I hear a broad reach is the worst point of sail for steering and especially self steering systems. How well does the Hydrovane cope in those conditions?
The trim of the sails and balance of the boat determine how well the Hydrovane can do its job. There are techniques to keep the boat trim and balanced even in such bad conditions. In a bad sea often the headsail is guilty of corrupting the balance of the boat as it twists, collapses and fills while the boat careens up and down waves. BROAD REACH – The toughest point of sail for helmsman, autopilot and self steering is the broad reach in a boisterous sea. Headsails contort and maybe even fold as the boat gyrates along in rolly conditions. The trim of the boat is constantly in flux – the Hydrovane is dealing with a constantly changing ‘balance’ of the boat – sail trim, on that point of sail, is a moving target. I believe the best solution is to put a spinnaker pole on the jib – to stabilize it – the outboard end of the pole would be secured with one or better two (one fore and the other aft) downhauls. I would also try to flatten the jib by either bringing the pole back to the shrouds th
Related Questions
- I hear a broad reach is the worst point of sail for steering and especially self steering systems. How well does the Hydrovane cope in those conditions?
- What do experienced sailors who have used many different servo pendulum self steering systems say when comparing a Hydrovane to the others?
- Why are so many other self steering systems of the servo pendulum type?
