Sayes Rig windvane experiences wanted

khbritten · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006

We have a 45' Huntingford ketch with hydraulic steering and are looking into windvane options. The Sayes Rig is attractive because of its direct-to-rudder connection, and they claim it works well with a mizzen boom lurking overhead. I have also heard a remark that it isn't the most powerful unit. Does anyone have any experience with Sayes Rigs they would like to share? We are particularly interested in how it does in light airs, since we have South Seas ambitions. Any thoughts are welcome!

thanks,

Ken

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006

Part of the problem you might have is resistance in the rudder from the hydraulic steering system. Particularly in light air, the windvane may not have the ability to overcome the resistance caused by the hydraulic system.

khbritten · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

Yeah, I am thinking about that too. I will need to install a bypass valve no matter what, and would like it at the helm for convenience. But I am not sure how much extra resistance would be offered by the 30' of extra hydraulic lines. Do you have hydraulic on your boat, and if so, do you have any sense of the drag from a bypassed cylinder?

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

I don't have hydraulic steering on my boat, but have worked on several boats that do have it. On one, the vane, a Monitor IIRC, was able to work via a bypass valve. On another, using another brand, it did not work even with a bypass valve setup.

capn_dave · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

I had a Syae's rig on My Out Island and it was not a great unit in my tank. It was underpowered with my Hyd. steering. I switched over to a Hydorvane. A big improvement was noticed right away. Not only is it better in light wind, it makes a good emergency rudder. One last thing, no lines run into the cockpit. They say you can also put a tiller pilot on it. I haven't tried this trick, but I plan to as a backup.

Fair Winds

Cap'n Dave

khbritten · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

Thanks, Dave. A couple more questions - how did you bypass your hydraulic steering when you used the Saye's? And when you say it wasn't good in light air, how light are we talking about? The Hydrovane certainly is a good alternative, but it's just so much *stuff* out there off the stern. How's your boat do in reverse with the Hydrovane?

capn_dave · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

The bypass was easy, I didn't do it. It was onboard when I bought her. It was a couple of Tee's and a two way valve. It is a Hydranautics system.
Backing up is really no problem as the aux rudder can be locked in any position. The problem is remembering all the stuff hanging off the stern. Yes I did load test it, please don't ask me about that.

Fair Winds

Cap'n Dave

khbritten · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

I guess I wanted to know where the bypass valve was located - how far from the cylinder? Do you have a sense of whether the weakness of the Saye's was due to hydraulic drag or just the mechanical advantage (or lack thereof) in the vane?

capn_dave · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006

The valve was in the lazzerett, open the cover and it was mounted right on the edge so everything coming out would catch on it. LOL.

About the drag I am not really sure. I do suspect it was the hyd. cylinder. Even though, it was, in effect not it the hyd. circuit, it still had to move. and as you probably know there is quite a bit of drag from the cylinder alone.

I just got back from a delivery and waiting for my girlfriend to pick me up. I want to get laid!!!!!

I hope this helps you

Fair Winds

Cap'n Dave

khbritten · #10 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006

Thanks for the info, Dave, and I hope you had a *great* night!