Yacht hydraulic steering

On larger boats, Vetus marine hydraulic power steering is a comfortable and safe steering system. The effort required at the helm is only about 10% of a non-powered steering system.

You could if you wished steer the boat with your little finger. Because of this, the steering wheel diameter is smaller than normal... a wheel diameter of just 360 mm will usually suffice. 

Hydraulic steering systems are safe... should there be an engine failure, then the steering system will still be available via "manual" hydraulics. 

The hydraulic pump unit is in fact a rotating proportional valve, which will direct the oil flux towards the rudder cylinder.

By turning the wheel, this control unit will be opened and the flux of the hydraulic fluid, which is actuated by the hydraulic pump on the main engine, will be despatched to the cylinder.

The quantity of hydraulic fluid that will be circulated is dependent on the model of steering pump, the number of steering wheel revolutions and the speed with which the wheel is turned. Vetus steering pumps have a so called “closed” midway position, ensuring that there will be no oil flux as long as the wheel remains untouched.

Many resist changing to hydraulic steering and steering controls, due to a loss of feel or feedback. This is a prejudice many manufacturers are targeting.

New improved performance, and unique oil balanced design make the latest helm units the ultimate for yacht steering, where feed-back to the wheel is required.

Efficiency of design means that even small loads can be sensed at the wheel, giving the “feel” of mechanical steering, but with all the safety and advantages of hydraulics.

As a result of years of intense research and development, modern hydraulic steering is:

1.fully compatible with hydraulic autopilots

2.totally manual - no power required

3.easy to fit to wind-vanes

4.safe and reliable

5.offers cost savings on expensive steering quadrants (Overall costs on a complete hydraulic system will most likely work out considerably less that an equivalent cable system of equal quality and power).