations. Our last boat had a Hydrovane and there is no doubt in our minds it is the best for all the reasons and points you have made. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.
Your videos about the Hydrovane have generated much discussion on various sailing forums. I'm planning to install one when I'm waiting out hurricane season this fall.
@@seethelittlethings The videos have been incredibly helpful. Thank you for doing them. I've had people suggest these videos on the Facebook pages "Liveaboard Lifestyles" and "Bluewater Cruisers."
Thanks for the video - a few videos back we were discussing these and this video (plus your install video) has pretty much covered everything i've ever wanted or needed to know.
That was an EXCELLENT intro & breakdown for me personally. Well done....I've liked and subscribed and look forward to catching up on previous and future episodes!!! Man.... do NOT stop with these in-depth and thorough episodes!!!
Very nice info. I wish I could build a mini version for my Hobie Island (small plastic sailboat). Unfortunately, there is a lot of lee helm, and there doesn't seem to be any way to prevent it...
Very cool video! Explaining this process and how a windvane really works (& helps you become a better sailor) NOW makes more sense to me! Keeping being awesome yourself! All the best Richard
@@seethelittlethings Alex does very well to explain some physics without being snobby and his enthusiasm for this solution is communicated very well. Mandy, it's your turn.
This is a good video lesson. But I probably missed a few classes! So my question is how does it work with trying to maintain your course over 100's of kms. Do you constantly have to monitor your course to stay on track? I was probably sleeping in class when that one was taught.
Yes, you have to check course regularly and adjust according to what’s best in regards to weather routing. On our crossing to the Canary Islands we adjusted course to counter swell and deviated from our direct course to our destination. Sometimes it’s better to keep the boat at its preferred wind angle, sometimes it’s better to adjust course and then point of sail as well. Wind angle changes regularly so we need to adjust sails and vane angle once or twice a day
Great explanation of how a hydrovane works! From prolonged watching our mesmeric hydrovane in action, across several ocean passages, I’ve convinced myself that the counterweights also come in to play when waves move the stern, as the hydrovane seems to adjust the steering very rapidly when quartering waves take the boat. Do you think this is possible, or is it just the apparent wind direction changing ?
Hello . Great video. I follow you guys from the beginning as we are prepping our jeanneau 36 for a big trip . I am.planning to fit a hydrovane could you please tel me wat is the the height above the waterline top of the vane . I am fitting solararch this summer and want no obstruction in the future Thanks and congratulations for the new crew member 👶
Hey Mario. It is different since you can mount different poles and vanes. Also, you need to make sure you can turn the vane 360 without stainless obstructions. Best to get in touch with them, they can send you the measures for the combination of items you need. Also best to first install the vane and then the arch around it
@@seethelittlethings many thanks . I wil do . Great to see how you two evolve in your experiences. Its already a long way since you guys dit your first steps . We sail mainly in the English channel northsea . Normandy and South England. Planning for circumnavigation 2024 /early pensioners 👩🦳🧑🦳 hopefully the world is back ok by then .
I been thinking about off centered installation, wouldn't it cause asymmetric rudder input? Turning in one direction requires less rudder input than other side. Wouldn't it cause boat to drift with time. To be honest, I've seen off centred installations on boats that have successfully crossed Atlantic & Pacific oceans (Sailing Bacchus home). So it can be done.
Makes sense if put into exaggerated perspective (imagining it 10m off center outside the boat, but negligible when moving it to either side within the possible mounting options +- 1m from stern center
Great video! I would call it wind vane instead of "wind pilot" which is another well known German brand and believe me they have a history about how the windvane should be :)
Only the best Project Manager to ever roam this planet 😁 probably cause he gets the engineering parts of the projects. Unfortunately for our previous employer he prefers to work for himself. Naja now we get to make our followers happy!😬😁
Some of these beautiful gadgets cost as much as the boat. The worst part is mounting it. I have a broken King automatic direction finder. I might just turn that into a radio compass . Buffer it so it doesn't suck too much electric. A wind vane looks fantastic. Model boats just tie into the sail.
Some of these beautiful gadgets cost as much as the boat. The worst part is mounting it. I have a broken King autopilot. I might just turn that into a radio compass autopilot. Buffer it so it doesn't suck too much electric. A wind vane looks fantastic. Model boats just tie into the sail.
