Steering

[Alan Wheeler]

Hi all, I need some advice. My Yacht has hydraulic steering. Marcon from Australia, of which I can not find any info on the company. But aside from that, the current helm takes 7.5 turns from lock to lock. I have been told I should require only 3-4 turns from L-L. So I presume the helm pump is too small a displacement for the Ram. But I want to know from the pro's, is this correct. Do I need a ratio of 3-4 turns on not?
Thanks
Wheels

[delmarrey]

Here are a couple of sites that maybe you could email with questions and hopefully get a response.

http://www.summerequipment.com/

http://www.edsonmarine.com/

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[Jeff H]

Unless this is a very big boat, or a boat that develops large helm forces (in which case you have much bigger problems that should be addressed) 1 1/2 turns to something less than 3 turns is more the norm. When you have a wheel steering system that requires that many turns lock to lock you are moving the wheel through a wider angle to make each adjustment and so the system is more tiring for the helmsmen and uses more power when on the autopilot.

Jeff

[Wahoo Sails]

We sell U-flex hydaulic steering systems where I work. The capaity of the ram should be marked on it, divide that number by the capicity of the helm to determine the amount of turns lock to lock. Hydraulic helms and rams are fairly interchangeable (unless you have an air assisted helm, such as Hynautics). Want to decrease the amount of turns? Increase the capacity of the helm to obtain the ratio you desire. By the way, the U-Flex components (made in Italy) are very reasonably priced, and the best quality I have come across.

L S/V Eva Luna
Bob