hydraulic steering
- Thread starter rami gazit
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Big question....why? Not trying to be a jerk just trying to figure out what you expect to accomplish. Generally, hydraulic steering doesn't make a lot of sense unless you're dealing with a much larger boat with larger rudder loads (50'+) or trying to operate multiple steering stations as you would on a boat with a pilothouse and helm in the cockpit. Include an autopilot and you're talking helm pumps, hoses, multiple connections, reservoirs, actuating cylinders, continuous and reversing type autopilot pumps...reversing solenoids......possible fluid leaks, seals to wear out.....
I'd stick with your existing steering system and if you want a below deck autopilot, you should be able to fit a 12v linear drive unit. If you can't, then you could go to a compact hydraulic drive unit with the combination pump/reservoir. Not as simple and probably not as trouble free as the all electric system.
I'd stick with your existing steering system and if you want a below deck autopilot, you should be able to fit a 12v linear drive unit. If you can't, then you could go to a compact hydraulic drive unit with the combination pump/reservoir. Not as simple and probably not as trouble free as the all electric system.
First let me state that I have no experience with Hunters with walk-through transoms. But I do recall friends complaining about the lack of room for below-deck autohelms. Have you pulled the cockpit sole panel to see what space you have? I think your boat has rack and pinion steering. Can you confirm that? If the space is as limited as I have heard then even a 12 volt linear drive might be hard to install. I agree with Alex who "Dared' to ask the question, "why hydraulic on a small boat?"
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Why do you want to change.
I have been looking into it and have all the ifo to do on my 2007 H-36 but going to do some more sailing before I decide weather I should or not.
T have the newer S1 ray auto with wheel motor steering just like the 400 but with the computer and for the most part has been OK except when I made the offshore trip down from NY to Florida,I did have a problem with the auto after running it 24/7 off shore and on about the third it quit working alltogether but I also had a problem with the folding steering wheel and think that's what did in the auto,it was replaced by ray and been working OK ever since but have not done any real heavy weather sailing for periods since.
Ed what type auto do you have.
Nick
Why do you want to change.
I have been looking into it and have all the ifo to do on my 2007 H-36 but going to do some more sailing before I decide weather I should or not.
T have the newer S1 ray auto with wheel motor steering just like the 400 but with the computer and for the most part has been OK except when I made the offshore trip down from NY to Florida,I did have a problem with the auto after running it 24/7 off shore and on about the third it quit working alltogether but I also had a problem with the folding steering wheel and think that's what did in the auto,it was replaced by ray and been working OK ever since but have not done any real heavy weather sailing for periods since.
Ed what type auto do you have.
Nick
Hi Nick, still running with my old Navico WP30. It became Simrad the year after I installed it, 2001 I think. When I was making the decision in 2000 the Ray was not rated for the displacement of my boat(18000). And I liked that the WP30 was all self-contained, no looking for a spot for a fluxgate or a display. It has never failed. I am paranoid enough to have found a spare belt on E-Bay. No hands steering all the way from Huron, Ohio, except when in the narrower ditches. Sadly they are no longer available.
Loading the picture reminds me of another reason I chose the Simrad. When lounging I can easily remove the wheel and secure it on the pushpit.
Loading the picture reminds me of another reason I chose the Simrad. When lounging I can easily remove the wheel and secure it on the pushpit.
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Oh, I'd absolutely not do it.
My only experience with hydraulic steering is doing watches on a friend's Whitby 42. Stout boat for sure, but DANG, steering that thing was NOT a pleasurable experience. Sorta like having sex with twelve condoms on. Not that I would . . you know . .
Stick with a helm with some FEELING. Okay . . . this has gotten bad . . .
My only experience with hydraulic steering is doing watches on a friend's Whitby 42. Stout boat for sure, but DANG, steering that thing was NOT a pleasurable experience. Sorta like having sex with twelve condoms on. Not that I would . . you know . .
Stick with a helm with some FEELING. Okay . . . this has gotten bad . . .
Re: Oh, I'd absolutely not do it.
...that is so funny! I brought a Hatteras MY back from Catalina to Newport Beach and had an awful time feeling the helm. Finally gave up and just did the counter steering by timing and it helped. Feel is what you do give up for lack of friction and smoothness. IMHO, it is a lot to give up but certainly has it's place, but principally on big center-cockpits, cats or motor yachts.
...that is so funny! I brought a Hatteras MY back from Catalina to Newport Beach and had an awful time feeling the helm. Finally gave up and just did the counter steering by timing and it helped. Feel is what you do give up for lack of friction and smoothness. IMHO, it is a lot to give up but certainly has it's place, but principally on big center-cockpits, cats or motor yachts.
Thanks all
My reason to change my wheel pilot is because it does not hold in heavy wheather. even whan properly balanced sheet,every gust brake the balance and the st4000 belt start to slip.I looked for the available place beloe deck but there is very shallow space and a liniar drive will not fit in. I think that hydraulic pump and cylinder will lower the load to about a half so my st 4000 autopilot can handle with it.
My reason to change my wheel pilot is because it does not hold in heavy wheather. even whan properly balanced sheet,every gust brake the balance and the st4000 belt start to slip.I looked for the available place beloe deck but there is very shallow space and a liniar drive will not fit in. I think that hydraulic pump and cylinder will lower the load to about a half so my st 4000 autopilot can handle with it.
Rami,
You're not going to be able to use a below deck drive unit with your existing St4000 equipment. You'll need to replace the whole system.
The way the linear drives are usually installed on boats like yours, the entire drive does not sit in the pan under the removable panel in the cockpit floor. Only the moving end of the linear drive does and it does this through a hole in the side of the pan with a gasket around it.(the linear drive unit sits athwart-ship) The most difficult part of the installation is properly locating the motor or outboard end of the drive unit. If not done correctly and in a very robust way it can easily break loose and you've got big troubles.
You're not going to be able to use a below deck drive unit with your existing St4000 equipment. You'll need to replace the whole system.
The way the linear drives are usually installed on boats like yours, the entire drive does not sit in the pan under the removable panel in the cockpit floor. Only the moving end of the linear drive does and it does this through a hole in the side of the pan with a gasket around it.(the linear drive unit sits athwart-ship) The most difficult part of the installation is properly locating the motor or outboard end of the drive unit. If not done correctly and in a very robust way it can easily break loose and you've got big troubles.
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I will try to post some photo's that were emailed to me from some one who has a S1 auto which uses the wheel drive of the ST4000 that are used on the Hunter 36.
I have been thinking of added the lianar dive to my H-36,but maybe you need to adjust your wheel drive or even replace the belt or maybe see if Raymarrine will check it out for you.
Mine failed on a ocean trip down NY to FL. but not because it would not hold a course it just stopped working and they rebuilt it under warranty and is working just fine.
Here goes with some photo's sent to me how they added the liniar drive.
I will try photo's again
Nick
I will try to post some photo's that were emailed to me from some one who has a S1 auto which uses the wheel drive of the ST4000 that are used on the Hunter 36.
I have been thinking of added the lianar dive to my H-36,but maybe you need to adjust your wheel drive or even replace the belt or maybe see if Raymarrine will check it out for you.
Mine failed on a ocean trip down NY to FL. but not because it would not hold a course it just stopped working and they rebuilt it under warranty and is working just fine.
Here goes with some photo's sent to me how they added the liniar drive.
I will try photo's again
Nick
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