Nice video! -- BUT -- No matter how long I look at that, I simply cannot figure out what the heck is going on. Maybe it's my "girl brain" but that is like magic. How can it possible figure out what to do just using mechanical things? Sometimes I believe that guys just get this type of stuff better. I know I am not supposed to say that but I think it is true and I am willing to bet everything I own that some super smart guy invented this black magic device. So very cool! Of course, my boyfriend says he figured it out on the first watching of this video. What is so weird is that I can't tell if he does know it since I can't figure it out. Oh well....
I just recently found out that wind pilot is a brand. When I say wind pilot I refer to a generic wind steering system. Sorry wind pilot.
"and you and me - we're the same" lol!! I wish. Alex, I have known some very smart people but the skill to impart knowledge in a way that 'us ordinary folk' can understand is possessed by only a few - you are one. Had an inkling there was more to the package than what was on show when Blue was first saddled up. Well done.
I'm sure I will forget all the fantastic explanation by tomorrow. Will watch it again tough..
Just make sure you’re prepared for next week’s test
Thanks, really helpful. Well done for preparing the graphics as they clarified a lot.
Many thanks for that very detailed information. As a non sailor I have battled to try and work out the mechanics but never "got it" I am now fully enlightened and fully understand the mechanics thereof.
Regards from South Africa
..... thx for explaining the workings Alex .... the simplicity is rather staggering for something so reliable .... also couldn't help noticing that there is nothing amateurish about your productions be it sailing & travel or informational ... well done ..... thx for sharing .... as always .. never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .. have fun be safe, save our oceans ....
OK, I see we have hit TWENTY THOUSAND. Congratulations my friends!!
Thanks Mike 😘 happy to have you around to share each other’s little wins
@@seethelittlethings It’s a privilege to be part of the journey my friends.
What an exceptional description and demonstration! Congrats, well done. Tell Mandy that there really are people out here who enjoy and learn from your great ability to break down the intricacies of systems and explain them concisely in layman’s terms. I wish I’d had university professors as good as you!
Another awesome video 🎉
My favourite part is the explanation that Alex might not know what he’s talking about, then he clearly knows what he’s talking about.
The equipment is very nicely explained.
😂
Great explanation. I've been watching your videos since the first lockdown as I couldn't leave the house but you guys showed me the world. Thanks.
Thanks. That was a very informative video on wind vanes. I liked it. Good job S.L.L.T.
Well done Alex. A great presentation. Now all I need is a boat to put it on ha ha. :-)
Thanks for this! Wow, what a piece of engineering! In another life - mid-1970s, in my twenties - I sailed down the west coast of Europe, Gibraltar, Canaries - in winter. Little 25-foot wooden sloop. Then across to Barbados. Our self-steering - we called him Rastus - had no water power whatsoever. Just a big 3/16-inch plywood wind vane blade, lines from that to either side of the tiller. Remarkably, it performed quite well, even downwind in the trades. We must have done a good job balancing the sails!
I suspect you have a a very decent grasp of the science related to this.
Thought your graphics helped explain.
Clearly one needs to understand the dynamics of sailing and coursing to obtain the benefits of this incredible addition.
Great job on install and trying to get me to understand
Best to you and Mandi
Very interesting video, it's like a pistol, simple machine but very fascinating function.
Excellent explanation. Clear and to the point. Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for that visual explanation. I’ve decided to add a wind vane to my Southerly 135, but as I am building the solar arch I thought I combine the wind vane support into the arch, and it occurred to me that I can build the lower rudder part permanently in to the sugar scoop step in such a way that the shaft between the top surface of the step and the solar arch can be removed when it is not in use, and would other wise be in the way. I had to make these choices before I lock in the solar arch design so that I have built in the ability to add the wind vane parts later on. I am a huge fan of slewing ring bearings which are just machined stainless steel parts with the balls added through a hole (think crane hooks). The upper part should be easy to rationalize, it is fitting the Hydrovane, the bit in the water that will require some thought on how to put the vane in place and remove it without getting wet.
So thanks for that. I now have a bit to think about. I design on Shapr3D (runs of iPad Pro), a system that is perfect for boaters, for any one who is wanting to fill in their days at sea being productive.
Hope all goes well, seems like an interesting project :)
We’ve retrofitted the arch after. Messed up and had to re-weld 😂
Very Very Good episode guys.
* applause *
Worthy of a million views ....
Thanks Chris !!
@@seethelittlethings hopefully get to cross sails with guys in a couple months if you cross the pond to the Caribbean isles. I’m splashing in a few weeks headed south to tailgate Delos
Excellent segment or what can be a very challenging upgrade. Your up front planning, preparation and execution help to demystify the solar, controller and lithium battery topics. I appreciate the quality of your workmanship it really says "this was done right". Although most of the segment featured Alex, Mandy was close by for suggestions which were received openly and available to provide a helping hand when required. Very nicely done thanks.
