How to Convert Inboard Boat to Hydraulic Steering
Hydraulic steering systems offer many advantages over other steering types. The helm (steering wheel and hydraulic pump) has a smoother feel to its operation. The hydraulic system has good feedback at the helm, allowing the helmsman to feel the forces on the rudder without the rudder being able to overpower the wheel. Hydraulic helms have check valves in them that will prevent the wheel from turning itself because of hydraulic feedback, making it easier to maintain a course without constantly holding pressure on the wheel.
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Things You'll Need
- Mechanic's tools
- Drill motor
- Drill bits
- Hydraulic helm unit
- Copper tubing
- Tubing flare tool
- Tubing cutter
- Flare-nuts
- Flare-nut wrenches
- Hydraulic ram
Instructions
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1
Remove all of the old steering components. Unbolt the helm and remove any control cables or the push-pull cable in a Teleflex helm. Unbolt and remove all cable blocks, pulleys and cheek blocks from the steering system. Remove any connectors from the tiller arm or steering quadrant.
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2
Drill holes in the helm mounting surface to match the mounting holes on the new helm. Drill a large hole in the middle of the helm mounting position to allow clearance for the hydraulic lines. Place the helm in position and bolt it down firmly.
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3
Mount the steering ram in the steering compartment. Drill a hole in the end of the tiller arm or in the middle-outer edge of the steering quadrant. Mount the piston end of the ram to the tiller. Find the center of travel on the steering ram by pulling it all the way out, then halfway back in. Center the tiller then drill a mounting hole where the ram cylinder end intersects the bulkhead or a framing member. Bolt the cylinder end of the ram firmly.
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4
Stretch out two lengths of copper tubing. Snake the tubing through the desired route between the helm and the ram. Cut the tubing to length with the tubing cutter. Install a flare nut onto each end of the tubing. Flare each end of the tubing with the flare tool.
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5
Thread the flare nuts onto the nipples on the helm. Tighten the flare nuts firmly. Fill the helm with hydraulic fluid and rotate the helm until fluid comes out of the tubes at the far end to bleed the air from the system. Identify the copper tubes at the helm and connect the tubes to their appropriate side of the ram. Turn the helm both full right and full left to check the travel on the tiller arm. Make any adjustments by moving the ram cylinder mounting bolt until full travel is achieved.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not crimp or kink the copper hydraulic lines as they are routed through the boat. All turns in the tubing must be gentle to avoid restricting fluid flow to and from the ram.
