My Hydrovane self steering ripped itself off the back of our Baba a few
weeks ago, we were about 250nm west of Portugal in rather rough weather, and
it was quite a worry at the time. I thought it might have ripped out of the
hull leaving a hole on the waterline. Fortunately the stainless bracket that
had been fabricated to fit the stern had ripped to bits. The top bracket was
ok. I now have to work out a better mounting solution.

I had the old bracket temporarily repaired in Madeira so we could complete
the rest of the journey to the Canaries and it looked like this

I think I want a bracket more like this one I saw on a tayana

Currently I am thinking of making a block out of Teak, or possibly
laminating several pieces of Marine Ply together then cutting out the shape?

Whatever the solution, it has to be something I can pack in my bag and take
out to the boat when I return to her in 6 weeks time.

I would love to hear if anyone has any words of wisdom on this one. We are
doing the 2700nm trip to the Caribbean this November and I dread the thought
of the self steering not working!

Paul C

S/V Lady Stardust, Liverpool UK

www.lady-stardust.co.uk <http://www.lady-stardust.co.uk/>

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