Steering upgrade

[major hattitude]

I have a 1989 74 ft MY (65ft w 9FT cockpit ext.) and want to upgrade my steering. Currently I
have Hynautic steering. Has anyone changed their steering, what system did you use and does it work
good? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rustybucket]

I roughly checked into upgrading to a power steering system a few months back, quickly discovered it was going to be considerably more expensive than I was hoping. I think I quit looking after the total topped $5k and I still had other components to source.

They hynautic is good when maintained and taken care of. What is wrong with your existing system? Most likely cheaper and easier to repair it than attempt to refit a new system.

 

[major hattitude]

My steering has let me down a couple times and would like to upgrade. What systems have you looked at ?

 

[Cricket]

How did it let you down?

Added Teleflex power steering when we did the repower in 2001 (almost 6,000 hrs), have hydraulic pumps on both engines with auto cross over valving in case only 1 engine is working. It's been really great, had 1 small leak in the ram a few years ago, easy seal change.
Also changed all of the hydraulic lines switching over to Hynautic tubing.

Have 1 oddball piece which is a Kobelt helm which has variable output via turning a screw,. probably put that in around 1990, has to have well over 10,000 hrs on it, bulletproof.

If I was going to do an install today would probably go with a self contained electric pump hydraulic system or maybe even an all electric system.
Dometic bought the steering unit from Sierra which already owned Teleflex, Hynautic, Morse, etc.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I'm surprised they built a boat that size without power assisted steering.

I have a friend with a 42 Duffy dive boat, I've run it and his power-assisted steering was nice. I'll ask him what brand it is. You might also look at the Northern Lights web site. They used to sell a very good brand of power steering components, I think they were called Marol. They might still have it.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I'm surprised they built a boat that size without power assisted steering. I have a friend with a 42 Duffy dive boat, I've run it and his power-assisted steering was nice. I'll ask him what brand it is. You might also look at the Northern Lights web site. They used to sell a very good brand of power steering components, I think they were called Marol. They might still have it.

In talking with the Hynautic folks 3/4 years ago, I learned I could’ve greatly reduce the force needed to turn the wheel by simply going up to 3/8” lines from the OEM copper. FWIW, Aslan is very light on the controls on plane. Around the dock, the wheel is heavy. I don’t use much rudder around the dock. But when I do, it’s just a lot easier to engage the pilot and spin the dial.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

My steering was very heavy to turn. After I pulled my rudders and installed new bearings and bushings and new Gore packing, it turns effortlessly. I couldn't believe the difference.

 

[major hattitude]

Anyone know who manufacturers electric steering systems besides ZF !!

 

[jim rosenthal]

Seems to me that if your steering system has let you down, the cure for that might be repairing the system as opposed to adding power steering. Hatteras yachts were built with very high-quality components- mine was built in 1971 and the steering works fine, with periodic maintenance. Perhaps you could get the steering system looked at and see why it stops working sometimes.

 

[oscarvan]

36" wheel and it's a 2 finger operation.....

 

[SKYCHENEY]

36" wheel and it's a 2 finger operation.....

Standard wheel and its one finger. There should not be resistance. It should turn easily.

 

[oscarvan]

Standard wheel and its one finger. There should not be resistance. It should turn easily.

I have delicate fingers.

 

[rustybucket]

In talking with the Hynautic folks 3/4 years ago, I learned I could’ve greatly reduce the force needed to turn the wheel by simply going up to 3/8” lines from the OEM copper. FWIW, Aslan is very light on the controls on plane. Around the dock, the wheel is heavy. I don’t use much rudder around the dock. But when I do, it’s just a lot easier to engage the pilot and spin the dial.

Good info, makes sense, will have to remember that if that project ever rises up the list

 

[luckydave215]

FWIW, Aslan is very light on the controls on plane. Around the dock, the wheel is heavy. I don’t use much rudder around the dock. But when I do, it’s just a lot easier to engage the pilot and spin the dial.

Ohana exibits the exact same steering behavior. Light as a feather on plane, heavy at displacement speeds. The wheels are so big and get such good bite I never need the rudders around the dock, just kiss the plates together as needed. A single rotation of the wheels does plenty.

 

[whoover]

Lucky Dave, nothing moves around the docks like a sportfish. People in my club think I'm a great boat handler but its Hatteras that makes it look it easy.

Walt Hoover

 

[harnett]

Anyone know who manufacturers electric steering systems besides ZF !!

Optimus electric steering is what hatteras / viking currently use.

 

[dcate]

My boat was refitted with C18’s. When done, power steering was added. I don’t like it. Too sensitive. The steering is so light it requires constant attention. (Don’t know if there’s an adjustment for that or not). The hynautic was more stable.

A/P “on” is required for straight line steering.

 

[Photolomy]

My steering is pretty effortless as well. I didn't even know they made power steering, other than auto pilots. But obviously, they do.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

My boat was refitted with C18’s. When done, power steering was added. I don’t like it. Too sensitive. The steering is so light it requires constant attention. (Don’t know if there’s an adjustment for that or not). The hynautic was more stable.A/P “on” is required for straight line steering.

You might look into your rudder alignment and see if you can even it out some. Even trim would also be very important.

 

[dcate]

You might look into your rudder alignment and see if you can even it out some. Even trim would also be very important.

Not thought of rudder alignment but makes sense. I’ll have that checked when I get these tabs working. Right now, I’d describe this boat as “squirrelly”. Thanks so much Robert. It will definitely get checked!