Steering system issue

[jtingram2691]

So I recently started working on a 64' Hatteras motor yacht, after the previous captain disappeared on the owner. This is my first time taking on this role, as I was previously a mate for a tour boat company. I'm still very new to this level of boating, so my apologies for my lack of knowledge.

The steering is jittery when turning to port and occasionally difficult coming out of port, starboard turning is easy past neutral rudder position as well as coming back to neutral. I looked into the control arm compartment and found some damage to the steering cylinder, the rubber covering the rod was torn open.

When testing the steering at dock, I had no issue (aside from an initial stick in hard left rudder) going hard port to hard starboard. I cannot see any leaks aside what might have come out of the rubber that covered the rod. But the turning was previously difficult while underway.

I'm waiting to hear back from Teleflex about the SeaStar steering cylinder. Aside from the rubber covering needing to be replaced, any thoughts about trying to fix this issue? The owners manual doesn't specify for one-sided steering difficulties.

(the first keeps uploading upside down, sorry)
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[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Sounds like rudders need to be centered up if they favor one side underway but need similar force at rest. The 'jittery' feeling and sticking when reversing sound like air in the line. The torn bellows is just corrosion protection. Being torn makes it easier to spot a leak on that end of the cylinder.

So, I would drive it at idle in a straight line and then cast your eyes upon the rudder tillers to see if they're offset. Could easily be just one rudder that's out.

Where's all that red fluid coming from?

[Captain Ralph]

Where's all that red fluid coming from?

Yep, where is the fluid coming from.
How much pressure in the system and fluid level?
Where is the boat?

[jtingram2691]

I had assumed the fluid came from the bellow, I will try to pin point where it came from once it is cleaned up. It's extremely difficult to move further into the compartment let alone look around.

The pressure last I check read about 23 psi, with a range listed as 20-30 operating psi on the reservoir and manuals. The level was showing about 2/3 above low fluid mark (1/3 below max fill line).

The ship is currently docked in Virginia Beach.

[krush]

The ship is currently docked in Virginia Beach.

It's a boat.

[Captain Ralph]

It's a boat.

Ship happens.