Welcome to The Hydra Group, Cornwall, UK.
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Hydra Welcome
Hydra (South West) Ltd was established in 1992 around a core
of key, skilled engineers who share a common purpose: -to offer a wide range
of engineering
based products and services, from design, through development to manufacture.
Since this time we have expanded into a thriving manufacturing base specialising
in stainless steel components. Hydra has a Quality Management System, certificated
to ISO9001:2000. Based in mid-Cornwall the company has state-of-the-art facilities
and equipment, offering innovative and bespoke solutions to clients throughout
the UK and
Southern Ireland. Hydra also stocks a range of Power Transmission equipment,
hoses, fittings and adaptors, 'O' rings and seals, together with Castrol
Oils and Lubricants. Hydra provides the manufacturing facilities for the
entire Hydra Group of Companies. Specialising in stainless steel, our products
are
further evidence
of the wide variety of skills and abilities within the company and its dedication
to offering cost effective and high quality solutions.
Please view our Portfolio or contact us for further information
Our Company Philosophy
"
To approach with enthusiasm any challenge presented by any client and apply
our best endeavours and skills to achieving a cost effective solution."
S.D.Rivers – Managing Director
Hydra Design
Hydra South West employs an experienced team of engineers, designers and
draughtsmen. Our design team includes skilled personnel from a variety of
engineering disciplines, which enables us to offer a comprehensive computer
aided design service over a broad range of different requirements
Our design department is supported by engineers that specialise
in CDM requirements and can provide Method Statements and Risk Assessments
when required to do
so. Where on site installations are required, this additional support enables
our design team to follow projects through to completion. Ensuring a seamless
transition from concept to commissioning, this provides significant cost
advantages and assists in the implementation of effective health and safety
initiatives.
Hydra Safety
Safety is paramount both within our manufacturing facility,
and when operating on site. During the design of our products particular
attention is paid to
the safety of the installers, and personnel who will be involved in the
future operation and maintenance of equipment. All staff are fully trained
to carry out the tasks required. With teams
trained and equipped to work in enclosed spaces and at height. To maintain
our excellent safety record we employ a full time safety officer who constantly
monitors safety issues and ensures that the best safe practices
are adhered to. Due to our approach to safety, Hydrok has completed in excess
of 2000 installations without incident.
Hydra Service
Hydra was formed in 1992 around a core of key engineers with
the aim of providing a wide range of services based on the highest standards
of experience
and expertise. Based in mid Cornwall, the company has state of the art facilities
and equipment and offers innovative solutions to clients throughout the U.K.
From design to installation Hydra UK will be with you every step of the way.
Hydra is committed to the recruitment, training and retention of the highest
calibre staff, whether engineers or support personnel.
Hydra Portfolio
Hydra operates Nationwide and has additional facilities at key locations
in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Hydra group can provide a
wide range of products and services in the following categories.
Hydrok Welcome
Hydrok UK Ltd was established in 1996 and occupies a purpose
built 14,000 sq ft factory in mid Cornwall. Our skilled workforce produces
over 60 screens
per month, this output will more than double when our second factory
is completed during 2004.
Hydrok is also committed to an expansion program in 2004 that will provide
installation teams nationwide, backed up with a third factory in Scotland.
Our website will provide information regarding our core products, and contains
sufficient data to assist in the design of engineering solutions for
various screening requirements. We have provided detailed information on
screen performance, and advice on screen selection and sizing to provide
the most
appropriate and cost effective
specifications. We take pride in providing simple solutions to sometimes
quite complex problems. Our experienced design team is available to discuss
your
requirements, and
should one of our standard products not be suitable, our in house manufacturing
facility will produce bespoke designs.
Hydrok Design
Our design team includes engineers from different backgrounds,
bringing together expertise from both civil and mechanical sectors. This
enables us
to respond to enquiries with proposals that often influence chamber
design, and regularly eliminate the need to extend existing, or build new
chambers.
Maximum benefit will be obtained by involving our team at an early stage
of the design. It is at this stage we can consider a retro fit screen
into an existing chamber, or an alternative solution that may reduce civil
works. All of our products are manufactured in house. We provide a seamless
transition from concept, through design, into manufacture and on to installation
and
maintenance.
Hydrok Safety
Safety is paramount both within our manufacturing facility,
and when operating on site. During the design of our products particular
attention is paid to
the safety of the installers, and personnel who will be involved in
the future operation and maintenance of equipment. All staff are fully trained
to carry out the tasks required. To maintain our excellent safety record
we employ a full time safety officer who constantly monitors safety issues
and
ensures that the best safe practices
are adhered to. Due to our approach to safety, Hydrok has completed in excess
of 2000 installations without incident.
