Lock to Lock

Hightower · 25 April 2005, 21:01

I'm going the hydraulic route on steering and have the following questions before I buy.

1. How many turns lock to lock should a typical system have?

2. Would a "quick turn" helm require more input effort from the steering and how much more?

I ask because I have an option on a high displacement vetus helm with a smaller cylinder. Standard system is 5.5 turns from port-starboard with the new helm it's 3.5 turns.

3. What typical material are the cylinders, Alloy or SS?

4. Views on Baystar, Hydrive, and Vetus units?

Andy

Rogue Wave · 25 April 2005, 21:12

1. How many turns lock to lock should a typical system have?

3.5 is good. I was driving a large Ribcraft with a 4.5 turn lock on it this weekend and it was a bugger to park. I much prefer the more responsive systems when out in the water also

2. Would a "quick turn" helm require more input effort from the steering and how much more?
Your'e a big lad so don't worry. Even cable steering on an Opti 150 doesn't take much effort to turn

I ask because I have an option on a high displacement vetus helm with a smaller cylinder. Standard system is 5.5 turns from port-starboard with the new helm it's 3.5 turns.

cool

4. Views on Baystar, Hydrive, and Vetus units?
don't know Hydrive. Never had any problems with Baystar and Vetus kit is always well made! In theory there ain't a lot to go wrong on a Hydraulic steering ram if it's well made and properly installed.. I am sure your experienced eye can tell you if it's made right!

Hightower · 25 April 2005, 21:27

Stu, thanks! I was concerned about the weight of the steering, not for me but for my daughter or someone of a lesser stature.

Got that design for your dash yet? I'm of to China in 2 weeks and might have some free time before to come up with something?

codprawn · 25 April 2005, 22:35

I much prefer a "quick rack" - I chose NOT to go with the vetus because - for a 225hp they were only available in 5.5 turns

Hightower · 25 April 2005, 23:16

yeh, but the Vetus one I was looking at was the 175hp rated kit, but vetus had a back order of the helms but had the 300hp rated one on the shelf which is a higher capacity pump and hence a quicker lock to lock than the standard 5.5 one.

Hightower · 27 April 2005, 16:54

Just to update a little.

After phoning around I found that the Baystar unit has recently been upgraded and is offered as a Baystar Plus system. I have been told it has a modified Alloy helm insted of the plastic one and has 7 pistons insted of the 5. The "link" Ram has been replaced by a "bull horn" cylinder of the equal pressure type. I think this is a good move on the Baystar front and will be investing in one of these in the near future.

Andy