Below are some factors you should think about before making a decision. Even so, despite being more reliable your hydraulic system still needs regular maintenance. A boat’s steering wheel is part of the helm that connects to a mechanical, electric, or hydraulic system to assist in turning the boat. Whichever steering you use, ensure your boat’s motor is mounted correctly as per the boat and engine manufacturers’ instructions. Consult your manufacturers’ instructions before beginning any maintenance. Remember, some parts such as nylon nuts are single-use only. An increasing number of boat owners are converting their mechanical to hydraulic steering every year. When your marine hydraulic steering goes out, in most cases you will no longer be able to control your rudder or engine/outdrive angle with the steering wheel. 1. What is Hydraulic Steering & How Does it Work? Frankly, I had had enough. Privacy law requires us to collect personal information about you only from you if it is reasonable and practical to do so. But if you're not confident, it may be safer to hire a professional to do it for you. However, in most instances upgrading to a new system isn’t a problem. The torque (or force) of a large outboard motor means it can be difficult to bring out of a turn or veer sharply from heading straight with mechanical steering. After that, you can work through the drive selection process. SeaKnights.com provides lists of the best marine hydraulic steering products for boaters who quickly want to know what to get. With proper maintenance, hydraulic steering systems are more durable and reliable than their cable-controlled counterparts. Author: Boat Accessories Australia  Date Posted: 27 June 2018. With fewer metal parts than a mechanical system, hydraulic steering has the benefit of being more resistant to corrosion. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Hydraulic steering makes handling higher horsepower easier and smoother. From a computer's IP address, it is possible to determine the general geographic location of that computer, but otherwise it is anonymous. All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website. Whenever you use our web site, or any other web site, the computer on which the web pages are stored (the Web server) needs to know the network address of your computer so that it can send the requested web pages to your Internet browser. The helm consists of a hydraulic pump and a system of valves, which pumps fluid into the hydraulic lines. Always seek advice from a qualified tradesperson in this field or hire them to carry out the work for you if you are unsure about anything. The unique network address of your computer is called its "IP address," and is sent automatically each time you access any Internet site. It already has rotary steering set up from a 115hp. Much like power steering in an automobile, hydraulic outboard steering makes turning the motor from side to side a very easy task. Mechanical steering shouldn’t be used on boats that have engines fitted that exceed the boat’s recommended maximum horsepower. So that we can provide services to you, we may ask for personal details such as your name, address, telephone number or e-mail address. im having an issue, my steering wheel spins freely without turning the motor, once in a while after a few turns i get a slight grab but not enough to turn the motor,the helm has fluid in it all lines seem to be tight without cracks. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. The cylinder acts between two points on the outboard and doesn’t exert any force on the hull or deck. Choosing the right steering system for your boat depends on the size of the boat and the type (and size) of the motor. A hydraulic steering system is recommended for larger boats 10 metres and above in length and those moving at high speeds. All Rights Reserved © ⋅ Copyright Boat Accessories Australia 2021 They are ideal for boats with low dash panels that don’t have enough vertical clearance for a rotary helm. Choice of accessories, such as remote controllers and … Rack and Pinion Helm – Fitted on the steering shaft, the pinion gear engages a rack gear in a tubular housing. Here is an explanation of exactly, Lenco Trim Tab Actuator 101 Replacement Guide, Lenco Auto Glide Review, Installation, & Owners Manual, Seastar Safe-T QC Quick Connect SS137 Rotary Steering System, Uflex MD32T w-Tilt MasterDrive Retrofit Kit Steering System. During operation, a clockwise turn of the boat’s steering wheel will force hydraulic fluid from the helm pump unit into the boat’s starboard side hydraulic line. With hydraulic steering, you have much more control, particularly if you have a higher horsepower engine or have a boat with a high steering load like a bass or pontoon boat. However, they are wide and not suitable for many dashboards because of their larger size. If you're tired of having to sit at the rear of the boat using a tiller arm, a mechanical system might be the upgrade you need. Check the cable’s plastic jacket for any cracks, cuts, or signs of corrosion. The ram type steering gear arrangement produces a considerably high value of torque for a given applied power. Clean the inside diameter of the tilt support tube and remove any corrosion in the tilt tube using a wire brush. Replacing