Hydrok Service
An extremely high level of service and support will be provided
at every stage of each project. Initial contact is usually through our sales
administration, at this stage
your enquiry is allocated a file number that will follow the project
through to completion. Budget estimates will be provided on request, fully
itemised quotations with conceptual drawings will be provided within seven
working days. Upon receipt of an order drawings will be issued for approval
and delivery thereafter within 4 weeks. A screen installation service is
available, all work to be carried out by our own engineers. Each screen will
be despatched
complete
with installation instructions and
drawings, and all necessary fixings to complete the installation. Commissioning
when necessary will be carried out by our own engineers. Once installed our
products are supported by our own maintenance engineers, we maintain a stock
of spare parts that enables us to respond within 24 hours
for the service of standard products.
Hydrok Products
Peak Screens
Mec Mex and Air Mex
Screen Pack
Spray Bars
Eco-Power Packs
Other Products - Channel Cleaner, Lifiting Gear, Safety Nets, Screening Retention
Systems, Surveys, Installations
You must have Adobe Reader installer on you comuter to read these product sheets.
Hydra Lock Welcome
The Hydra Lock range of tube locking systems has been created
for connecting round, square and flat oval tubing. This highly original system
was developed
in-house and has progressed internally from concept, mock-ups and working
prototypes to production tooling and the finished product. The Hydra Lock
offers manufacturers of tubular products a new, simple and cost effective
means of joining tubes of almost any size.
Hydra Lock Applications
The Hydra-Lock is an exciting new device for joining and locking
tubes securely together.
Typical applications of "Hydra Lock" are:-
The assembly of tubular products with Hydra Lock is simple and quick
requiring only a small
key. Equally, products can be dismantled for repair or maintenance
just as quickly, and
can be used over and over again.
Click Here to open our
Hydra Lock Price List. You must have Adobe Reader installer on you comuter
to read the price list.
Autosteer Welcome
The Auto Steer wind vane steering systems, manufactured and
marketed by Hydra Engineering, are designed for small yachts from 3.5m to
18.5m in length. This practical and highly flexible design allows the system
to be fitted
to a wide variety of sailing craft and has been used extensively and
successfully across the world’s oceans. Unlike many auto-helm systems,
Auto Steer needs no electric power or electronic parts. The motor power is
simply the wind on the vane – cheap, clean
and environmentally friendly. Precision made components crafted from the
highest grade of materials, combined with carefully monitored assembly, bestows
a
reliability that has been proven
in the harshest of environments.
Autosteer Design
The Auto Steer was designed by a yachtsman for a range of yachts and comes
in two sizes, the Trim Tab for vessels up to 10.5m (35 ft) and the Servo
Pendulum for vessels from 7.5m (25 ft) up to 18.5m (60 ft).
Auto Steer wind vane steering systems are designed to maintain control of
the boat’s direction leaving the helmsman free to keep a look out,
carry out general repairs, navigate or even sleep. For a boat of average
steering characteristics Auto Steer should maintain a course as well as a
good helmsman but for much longer and at speeds from 2 knots to maximum hull
speed, under all sailing conditions for both offshore and coastal cruising
The manufacture utilises modern engineering techniques and all moving parts
are virtually frictionless. This allows accurate step less steering at all
times. The design and quality of manufacture and materials will ensure that,
with the minimum of maintenance, the system will give many years and many
thousands of miles of satisfactory operation.
Autosteer Safety
Day or night, rain or shine, Auto Steer will guide your boat
on your pre-set course leaving the helmsman free to concentrate on, keeping
a good look out,
sail trimming and all the other jobs that require constant attention on deck.
The Trim Tab works directly on the rudder and does not increase your boat’s
overall length. There are no ropes, pulleys or other bits of gear to
make the deck more cluttered and unsafe. The Servo Pendulum is demountable
and can be stowed in a cockpit locker within seconds of dropping the anchor,
without dismantling anything except
removal of the wind vane, leaving only the mounting shoe neatly secured
to the transom. Auto Steer is simple and efficient to use in all weathers,
day or night. There is no need to leave the security of the cockpit even
on a centre cockpit
boat.
Autosteer Specification
Trim Tab - click here for PDF
• All materials and finishes to Admiralty standard
•
Castings are from LM25 aluminium which are alochromed (1200) and black polyester
powder coated.
