Hydrovane vs Windpilot Pacific

The two windvanes you will see most on cruising yachts in Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour or Fremantle before a Pacific or Indian Ocean season represent the two ways of steering a boat by wind. Hydrovane hangs its own rudder off the transom and steers with that, leaving the main rudder locked. Windpilot's Pacific drops a pendulum blade into the water and uses its swing to pull the main wheel or tiller through lines.

Both are proven over decades and many circumnavigations. The choice is about the boat's stern, the value you place on an emergency rudder, your budget and how fast the boat is.

Confirm the specific Windpilot model being proposed and the corresponding steering arrangement before using a brand-level comparison. Ask each supplier to show how its system connects to or works alongside the boat’s existing steering, and which components remain shared.

For either proposal, provide transom photographs, dimensions and information about boarding equipment, davits and the tender. Review the installation in its normal cruising configuration, not just with everything removed from the stern. Clearance and access can materially affect the choice.

Ask what role the exact installation can perform if the primary steering fails. Distinguish an auxiliary rudder from a mechanism that operates the main steering, and request the manufacturer’s limitations for the boat. Do not assume that every windvane supplies an independent emergency rudder.

Include freight to Australia, mounting hardware, installation and owner instruction when comparing costs. Practise setup, adjustment and securing the equipment in suitable conditions. The useful ownership comparison is how the complete system fits the boat and crew, rather than the purchase price of the mechanism alone.