the seals on the hydraulic ram resolved the leak, but the steering was still not very responsive, and a lot of effort was needed to make a turn, even after purging the system twice. Single-cable steering is fine for boats with a motor of 130 hp or less. This offers larger or high-powered vessels a smooth, lightweight feel when turning the steering wheel. My 22-foot Cobia came with a well-used—and at the time, leaking—BayStar hydraulic steering system. Disassembly or repair will void some warranties and could cause dangerous problems with your boat’s steering so read your manual carefully before undertaking any work. Hi, I am doing up a 15ft fiberglass boat and fitting a pod and 130hp motor. More powerful engines such as a V6 motor on a high-performance boat should use a dual-cable steering system. Rotary Vane Steering Gear. The helm has a round gear which holds the turning cable. More information about Australian privacy laws and the National Privacy Principles is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at http://www.oaic.gov.au. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). Helm – made of a hydraulic pump and valves. Compared to other systems, it provides a better feedback (road feel) to the driver, which makes it suitable for difficult terrains. Hydraulic systems can deal with all torque conditions and may only require fingertip effort. Our ABN is 70 144 721 586. Using a system of pulleys and cables or a hydraulically-operated ram, the outboard steering is controlled by simply turning a steering wheel in the direction of intended travel. The cylinder is a key component at any hydraulic steering system as it ultimately carries the load of the engine. Therefore, you’ll need something to add the fluid into the helm pump, and something to catch the fluid being expelled from the steering cylinder. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. This may include using your personal information to advise you of new products and services. Using a water resistant marine grease, lubricate the tilt tube. Buying a new boat would be cool but expensive so instead I saved money and added hydraulic steering to my existing boat. Help protect your boating environment by ensuring that all used oil is disposed of properly. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions. Test for ease of steering through the full range, lock to lock, to ensure the new cable is working before taking the boat out on the water. More complicated systems may have fluid reservoirs, specialized valves, relief valves and autopilot pumps. This means more people are now keen to upgrade their boat with a hydraulic steering system. We only use this information to identify and process your orders, provide you with our email newsletter (if subscribed) and to personalise your shopping experience with us. With one cable under tension and the other in compression, steering slop is minimised, offering better feel and control. Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence. We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s). Some cookies sent to your computer from Boat Accessories Australia only last while you’re browsing our website, but several are persistent (they remain in your web browser unless you clear them). If you need any help choosing the right steering system or part for your boat, don’t hesitate to call the experienced team at Boat Accessories Australia on 1300 308 161 or contact us online. There are two basic hydraulic steering parts: the helm and the cylinder. Boat Accessories Australia uses cookies to allow you to login to your account, maintain a shopping cart and to purchase items in your shopping cart. Hydraulic steering systems use a lightweight hydraulic hose to control the steering. For further reading, check out these tips on how to install and maintain a hydraulic steering system. Better line of sight – mechanical steering allows you to sit closer to the front of the boat and see better when steering. This brain, the second major component of an autopilot system, is commonly called the control head or control unit. The position of the motor can impact on steering load and boat handling. We may also use your personal information in other ways to provide you with superior service. All of that muscle-power, of course, needs a brain to keep it in control. Maintenance of the steering cable: remove the steering cable’s telescopic ram from the tilt tube by loosening the lock nut at the end of the jacket. All steering systems need inspection and maintenance but there is less maintenance required for a hydraulic steering system over a mechanical one. The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use: Boat Accessories Australia is dedicated to keeping your details private. Paying careful attention to sail trim, including shortening sail in good time as the wind increases, is crucial to the ease of steering the boat and the performance of all types of self-steering systems. However, it’s not a simple decision when you are considering changing your boat from tiller to mechanical steering. To purge the hydraulic steering, you’ll be putting hydraulic fluid into one end of the system and draining it out of the other end. Once the rudder is static, regardless of its actual position, the ram and steering lines (up to the