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Call
Teleflex at
604-270-6899 for Hydraulic System Support
FAQ
Hydraulic
Steering Helms
I have an
older Traditional Style Tilt helm, I see that this has been replaced?
This is
correct. We have recently launched the new “Classic Tilt”, and this helm will
replace ALL Traditional Tilt helms. Your hoses and cylinder will work just fine.
The new Classic Tilts have a different style (in regards to cosmetics), and also
comes with the newly designed Tilt Mechanism (much better than the previous).
What is
the replacement part number for the Tilt Mechanism only?
We offer
two models, as follows;
* HA6123 for sport tilt helms (soft rubber boot)
* HA6523 for Traditional and Classic Tilt (hard plastic covers).
I have
noticed that the SeaStar helm cover looks different than the old helms..?
This is
the new cover for the SeaStar helm pump. Only the cover has changed, you will
still enjoy the easy, most reliable steering on the market today. YES – it will
work with older helms as well.
I see
that the BayStar helm that I just purchase is metal and not a composite like my
older one…..why did you do that?
When it
came time to re-tool for this product, SeaStar Solutions made several updates
and improvements to the BayStar helm, one of which was the metal cover. This
will work with all older parts on board your boat. NOTE: You will need to drill
out 4 mounting holes for the new helm (the older one had 3).
I have an
older model pump and want to install a new SeaStar Tilt helm, what adapters will
I need?
Unfortunately you cannot retrofit a tilt helm into the old cut out without
filling in the hole in your dash and re drilling.
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The SeaStar Hydraulic System |
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High-horsepower/high-speed boating is here and steering systems must perform
at maximum capacity. The SeaStar Hydraulic Steering System is designed to
provide that extra margin of muscle when needed. The SeaStar system easily
handles Outboard, Sterndrive and Inboard engines in
boats up to 50 feet.
System selection, installation and service is substantially simplified with
just three major components – helm, cylinder and tube or hose. SeaStar has a
comprehensive range of available cylinders to handle a variety of Outboard,
Sterndrive and Inboard steering applications. These are suitable for both
pleasure and commercial applications. Extra steering stations and/or
autopilots are easily added.
SeaStar hydraulic steering is a total commitment to quality, performance and
simplicity.
SeaStar, the hydraulic steering system that is:
Easy to install...
Only three components: helm, cylinder & tube or hose
Compact and attractive helm design
Variety of helm mounting configurations
Simple tube/hose fitting connections
Clear, complete installation instructions
Easy to fill and purge...
Engineered bleed fittings on the cylinders
A helm and lock valve design that enhances air removal
A no-mess filler device
A filling and purging time of normally less than 30 minutes
Easy to check for proper installation
Easy purging check via filler device
No searching for difficult-to-find air leaks
Easy to turn...
Anti-friction piston points
Designed to provide many years of service...
Precision built
Heavy-duty bearings instead of bushings
All metal construction
No corrosive materials exposed to marine environment
Field replaceable helm and cylinder shaft seals
A no-hassle warranty – 2 years for pleasure use – 1 year for commercial use
SeaStar! Simply the best! |
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SYSTEM COMPONENTS
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SeaStar manual hydraulic steering systems are simple and efficient. The
basic system consists of three main components:
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the helm
pump,
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the
cylinder, and
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the hose or
tubing required to connect the cylinder to the helm pump.
These basic components are necessary in all applications. However as the
system variables increase (e.g.: multiple engines, rudders, steering
stations and autopilots), additional components may be required.
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1. The Helm Unit
The SeaStar helm pump is an axial piston pump specifically designed for
manual steering. It has a built-in lock valve to prevent the steering load
from feeding back to the driver. The lock valve will not allow the rudder or
drive unit to move until you move it with the steering wheel. The lock valve
section of the helm also includes a relief valve. This relief valve provides
over-pressure protection for mechanical components and hydraulic hoses and
fittings.
2. The Cylinder
The most important differences between the variety of SeaStar steering
systems available is the cylinder selection. The SeaStar system has a
cylinder for most steering applications.
3. Hoses and Tubes
Required to provide a path for the fluid to flow under pressure from the
helm pump to the cylinder. |
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HOW IT WORKS
The SeaStar system is a two-line system. This makes operation very simple.
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The steering
wheel, which is attached to the helm pump, is rotated in the desired
direction (i.e.: a turn to starboard or clockwise rotation).
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Oil is
pumped out the corresponding port from the rear of the helm into the
starboard line and then into the cylinder.
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This causes
the cylinder rod, which is attached to the vessels rudder or drive unit,
to move (i.e.: rod moves to port) thus causing the vessel to alter course.
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Oil
displaced from the opposite end (i.e.: the port end) of the cylinder flows
(i.e.: into the port line) back to the helm pump.
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For steering
in the opposite direction, simply turn the helm the other way.
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When no
course corrections are required, the integral lock valve holds the rudder
or drive unit stationary.
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SELECTING A SYSTEM
The objective is to match the steering system to the requirements of the
vessel. This depends on four things:
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type of
vessel (i.e.: planing or displacement),
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type of
propulsion system in the vessel (i.e.: Outboard, Sterndrive, Inboard,
etc.),
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the number
of engines or rudders,
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the total
power of the engines (i.e.: Horsepower).
Next choose a cylinder that best meets these requirements. Once the cylinder
has been selected, the size of the helm pump is predetermined. The options
left to specify are:
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the number
of steering stations,
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helm
configuration (i.e.: standard or tilt helm),
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additional
features such as autopilots.
Proceed to the appropriate section of the web site for to make your
selections.
Notes on Steering Response versus Steering effort
Steering wheel effort is directly proportional to the number of wheel turns
lock to lock. The number of wheel turns lock to lock is dependent on three
things:
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the volume of the cylinder,
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the displacement of the helm pump,
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the allowable movement of the rudder or drive unit.
Less wheel turns lock to lock results in more steering effort. More wheel
turns lock to lock results in less steering effort. However, additional
factors that can influence steering effort are:
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vessel speed,
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rudder size,
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unusual propellor selections,
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hull type (i.e.: displacement, planing, etc.), and
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steering wheel size.
Recommendations made on this web site are guidelines based on average
acceptance of steering effort. |
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