Thank you Alex, that was a great explanation and good use of graphics. Keep up the good work and enjoy your sailing 👏👏
I love Your channel always have great informative and useful information. Thank you, keep them coming and Gpd bless!!
Great content STLT well thought out and well presented, quality. Thank you for taking the time and investing the effort to educate us... Would enjoy buying you a beer or two.
Wow, fantastic explanation!
I have read about how they work, but it never really clicked until you showed it with your great visuals and clear examples.
Thank you!
hey thanks for your interest in the topic :)
Thanks for yet another nice video - keep 'em coming.
You've made it....a 'physics' video. Love love it!! Ax
PHYSICS
beautiful video . i was looking for it. congrats.
Thanks a lot 😊
Thanks for a great, comprehensible video on this magical device! Nice job describing the physics. Thanks again!
Thank you so much. Very clear explanation.
Best explination ever!!! 14,2 times better than Hydryvanes own video ;) Fair Winds!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching :)
excellent... So simple but so misunderstood...
Thank you for this video, I got the overall idea, but have always wanted to know the specifics
You’re welcome, glad you found out :)
great video - thank you
very well done
Genuinely brilliant video - I’ve always wondered how wind vanes work but never actually got around to working it out. Now I know 👏
Two very good videos with great graphics and explanations. Our last boat had a Hydrovane and there is no doubt in our minds it is the best for all the reasons and points you have made. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.
amazing piece. so simple
Your videos about the Hydrovane have generated much discussion on various sailing forums. I'm planning to install one when I'm waiting out hurricane season this fall.
wow, we should be more aware of those forums 😅 where did you find it? Hope the video helped in planning the install
@@seethelittlethings The videos have been incredibly helpful. Thank you for doing them. I've had people suggest these videos on the Facebook pages "Liveaboard Lifestyles" and "Bluewater Cruisers."
Really cool! Thanks for the in-depth explanation. 🙏
Very well organized presentation * * * * *
Nicely Done, as usual!
Thanks 😊
Great video!!!
I learned something thanks
Well done as usual 👍🏻
Thanks for the video - a few videos back we were discussing these and this video (plus your install video) has pretty much covered everything i've ever wanted or needed to know.
Great explanation! Keep doing what you guys do, very enjoyable and informative channel!!!
That was an EXCELLENT intro & breakdown for me personally. Well done....I've liked and subscribed and look forward to catching up on previous and future episodes!!! Man.... do NOT stop with these in-depth and thorough episodes!!!
Great explanation - thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Very nice info. I wish I could build a mini version for my Hobie Island (small plastic sailboat). Unfortunately, there is a lot of lee helm, and there doesn't seem to be any way to prevent it...
A very informative and interesting video. Hopefully it makes crossing the Atlantic a breeze for you both.
Great video Alex. An excellent break down of form and function of your newest crew member. Did you guys ever decide on a name for it...him...her?
Very cool video! Explaining this process and how a windvane really works (& helps you become a better sailor) NOW makes more sense to me!
Keeping being awesome yourself!
All the best Richard
Great! Mission accomplished :)
Enjoyed that!
good video
Here we go! Going in....
You asked for it
@@seethelittlethings Alex does very well to explain some physics without being snobby and his enthusiasm for this solution is communicated very well. Mandy, it's your turn.
🤣
Thank you for this. Can someone explain how this is better than an electric/servo autopilot?
Hydrovane......the finest British engineering by Derek Daniels...
OK, I'm sold. Now all I need is a boat to put it on.
😂 first things first
This is a good video lesson. But I probably missed a few classes! So my question is how does it work with trying to maintain your course over 100's of kms. Do you constantly have to monitor your course to stay on track? I was probably sleeping in class when that one was taught.
Yes, you have to check course regularly and adjust according to what’s best in regards to weather routing. On our crossing to the Canary Islands we adjusted course to counter swell and deviated from our direct course to our destination. Sometimes it’s better to keep the boat at its preferred wind angle, sometimes it’s better to adjust course and then point of sail as well. Wind angle changes regularly so we need to adjust sails and vane angle once or twice a day
@@seethelittlethings Thanks! keep up the nice videos!
I appreciate the video. My problem is the installation. Let me know when you have a few days free to fly to the States to help me. 😀
Good 😁😁
Great explanation of how a hydrovane works!