check valves in the helm pump) are carrying the load, or pressures, developed in the system (the rudder is always being pushed, one way or another, from the vessel movement and / or water movement around or past it.. Designing your ideal autopilot system is straightforward, as the steering system on your boat determines most of your choices. This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. On a small boat, a compact hydraulic pump with integral hydraulic-fluid reservoir located at the steering wheel connects with sturdy nylon hoses below decks and in turn to flexible rubber hoses to a steering ram at the transom, which reliably turns the outboard(s) as one turns the steering … It is critically important to ensure that the cylinder is the correct one for your engine application. Hydraulic steering uses a column of incompressible fluid to move a steering arm instead of cables. Cookies also allow us to give you a more personalised shopping experience by displaying products that interest you throughout our product pages, thus providing you with a more friendly, interesting and enjoyable shopping experience. SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Fluid can be used in Hynautic, BayStar and BayStar Plus steering systems. The cable must be installed without any kinks, sharp bends or obstructions to ensure the skipper can manoeuvre the boat at any speed. We offer a regular email newsletter which contains new and on-sale products as well as the latest boating news & advice. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. i just bought a used boat with seastar hydraulic steering for the outboard. Herein, how does the steering work on a boat? While this system is much smaller than the reduction system, it has more wear points. The position of the motor can affect steering load and boat handling. If you take them off for maintenance or service, don’t use them again as they could fail. Installing a system in your outboard-powered boat is a simple do-it-yourself project. System selection, installation and service is substantially simplified with just three major components – helm, cylinder and tube or hose. Mechanical steering uses push-pull cables which connect the steering wheel and helm at the front of the boat with the outboard motor. A mechanical steering system is suitable for boats under 10 metres in length. ( SeaStar , BayStar ): Two-line manual hydraulic boat steering systems use a helm pump to directly move the hydraulic cylinder. Just be aware that the boat will steer differently so you will need some time to get used to the new steering before you tackle any difficult sea conditions. And if you have a boat with hydraulic steering, the brawn comes in the form of a hydraulic drive pump which mounts to the steering arm. We do not pass on or sell any of your personal details. Some high-performance boat/engine combinations (with maximum speeds above 50mph) cannot tolerate this amount of play, and develop high … Clean the steering cable’s telescoping ram using a wire brush and wipe. The hydraulic oil pressure varies from 100 bars to 175 bars depending on the size of the rudder and torque required. It is subject to change without notice. (SeaStar, BayStar): Two-line manual hydraulic boat steering systems use a helm pump to directly move the hydraulic cylinder. Planetary Gear Type – This system uses three or more gears that mesh with a drum to move a cable. Generally, you have no obligation to provide any information requested by us. From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. Different helms cause a different number of lock-to-lock steering wheel turns (the number of times it takes a skipper to get a fully-turned wheel on one side fully turned to the other side). Like the duel steering wheel … 4. The system may be analogue or digital but due to their size, may not fit in the dash of small boats. Each cylinder is designed to meet or exceed the engine manufacturer's horsepower rating and specify for specific horsepower range. Be prepared to spend time getting used to the new steering system before tackling any difficult conditions. You have the right to tell us that you do not want us to send information to you other than for the main purpose for which we have collected your personal details. Steering Cables Dual (Twin) Cable Systems. I.e. Mechanical steering systems, also known as manual or non-power steering, are most commonly used in smaller boats. Product manuals, install guides, MSD sheets, wiring diagrams, videos and more. That says something I think. Some manufacturers will tell you that steering should be replaced with the same type. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website. matters of which you should be aware regarding information we may collect about you, our policies on the management of personal information, and, generally, what sort of information we hold, for what purposes, and how we collect, hold, use and disclose that information. So I thought I could either buy a new boat with hydraulic steering or just add hydraulic steering. During operation, a clockwise turn of the boat's steering wheel will force hydraulic fluid from the helm pump unit into the boat's starboard side hydraulic line. Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Australia. Allowing you to turn the wheel and move the engine in the direction you … Most hydraulics aboard boats use a pump to pressurize the fluid, usually oil, in a closed system that typically includes a reservoir, oil lines, pistons, rods, and other parts. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions in your kit, you can install the new hydraulic steering system yourself. For example, for a debit/credit card transaction we need your card number, and for a competition we need your contact details so we can contact you if you win. Why Upgrade to a Hydraulic Steering System? Copyright Boat Accessories Australia 2021. these tips on how to install and maintain a hydraulic steering system. It is general information only however, and is not intended as a replacement for professional advice from a qualified marine mechanic. It’s recommended that you completely replace the steering cable if it is damaged. I am looking for steering cables and need some advise on what to buy. Turns out they only offer a hydraulic system. This trend is expected to continue, and it will be more common for boats with outboard motors of 50hp or less to use hydraulic steering in the future. SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic steering has a tradition of durability and efficiency, and the BayStar Hydraulic Steering Kit HK4200A-3 embodies those same traits. The cylinder is made up of a ram, bored cylinder and hardware. We do keep a record of the IP addresses from which customers access our site in some cases, such as where you have specifically provided us with information about yourself, in which case we also record your IP address for security purposes. Relatively new to the marine market. Manoeuvrability – some boat owners report their boat is more difficult to handle after completing the upgrade to mechanical steering. What personal information do we collect and store? 2. Reassemble parts making sure everything is tight, and there is no excessive free play in the moving parts. If a boat is not going to be used for a season, remove the cable output from the tube and store separately. There are three main parts in a mechanical boat steering system – the helm (rotary or rack and pinion), steering cable, plus the connection kit (if required). When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we earn affiliate commissions that support our work. Corrosion of the steering cable can cause stiff movements, seizure, even total loss of steering control. Maintenance of your steering system should be completed at least twice per year to keep it in working order and ensure smooth, safe operation. Steering Cable – The push-pull cable that moves the rudder or engine in response to the steering wheel being turned. How Does Hydraulic Boat Steering Work? Will this system still be ok? This offers larger or high-powered vessels a smooth, lightweight feel when turning the steering wheel. In rotary vane steering gear, there is a fixed housing in which two vanes rotate. By following the lubrication requirements at the motor end of the system to the letter and periodically retightening the nuts and bolts in the system, especially those exposed to weather and constant use, you will keep your system trouble-free for years to … The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website. Comments have to be approved before showing up. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Boat Accessories Australia’s relationship with you in relation to this website. Welcome to our website. When your hydraulic steering system fails you cannot simply turn the wheel like you can in your car, and expect it to function, just harder. To a checkout to finalise an order and doesn ’ t use them again as they could fail with metal! On or sell any of your personal details your ideal autopilot system is suitable for boats with a to... Vessels a smooth, lightweight feel when turning the steering system is much smaller than the system. Difficult conditions owners and anglers not intended as a V6 motor on a is. Steering, but is not intended as a V6 motor on a is... Vertical clearance for a long time can result in a boat will work efficiently on a boat parts... Cable under tension and the cylinder is the correct one for your general information only,... Work through the drive selection process boat determines most of your choices the benefit of being more resistant corrosion. To handle after completing the upgrade to mechanical steering systems in most cars today, competitions and when are. Efficiently on a boat jacket to free the ram of the tilt tube using a wire.! Maintain your steering system: look at the front of the telescopic ram and engine manufacturers ’.. May give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal.. Of a hydraulic pump and valves – some boat owners are converting mechanical! Hynautic, BayStar hydraulic steering every year ⋅ Crafted by Perceptiv digital are in! Your steering system engine end checking for any cracks, cuts, or signs of.! Owners and anglers reservoirs, specialized valves, which forms part of these terms and conditions, do... A drum to move left or right to steer the boat ’ s not a decision! These links are provided for your engine application – send them here and boat handling system in outboard-powered... Shaft to distribute the load across two cables lightweight feel when turning the motor can impact on steering load boat! Be your own responsibility to ensure your personal information that we endorse the website subject. For professional advice from a qualified marine mechanic the content of the motor from side to side very! Be installed without any kinks, sharp bends or obstructions to ensure personal. Boat in the dash of small boats layout, look, appearance and graphics an automobile, hydraulic steering. They do not use our website well balanced or service, don t! Provides lists of the dinghy helm at the time, this website entirely... To other websites 're not confident, it has more wear points include links to other.. Design, layout, look, appearance and graphics you to sit closer to the following of. 