Steering Problems

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by alystra

I'm sure that the 'feel' of hydraulic steering is superior to cable - bit like the difference in cars with and without power steering. But, what about the 'No Feedback system'?

I've found mine no problem (5.3, 90hp.). There's no pull on the helm, it's as easy to turn one way as the other, I can let go of the wheel and she just carries on course. It is a bit 'dead' though and you have to overcome the slight 'stiction' as the clutches disengage when you move the wheel.

Just thought it might be cheaper and less complicated than hydraulic. Any comments?

Don't you mean the other way around? Ever driven a Louts Elise?

[genoa]

Originally Posted by Chris

Once bled they really are a fit and forget item.

Chris

Do you ever need to top up the resevoir on the steering wheel? I havent even checked mine, but sometimes wonder whether I should .....

[Cookee]

As a racer we only use Seastar hydraulic, and Baystar is the recreational equivalent, which as a manufacturer we fit to our smaller engined ribs - we'll have one on the stand at the Southampton boat show if you want to see it! I think Hypro marine are near you and that's who we buy from - nice people!

[Chris]

Originally Posted by genoa

Do you ever need to top up the resevoir on the steering wheel? I havent even checked mine, but sometimes wonder whether I should .....

I have checked it once and it was still up to the top however have not checked for a couple of months so probably should do so.

[The Grocer]

Originally Posted by genoa

Do you ever need to top up the resevoir on the steering wheel? I havent even checked mine, but sometimes wonder whether I should .....

I topped ours up on Monday evening - only a couple of teaspoonsful, some of which dribbled down the console ( must get a syringe from the chemist!).

I suspect the drop in level was caused by temperature differences when bled in February and the glorious summer weather we get up here...

Right, finishing work soon, then probably off for a cruise around Bute.

As long as it doesn't get too hot...

[AndrewH]

Originally Posted by Cookee

As a racer we only use Seastar hydraulic, and Baystar is the recreational equivalent, which as a manufacturer we fit to our smaller engined ribs - we'll have one on the stand at the Southampton boat show if you want to see it! I think Hypro marine are near you and that's who we buy from - nice people!

Thanks for this Cookee. Do you mean the Hypro Marine based in Lymington? If so do you have a point of contact there that you'd recommend talking to?

Chris:

Thanks for the recommendation for Marinautique. You are right - they are just round the corner from me so getting them to bleed the system sounds like a fine idea.

Thanks again everyone

[genoa]

Originally Posted by The Grocer

I topped ours up on Monday evening

Just standard hydraulic fluid, like in the JCB, or is there a marinised version for 5 times the cost that I will invalidate my warranty if I dont use?

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by The Grocer

I topped ours up on Monday evening - only a couple of teaspoonsful, some of which dribbled down the console ( must get a syringe from the chemist!).

I have a slight leak somewhere in my Seastar system, so top off pretty often. I find a small plastic or paper cup pretty handy; simply pour in the amount needed, fold the lip of the cup, and pour away. But have a paper towel handy in case you miss...


jky

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by genoa

Just standard hydraulic fluid, like in the JCB, or is there a marinised version for 5 times the cost that I will invalidate my warranty if I dont use?

Seastar has a recommended fluid; it's the equivalent of aviation hydraulic fluid, I think. The recommended emergency fluid is automatic transmission fluid.

jky

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by AndrewH

Thanks for this Cookee. Do you mean the Hypro Marine based in Lymington? If so do you have a point of contact there that you'd recommend talking to?

Chris:

Thanks for the recommendation for Marinautique. You are right - they are just round the corner from me so getting them to bleed the system sounds like a fine idea.

Thanks again everyone

Ask for Steve at Hypro, but anyone else will sort you out - you just need to tell them what engine it's for. The kit comes with plenty of oil w3hich is the recomended type - hydraulic or ATF will work though.

[Spike]

Just got the Baystar kit suppied & fitted in Poole for £450.00 to my 4.8 Ribcraft, seemed like a fair price . Ribcraft wanted £650.00 when building the boat .

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Spike

Just got the Baystar kit suppied & fitted in Poole for £450.00 to my 4.8 Ribcraft, seemed like a fair price . Ribcraft wanted £650.00 when building the boat .

I don't know why the boat builders take the proverbial so much. Fair enough charge a decent amount for fitting etc but do they really need to make such a profit on every bit of equipment supplied as well? All it does is force people to go elsewhere.

[Spike]

I thought so too, Ribcraft only had to fit it into a empty consol without the tubes on the boat, These guy's in Poole had to remove the existing 'no feedback' teleflex completly....enlarge the boss hole & re-fit the new 'Teleflex' hydrolic system through the boat & bleed it all up.....twice the work for nearly half the money will use um again defo there number is further back on this thread 01202678085

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by codprawn

I don't know why the boat builders take the proverbial so much. Fair enough charge a decent amount for fitting etc but do they really need to make such a profit on every bit of equipment supplied as well? All it does is force people to go elsewhere.

Most times we fit original equipment for retail prices if there is enough margin in the trade / retail differance for us to fit it free of charge. We would rather our boats go out with the best equipment available, and fitted by us at the factory (where it is easier to put in at the appropriate stage of the build.)

[AndrewH]

Originally Posted by Spike

I thought so too, Ribcraft only had to fit it into a empty consol without the tubes on the boat, These guy's in Poole had to remove the existing 'no feedback' teleflex completly....enlarge the boss hole & re-fit the new 'Teleflex' hydrolic system through the boat & bleed it all up.....twice the work for nearly half the money will use um again defo there number is further back on this thread 01202678085

Cool thanks for this Spike. As they are on my doorstep I will be giving them a call in the next month or two.

Andrew