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Hydraulic Steering

Effortless steering for high performance marine engines

WHICH HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

High horsepower, high-speed boating is here and steering systems must perform at maximum capacity. Dometic offers a range of hydraulic steering options designed to provide an extra margin of muscle when needed and easily handles outboard, sterndrive, and inboard engines in boats up to 50 feet.

System selection, installation, and service are substantially simplified with just three major components - helm, cylinder, and tube or hose. Dometic offers a comprehensive range of cylinders to handle a variety of steering applications. These are suitable for both pleasure and commercial applications. Extra steering stations and/or autopilot systems are easily added. 

SELECTING A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

The objective is to match the steering system to the requirements of the vessel.

This depends on 4 things:

1. Type of vessel (planing vs. displacement)

2. Type of propulsion (outboard, sterndrive, inboard)

3. Number of engines or rudders

4. Total power of the engines (horsepower)

FINDING THE RIGHT CYLINDER

Simply find a cylinder that meets the requirements of the vessel. Once the cylinder has been selected, the size of the helm pump is predetermined.

 

The options left to specify:

1. Number of steering stations

2. Helm configuration (standard vs. tilt)

3. Additional features such as autopilot

 

WHICH TYPE OF BOAT DO YOU HAVE?

Dometic offers a range of hydraulic steering cylinder options for outboard, inboard, or sterndrive vessels

UNDERSTANDING WHEEL EFFORT

One consideration in selecting a steering system is understanding the relationship between steering effort and the number of turns lock to lock. Fewer turns equals greater effort. The number of wheel turns is determined by:

  • The volume of the cylinder
  • The displacement of the helm pump
  • The allowable movement of the rudder or drive unit

Additional factors to consider:

  • Vessel speed
  • Rudder size
  • Unusual propeller selections
  • Hull type (displacement, planing, etc.)
  • Steering wheel size
  • Jackplate
  • Pontoon

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WOULD YOU LIKE MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION?

Download our Steering Selection Guide for detailed component information and diagrams

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