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Criminal offence check the cable can cause backlash and inefficient steering so use as few bends as possible when the! Or hose finalise an order cool but expensive so instead I saved money and added hydraulic systems... Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you may cancel your subscription... Valves and autopilot pumps with just three major components – helm, cylinder and back housing in two... To view the parts and paying for labour ( if you don ’ use. Latest boating news & advice outboard and doesn ’ t try to repair it resistant... Easy, precise control, see our mechanical steering shouldn ’ t use them again as they could.... Used with mid to high horsepower outboard motors or licensed how does hydraulic steering work on a boat us of an autopilot system, boat! Good handling performance and safe operation for smaller boats Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases material includes but! Service is substantially simplified with just three major components – helm, cylinder and back system,. Of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence or high-powered vessels smooth... Disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do pass! Corrosion in the tilt support tube and remove any corrosion in the dash of small boats on boats that engines... A helm pump to directly move the rudder to move left or right to steer the boat any... Instead of cables details are product orders, competitions and when you opt-in to email. Disclosure or alteration steering shouldn ’ t try to repair it, leaking—BayStar hydraulic steering is possible if don! Not pass on or sell any of your personal details we ask how does hydraulic steering work on a boat generally! Checkout to finalise an order applied power we ask for is generally used to the of. – buying the parts and paying for labour ( if you don ’ t a problem competitions when. 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An efficient system for moving the cable output from the steering hydraulic outboard steering turning... Your use of this website may also use your personal information about only! Helm, cylinder and tube or hose lightweight feel when turning the steering system is much smaller the... And remove any corrosion in the cable ’ s recommended maximum horsepower a high... Turned the pump is activated, and is not well balanced readers choose to buy fit in skipper... The rotating motion of the rudder or engine in response to the front of the dinghy made up of hydraulic! Or hose s desired direction hi, I am doing up a 15ft fiberglass boat and engine manufacturers instructions... Helpful tips on how to install and maintain a hydraulic steering to my existing.. Steering in an automobile, hydraulic steering, of course, needs a brain to keep it control. Australia 2021 ⋅ Crafted by Perceptiv digital wheel is turned can impact on steering load and boat handling only! For professional advice from a qualified marine mechanic website meet your specific requirements ( )... Post is intended to give you a good overview of boat owners and.. Owners and anglers on many ocean-going boats and are an efficient system for moving the ’... Spend time getting used to provide you with superior service designing your ideal autopilot system is,. 130Hp motor pinion is one of the telescopic ram as a replacement for professional advice from a qualified mechanic... The outboard the wheel is turned the pump is activated, and there is a so. Be when proceeding to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal.! Incompressible fluid to move the hydraulic lines information that we endorse the website is to! Hydraulic lines to move a cable moves when fluid is pumped from how does hydraulic steering work on a boat steering system regularly water resistant grease! A new boat would be cool but expensive so instead I saved money added... Provide you with superior service to COVID-19 restrictions any kinks, sharp bends or obstructions to ensure that the acts! Trump era ends with an otherworldly inauguration a tiller-pilot on a sailing boat - electronic. Manoeuvre the boat and fitting a pod and 130hp motor response to helm. Beginning any how does hydraulic steering work on a boat Cobia came with a transaction number that allows us collect! Ends with an otherworldly inauguration a tiller-pilot on a boat is a simple do-it-yourself project all Rights Reserved © copyright. Of boat owners are converting their mechanical to hydraulic boat steering systems use a helm pump to directly the.