The money pit...Steering Problem

[divers4ever]

Does anyone know of any mechanics in the Pompano area who can assist us with our money pit? The PO hid a LOT of issues and we are now paying for them dearly! While moving the boat to a new dock, we lost all hydraulic steering and we have tried to bleed the system ourselves to no avail. We have followed the instruction manual to a T - and my much better half is pretty well-versed in this stuff. We are at a loss at this point, and seeing as we're from another state, we need some help in finding reputable people down here! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

[first big boat]

can't help with a source down there, but when you say you lost steering, did you still have pressure? I know my steering will work with as little as 5 lbs of pressure and about twice a year I have to take my tire pump and add pressure since I have a very slow leak that I haven't gotten around to fixing.

do you have any steering fluid discharge in your aft bilge?

sorry I can't be more help

[REBrueckner]

Not from the area, am here in the NJ cold, but bleeding a system should not be an unusual hassle if you (a) have fixed the leak, (b) insured that the directions and equipment are the same brand name (say, Hynautic) (c) followed the directions.
For Hynautic, opening the bypass valve (square block, two connecting hoses, usually near the hydraulic cylinder under the cockpit floor between the rudder shafts) is critically important to get fluid flow restored and air purged. Are you sure there were not two failures(leaks) and maybe you haven't fixed one? Unusual,I know, but stranger things have happened....

As far as I know, the reommended 15 lbs pressure is purely to keep contaminants out...and should have nothing to do with the actual operation of the system.....

[ThirdHatt]

So sorry to hear of your troubles, but hang in there because ownership will be quite rewarding over time. I have had steering leaks with every Hatt that I have owned. They are not difficult to fix, but can be a real bear sometimes to find the leak(s). You often have to take paneling, etc out of the way to access all lines and connections which is the real time consuming part. Of course, check the easy to get to runs first but check your helm station(s) first for leaks where the lines connect to the helm.

You 'll want to look at and preferably feel all steering lines so that you can find the leak. Run your fingers around all connections and look for wet red liquid. Pay attention to any areas where chafing may occur. Take your time and you WILL find the leak. Then you can pay someone to fix it if you are out of time, but I would suggest finding it yourself if at all possible so that you don't pay somneone's hourly rate while they look.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Pascal]

when you say you lost steering, what do you mean ?

does the wheel turn endlessly or does it go stop to stop and nothing happens ?

first check the level in the reservoir, then pump it up to 15 to 20 psi. Then turn the wheel one way till it builds pressure and gets to teh stop. then trun the other way.

with hynautic, if you get low on fluid or air you don't have to bleed anything, just turn the wheel till it "catches". at least that's how mine works.

you may just have been a little low on fluid which will result in lost of steering, but as explaiend above it's easy to reset.

[Boatsb]

Just remember to turn the wheel slow.