[Livia]

We really didn't want lines strung through the cockpit (or worse, strung somewhere where we couldn't see them and fix them easily) so we looked primarily at the Cape Horn and the Hydrovane. We bought a Hydrovane. We have only used it a half dozen times so far because we are getting ready to cruise. So far it has been idiot proof and worked perfectly until we (as lazy sailors) let the boat get too far out of balance. The only downside I see to the Hydrovane so far is that the rudder does not flip up so if you don't want it in the water you have to climb down and remove it.

Honestly, I'll probably get flamed for saying this but I think *any* of the major name wind vanes would have worked well and lasted for years on a boat of our size (35 feet). While I was researching, it seemed to me that most people who get all worked up over vanes have only tried the one they have on their boat. Very few people have had the pleasure of using many different vanes and the differences in performance seem to be in large part based on how easily the boat steers and balances rather than the vane itself.

PS - I think the advice of talking to owners of your same boat is a good one.