Been looking more and more on this. The cockpit helm is a regular steering
pedestal. The chain is a full loop. Below the chain is on a hydraulic helm pump with a chain cog.
The pilothouse helm is the same setup just shorter distance between the helm axle and pump cog.
Both pumps are big seastar capilano pumps. I looked at the manual and it looks like I can disable the internal lock on these pumps by pulling the check balls. I could then use one of those sail lock valves to lock or in lock as I need.
I have twin seastar hydraulic cylinders. I will have to grab a picture later. I don't think I nessesarily need 2. So taking direction from you all, I change the
plumbing so cockpit helm is on one and pilothouse helm and autopilot is on the other. If I use a sail lock for both helms I can lock to use as normal, and when I use autopilot. And unlock when I need feeling.
Am I on the correct direction on this. Not sure how much resistance is going to be felt from the other cylinder and helm pump even if the valve is opened In the other system. Do I also need a valve between the
ports of the cylinder or does the sail locking valve essentially do the same thing. Thinking that there needs to be a valve for the pilothouse helm side, otherwise the wheel will spin and have extra unneeded resistance. Where can I get remote versions of these valves, push pull cable type. Been having trouble locating these.
I'm hoping this works, as I can reuse
parts and helm pump without a large investment as I would have had to do with switching to mechanical cable steering.