•
All stainless steel components and fastenings are marine grade stainless.
•
Other machined aluminium parts are black anodised.
•
Bearings: Delrin.
•
Universal joints: Plastic and non-ferrous metal.
•
Wind vane: 6mm marine ply (treated with three coats of yacht varnish).
•
Blade: Sapele or similar (treated with three coats of yacht varnish).
•
Counterbalance: Lead casting.
•
Height above rudder head 1.4 m
•
Weight: 16kg
Servo Pendulum - click here for PDF
• All materials and finishes to Admiralty standard
•
Castings are from LM25 aluminium, alochromed (1200) and black polyester powder
coated.
•
All stainless steel components and fastenings are marine grade stainless.
•
Other machined aluminium parts are black anodised.
•
Bearings: Delrin.
•
Wind vane: 6mm marine ply (treated with three coats of yacht varnish).
•
Blade: Sapele or similar (treated with three coats of yacht varnish).
•
Counterbalance: Lead casting.
•
Height above deck: 1.3m approx
•
Weight: 28kg
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter the specifications in the course
of product developments.
Autosteer User Comment
"… the Cornish made Auto-Steer, which has received
a great deal of favourable comment from those who've used it. Two versions
are available, the same head unit, with horizontal-axis vane, operating either
a servo-pendulum with tiller lines, (or lines to a wheel drum for wheel steering),
or a trim tab on the trailing edge of transom-hung rudders. Other than being
beautifully engineered, one of the big advantages of the Auto-Steer is its
portability (servo-pendulum unit), it is very simple to remove and stow below.
For those who feel that vane gears detract from the looks of their yacht
this is a boon, on a more practical level it divorces the fatal attraction
that dinghies and vane gears have for each other."
"In April you sent an Auto-Steer unit to me in Auckland. After some
headaches with New Zealand customs the unit fitted perfectly. Five and a
half thousand miles later in Singapore it is as good as when I fitted it.
I found it behaved perfectly in all conditions and was everything I hoped
it would be. When I finish the next leg of the circumnavigation (Singapore
to the Med.) I plan to write an article for Practical Boat Owner about my
varied experience with different self-steering systems. It is good to know
that I will be able to finish with a description of the ideal unit for my
boat."
Behaved perfectly in all conditions.
David L., Bristol, England.
Beautifully engineered.
James C. Ontario, Canada.
" I have recently returned from a two year voyage to South America
in my yacht Iris Mary, fitted with a Trim Tab self steering gear which worked
a trim tab which I had fitted before purchasing your gear. The system worked
well, and it's best feature was that the worse the conditions became, the
more positive was it's control of the boat. It held her running dead downwind
under bare poles for 24 hours without a single broach, in the largest seas
which we have experienced."
Running dead downwind under bare poles.
Bill J., St. Lucia, West Indies
"My Auto-Steer performed superbly all the way from the UK. The crossing
of the Atlantic from Porto Mogan Gran Canaria was a doddle. Even in near
calm going down wind at under 2 knots I was able to trust it implicity.
… poled out the genny with a preventer to stabilise the pole and finished
the trip without exertion, single handed in fourteen days. The Auto-Steer
did all the work Marvellous!"
Auto-Steer did all the work.
Ken E., Anguilla, West Indies
"Your gear worked wonderfully for the first 5600 miles we sailed so
far, and we had wind in excess of 50km on several occasions …"
Worked wonderfully.
Rick W., La Palma, Canary Islands.
" We are leaving today for either Cape Verde's or Barbados depending
on how things are going. We've had to wait a while for the anticyclone to
move from UK! The steering (Auto-Steer) has worked wonderfully and have even
passed on your address to other cruising yachts."
Worked wonderfully.
Graeme H., Texas, USA.
" I can not praise your trim tab system too much. Attached to my South
Coast One Design (SCOD) it has taken me from England down to the Cape Verde
Islands and thence across to the Caribbean. During all the passage making
I have probably only hand steered for one day. From running down the trades
to weathering a few gales my Auto-Steer has truly been worth two extra crew.
Engineering excellence is to be able to achieve a task in the simplest possible
manner. The Auto-Steer does exactly this with its simple rugged construction
of durable materials. I sometimes observe other steering systems with their
shiny intricate watch like mechanisms and wonder how long they may last."
Worth two extra crew.
Originals of these letters may be seen at Hydra Engineering.
Autosteer Cost
Click Here to open our
Autosteer Price List. You must have Adobe Reader installer on you comuter
to read the price list.
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