RIB Hydraulic problems

-77Columcille · 16 April 2020, 16:38

Hallo all, hope you,re all coping with these difficult times. Quick question - I have a slight leak at the helm of my 6m Humber destroyer. There is a large stain underneath the helm . I,ve checked if it needs topped up , but seems full. Do I need to buy a whole new hydraulic unit or can you just buy seals. Its a Baystar helm 4314 -3 1.4cu/in. Martin

breezeblock · 16 April 2020, 16:43

I would think a replacement is the best option as in these there is a georotor pump and they are a cow of a thing you will probably find the shaft is worn or pitted anyway if you do fancy a bash at repairing it take the seals and go to somebody that does hydraulic rams or frp I don't know if theres many places up your neck of the woods but around us I use thistles in denny

-77Columcille · 16 April 2020, 16:54

Thanks for your help. Think you,re right need to buy a new one. Hopefully Seastar are not currently closed. Cheers

phantom 19 · 16 April 2020, 20:58

If it is full to brim they can leak out of the vented cap in hot weather.

If not venting and if o ring in filler plug is intact then it is usually the shaft seal which is available separately and changeable in situ. I have a few new Seastar/Baystar seal kits if needed. The rest of it rarely leaks as gasketed joints and o ring seals.