From prolonged watching our mesmeric hydrovane in action, across several ocean passages, I’ve convinced myself that the counterweights also come in to play when waves move the stern, as the hydrovane seems to adjust the steering very rapidly when quartering waves take the boat. Do you think this is possible, or is it just the apparent wind direction changing ?
great video. do you lock your wheel and rudder in position once you engage the wind vane?
Yes, before. On our boat we always have some weather helm and lock the rudder at 3-6°
Hello, do you think it would suitable for a 28 foot full keel Sailboat? I liked the Hydrovane because of the rudder system. Thank you.
A proper video!.. to bad you didnt make cad files:)
Can it work on my 32foot Trimaran?
Hello . Great video.
I follow you guys from the beginning as we are prepping our jeanneau 36 for a big trip .
I am.planning to fit a hydrovane could you please tel me wat is the the height above the waterline top of the vane .
I am fitting solararch this summer and want no obstruction in the future
Thanks and congratulations for the new crew member 👶
Hey Mario. It is different since you can mount different poles and vanes. Also, you need to make sure you can turn the vane 360 without stainless obstructions. Best to get in touch with them, they can send you the measures for the combination of items you need. Also best to first install the vane and then the arch around it
@@seethelittlethings many thanks . I wil do .
Great to see how you two evolve in your experiences. Its already a long way since you guys dit your first steps .
We sail mainly in the English channel northsea . Normandy and South England.
Planning for circumnavigation 2024 /early pensioners 👩🦳🧑🦳
hopefully the world is back ok by then .
Think in terms of leverage and torque
I been thinking about off centered installation, wouldn't it cause asymmetric rudder input? Turning in one direction requires less rudder input than other side. Wouldn't it cause boat to drift with time. To be honest, I've seen off centred installations on boats that have successfully crossed Atlantic & Pacific oceans (Sailing Bacchus home). So it can be done.
Makes sense if put into exaggerated perspective (imagining it 10m off center outside the boat, but negligible when moving it to either side within the possible mounting options +- 1m from stern center
Very interesting, thank you very much. Do you have an Adress where I can order a Hydrovane for my Boot? Greetings Michael from the BlueSky
Hey Michael, best to get in touch with Will and Sarah hydrovane.com
nothinh to add :) Good DIY or HiW (how it works) :D
Thank you
With this type system do you need to run the steering lines? Thank you
No attachment to / fiddling with primary steering
If you and me are the same, when can I sail with you?
Great.And how much it cost ,full set?
Best to look at the official price list, since it’s semi custom for each boat hydrovane.com/prices/
Really cool !!!!!! ..... Now I got it why is better to resource nature and not human ... Erare humanum est!
Great video! I would call it wind vane instead of "wind pilot" which is another well known German brand and believe me they have a history about how the windvane should be :)
Ha yeah I found out in hindsight ;)
Really good video. Probably not as popular because of no bikinis but great explanation, you must be an engineer of a programmer.
Only the best Project Manager to ever roam this planet 😁 probably cause he gets the engineering parts of the projects. Unfortunately for our previous employer he prefers to work for himself. Naja now we get to make our followers happy!😬😁
Some of these beautiful gadgets cost as much as the boat. The worst part is mounting it. I have a broken King automatic direction finder. I might just turn that into a radio compass . Buffer it so it doesn't suck too much electric. A wind vane looks fantastic. Model boats just tie into the sail.
Some of these beautiful gadgets cost as much as the boat. The worst part is mounting it. I have a broken King autopilot. I might just turn that into a radio compass autopilot. Buffer it so it doesn't suck too much electric. A wind vane looks fantastic. Model boats just tie into the sail.
Nice video! -- BUT -- No matter how long I look at that, I simply cannot figure out what the heck is going on. Maybe it's my "girl brain" but that is like magic. How can it possible figure out what to do just using mechanical things? Sometimes I believe that guys just get this type of stuff better. I know I am not supposed to say that but I think it is true and I am willing to bet everything I own that some super smart guy invented this black magic device. So very cool! Of course, my boyfriend says he figured it out on the first watching of this video. What is so weird is that I can't tell if he does know it since I can't figure it out. Oh well....
UNO Reverse him by watching a Veritasium video about quantum mechanics and quietly nod. Watch his confused face. Then go buy a boat
Oh no...A wind pilot...you're suspended till next week.
Would you repeat that. Just kidding.
3 weeks worth of videos about a windvane? C'mon guys...