Equipment Reviews

So i would like to point out that we are in no was sponsored, or financially supported by any of the companies we make reviews on. We have come across a number of cruisers who are making a living by writing such reviews. We, however, do not. so what we write here is how we found the pieces of kit to be from an installation & functional point of view.

Hydrovane - When we bought Maya the Hydrovane had already been mounted, with all the supporting mounts already in situ. The mounting arrangement is to port of the stern, with one bracket mounted lowest point of the transom, and one just below deck level. This was necessary as the bathing ladder is at the centre of the transom, and centre line mounting was not possible. At time of writing this we have use the Hydrovane only on a couple of occasions, more out of curiosity than need to save power or in severe weather conditions. Our feeling thus far is that once the vane is set up into wind this is indeed an amazing piece of kit, which enable the auto helm to be switched off, the boat to sail & steer itself. So shorter passages & under lighter winds this is probably not what is required. The Hydrovane really feels like the piece of kit you need if you are going to crossing oceans, as the lazy 'S' which the boat ends up steering is far more acceptable over greater distances, when power really does become more of an issue. The other issue is of course having enough wind for the Hydrovane to really do its thing, which we have only encountered in 2 to 4 day cycles thus far. 

Frigoboat Fridge/Freezer - When we bought Maya she came with a Fridge unit already installed, but having another big tub available to add a freezer unit right next to it, was too enticing to leave unused. We were lucky enough that the Fridge unit already installed 

Yellow Brick -

Wichard Boom brake / Gyb'easy - 

Raymarine E7 Chart plotter -