Steering location

Steering

I had Wagner Hydraulic steering inside, and a tiller outside. My system had feel. You have to consult with the manufacturers about this. To have no feel with my system, you had to install a separate check valve assembly.

I always felt I could see foreward through the pilothouse, but then I planned the boat for that, and made sure that there were large enough windows, with a good line of sight.

Wire could be o.k. if the run isn't complicated. A complicated run equals lots of friction, in wire. This is no problem for hydraulic.

Hydraulic, however, does wear out its cylinder seals (at the rudder stock) so you should carry extras. At least Wagner vintage 1974 did. I am going to post the interior of a design I am working on in the student designer section of this website. It has a pilot house with inside steering, a dinette, a galley, and a chart table. Of course, the pilot house is 16 1/2' long, and 12 1/2' wide.

 

Hi pjwalsh...Thanks for your reply. I'm assuming by your comments that hydralic steering is much the same as one would expect in an automobile, ie; "A disconnect with the road". In regards to the pilothouse sole height, as drawn it now sits approximately three feet above the cabin sole and one foot above the DWL. Also, I'd be happy to share my design, just give a few days to get the plan sent out to be reduced then scanned into my computer.

 

Thanks Tim Dunn for your reply as well. Do you know if most hydralic systems have "feel" to them which has been removed via a secondary check valve, or is Wagner the exception to the rule?Is Wagner still in production? As for the view forward in the pilothouse I need to keep the windows as small as I can while still having a safe view. This little ship will be crossing oceans and I've read horror stories of large windows being blown out in heavy seas. I'd be very interested in seeing your pilothouse design.

 

Hi pjwalsh...Well, I was finally able to get the drawing reduced in size for your inspection...let me know what you think...Regards

 

Attachment failed before

 

http://www.geocities.com/batwingsy/originally_batwing_was_built_by_.html

This boat has crossed the Pacific, was shipped back to Seattle, and then circumnavigated. The pilot house, unstayed masts, windows, hatches, winch, windlass, anchoring gear, boomkin, windvane--all are the original.

Is a link to the boat in question, so you can see the pilot house.
The matter of feel is not discussed on the websites for hydraulic steering.

http://www.wagnersteering.com/other.html
http://www.kobelt.com/steering.html
http://www.hydrive.com.au/commercial.htm

are hydraulic steering links.

Tim Dunn

 

Kudu, do you have a lines drawing for this hull? That engine looks awfully low. The boat would have to be super heavy, narrow, and have very slack bilges and garboards for that engine to be in that location.

Tim Dunn

 

[http://www.hydrive.com.au/commercial.htm

Actually, the hydrive website does discuss it:

"Normally associated with power boats, HyDrive hydraulic steering is ideally suited to yachts of all types. Unlike other hydraulic systems, HyDrive gives you the general sensation or "feel" of cable equipment, allowing you to assess the load on the rudder etc. but without the problems and maintenance normally associated with mechanical steering systems."

Don't believe the no maintanence part. At least on the Wagner, the hydraulic ram seals had to be replaced fairly frequently.

Tim Dunn

 

Hi Tim...As a matter of fact several improvements were made to the original design;
... After the redesign of the bow, 2'' were added to the beam
now (14'2''). 6'' to the draft now (6'6''). Displacement went
from 41,000 lbs. to 46,500 lbs. LOA 48'7.5''. In addition to all
that, the engine was raised 12'' from it's former location.